Tire scuffs and skid marks on concrete garage floors and driveways are typically unsightly. These marks occur when you spin or when the wheels of a vehicle sit on a concrete surface for long in a hot weather. When heated, polymer compounds in the rubber are released to react or sticks on the concrete.
Unlike asphalt surfaces, tire marks will be more conspicuous on concrete, bricks and natural stone pavers. Removal of tire marks on concrete can be a very difficult task especially when you apply a traditional way of cleaning.
Although difficult to prevent, proper cleaning will prevent buildup that usually make tire marks harder to clean. When cleaning a concrete driveway to get rid of tire marks, use a concrete degrease that will soften the marks for faster removal.
How to Get Tire Marks Off Concrete
Before you get started, you will need:
- Power washer
- Degreaser or a dish soap
- Stiff straw scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
There are a lot of different degreaser options on the market and not all of them are created equal. One of my favorite products is GP66 Miracle Cleaner. It is a universal degreaser, good for interior and exterior use, and will remove tire and oil stains, and so much more!
Steps for Removal of Tire Marks
- Sweep the surface using a broom to remove any debris such as leaves, soil and other loose dirt. You will therefore be able to see clearly the marks you are dealing with.
- Splash plain water on the scuffs and allow 2 to 5 minutes to soften the stain. Scrub with a deck brush and rinse with water. If the marks are not serious, they will get off without much effort. If there is no change proceed to the next step.
- Mix dish soap with water and apply on the stain and let the solution sit for 5 minutes. Scrub using a bristle brush (deck brush) and rinse with water. If the soap has some degreasing qualities the tire marks should get off the concrete immediately.
- If the marks still persist, it’s time to use your concrete cleaner/ degreaser to get rid of tire marks on concrete. Apply your degreaser and let it sit for 15 minutes and scrub using a soft bristle brush. Follow with a garden horse to rinse away the stains.
- A pressure washer can be used alongside your concrete degreaser as the last resort for cleaning tire marks on concrete. If you don’t have a skill, hire a professional to avoid damaging your concrete.
Further Tips for Removing Tire Marks on Concrete
- Never use a wire brush: Some people might think that a wire brush will do the trick. Using a stiff metal bristle brush will wreak havoc on any stone, paver or concrete surface. It will leave noticeable scratches and scrapes on your driveway, patio or garage floor.
- Avoid bleach: Avoid using bleach since it is unfriendly to the environment. Besides harming the neighboring plants and soil microorganisms, bleach can also discolor your concrete.
- Chemical cleaner or degreaser should be tested on a small area before using on your entire surface. Some formulas may be too harsh on concrete.
- Do not take longer to remove a stain: You will use less effort and expenses to remove a newly happened tire marks from concrete.
How to Prevent Tire Marks on Driveways
It is usually tough to remove tire marks once they are formed. Getting rid of them takes a lot of effort and the removal process may also damage your concrete. There are several ways you can prevent this marks from forming on your hardscapes and concrete floors.
- Change sealer on your driveway and use a highly cross-linked polyurethane sealer, an epoxy sealer or a high-solids acrylic sealer. Acrylic sealer with low level of cross linking is more susceptible to stains and tire scuffs.
- Park your car somewhere so that tires can cool before driving it gently on your driveway or pavers.
- Go for tires with low levels of polymer compounds that hardly leave marks on a driveway.
- Clean your concrete regularly and remove the tire marks early enough before they overstay.
Conclusion
Clean and remove tire marks and other stains on your concrete before they overstay or pile up. The more they stay the more it becomes difficult to remove. Petroleum stains like motor oil and tire marks are easily removed when you use an effective degreaser.
