Do's & Don'ts: Protect Your New Driveway During Extreme Heat

When temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s, freshly paved or newly sealcoated asphalt becomes softer than normal. A little extra care during the first few days can help keep your driveway looking great for years.

✅ DO

✔ Stay Off the Driveway as Recommended

Follow the curing time provided by your contractor before driving or parking on the surface. Giving the asphalt or sealcoat time to cure properly is the best way to protect your investment.

✔ Walk Carefully

It's generally fine to walk on the surface once it's ready, but avoid dragging heavy objects, ladders, or sharp equipment across it during the curing period.

✔ Park in Different Spots

Once your driveway is ready for vehicle traffic, rotate where you park for the first few weeks. This helps prevent repeated pressure in the same location while the asphalt continues to harden.

✔ Keep It Clean

Sweep away dirt, leaves, and debris regularly. A clean driveway not only looks better but also helps prevent stains and moisture buildup.

✔ Be Patient

Fresh asphalt continues to cure and harden for months. Even though you can use it, it will become stronger over time. It can normally take 12 months to reach its maximum structural hardness.  

✔ Cool It Down During Extreme Heat

If temperatures are exceptionally hot, lightly spray your new asphalt driveway with a garden hose once or twice a day to help keep the surface cooler during the early curing period. Use a gentle spray—there's no need to soak the driveway—and avoid using high-pressure washers on freshly paved or newly sealcoated surfaces.

❌ DON'T

✖ Don't Turn Your Steering Wheel While Stopped

This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.

Turning your steering wheel while the vehicle is sitting still creates tremendous pressure on the pavement and can scuff or twist the surface—especially during hot weather.

Always let your vehicle roll slowly while turning the wheel.

✖ Don't Park Heavy Vehicles Right Away

Avoid parking RVs, trailers, dumpsters, or heavy commercial vehicles on fresh asphalt until it has fully cured.

✖ Don't Leave Motorcycle Kickstands Directly on the Surface

Kickstands concentrate a lot of weight into a very small area and can leave indentations in warm asphalt.

Use a kickstand pad or small piece of wood underneath.

✖ Don't Place Sharp Objects on the Driveway

Ladder feet, jack stands, dumpsters, grills with narrow legs, and other heavy objects can leave impressions during extreme heat.

✖ Don't Spill Gas or Oil

Fuel, oil, and other automotive fluids can soften asphalt and stain sealcoating. Clean spills as soon as possible.

✖ Don't Assume Sealcoating Is Dry Just Because It Looks Dry

Sealcoating can appear dry before it's fully cured. Always follow the recommended wait time before driving on it.

🔥 Pro Tip

If temperatures are over 90°F, asphalt may become slightly softer than usual—even months after installation.

This is completely normal.

Simply avoid sharp turns while parked and extremely heavy point loads during the hottest part of the day.

Protect Your Investment

A professionally paved driveway can last for many years with proper care and routine maintenance. Following these simple tips during hot weather will help keep your driveway looking its best.

Have questions about your new driveway or parking lot?

Fossett's Asphalt is always happy to help. Contact us anytime for expert advice or a FREE estimate.