Plowing
- Use a rubber or poly cutting edge, or set the blade slightly high with skid shoes.
- Watch the edges. Plows catch and break pavement edges; mark them with stakes before the first snow.
- Go easy on chip seal — a steel blade can scrape stones loose.
- Push snow to a planned spot where meltwater drains away, not across the drive.
Shoveling and blowers
Plastic shovels and snowblowers with adjustable skids are gentle on asphalt. Avoid chopping ice with steel tools.
De-icing
- Sand or fine gravel for traction is the gentlest choice.
- Common de-icers are generally fine on sound asphalt in normal amounts; sweep up leftovers in spring.
- Avoid fertilizer-type de-icers containing ammonium compounds, which are harder on pavement and nearby plants.
Melt, then freeze
The real damage comes when meltwater gets into cracks and refreezes. Crack seal in late summer or fall, and keep drainage clear so meltwater leaves the drive.
See our spring driveway checkup for what to look at after winter.
Questions we get
Will plowing damage my new asphalt?
Not with a rubber or poly edge or a slightly raised blade, and with the edges marked.
Is salt bad for asphalt?
Normal use on sound asphalt is generally fine. Sand is gentlest.
Why does my drive refreeze every night?
Meltwater is crossing or sitting on it. Better drainage helps.