While you may be able to avoid a pothole in the street, having one on your driveway is an inconvenience, as well as a potential threat to your car. The sooner you have it removed by an asphalt paving specialist, the easier it will be to avoid costly auto repairs. Here’s what you need to know about potholes in your driveway.

What Causes Potholes? 

Potholes usually develop during winter. Water from melted snow and ice seeps into the asphalt, and when the temperature drops, that liquid freezes. As the water expands, it pushes the asphalt up until it gets warmer. Then, when a car drives over it, the asphalt crumbles into the vacant space left by the melted ice, creating a pothole. 

The Risk to Your Car

Hitting a pothole can cause several different auto woes, ranging from inconvenient to severe. The most common damage is a flat tire or a damaged tire sidewall. If the pothole is deep enough and the contact is powerful enough, your suspension can be bent, affecting your ability to control the car later. 

What Can You Do About Them?

For worry-free pothole repair, enlist a professional asphalt paving specialist. While it may be technically possible for a resident to try to patch a pothole on their own, it’s easy to make mistakes that can make the driveway even more of a mess.

The technician will start by cleaning out the pothole to remove any debris in the way. The next step is usually to heat the pothole so the asphalt is more malleable and can absorb new material. The technician will then pour on new asphalt to fill in the gap. The last step is to wait for the mixture to cool.

If you notice a pothole in your driveway, get in touch with a trusted asphalt paving company like Guarco Construction in the greater Hartford, CT area. This family-owned residential paving company is fully licensed and insured and has been serving the region since 1974. You can expect the owner, Carl, to be on job sites as a friendly point-person and an experienced driveway resurfacing specialist. For a free consultation and estimate, dial 860-278­-5558. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.