After seal coat application, your asphalt surface will look clean, smooth, and brand new. But occasionally and depending on the type of use your asphalt is subjected to, unsightly tire marks or curved black swirls (commonly called tracking, tearing, or power steering marks) can appear soon after application. If you’ve noticed these on your newly sealed surface, don’t worry. They’re common, temporary, and often misunderstood.
What Is Tracking?
Tracking occurs when someone or something (like a car or shoe) moves across the sealed surface before it’s fully cured and picks up small amounts of the coating, leaving behind streaks or marks. This is especially common on hot days when the sealant stays tacky longer or if the area is reopened to traffic too early. The missing bits of coating leave visible “tracks” from where they were removed. Depending on the severity of the tracks and quantity of seal removed, these tracks should blend back in over time.
What Are Tearing and Power Steering Marks?
These terms are used interchangeably as they are light scuffs or swirls caused by the rotation and pivoting of tires “tearing” the seal coat, especially from heavy vehicles like trucks and SUVs with “power steering” making sharp turns on a freshly seal-coated surface. When the seal coat is still curing (which can take several weeks depending on weather conditions, ambient temperature, shade cover, etc.), the top layer remains slightly soft and malleable. During this time, vehicles that turn their wheels without moving forward or backward (known as “dry turning”) can create a twisting effect on the surface, leaving marks. This is generally most visible in areas where tight turns are necessary, like entering/exiting parking spaces and covered garages, or in cul-de-sacs where vehicles tend to U-turn.
How to Prevent These Issues
- Allow Proper Drying Time: While seal coat may dry to the touch in a few hours, full drying can take up to 24-48 hours. We recommend keeping traffic off the area for as long as possible during this period. Once the seal coat is dry, it is useable; however, full curing can take several weeks up to 6 months depending on coverage and environmental conditions.
- Avoid Sharp Turns: In the first few days, when possible, avoid making sharp or dry turns.
- Keep Foot Traffic Light: Walk carefully and try not to drag feet or pivot sharply when walking on a freshly sealed surface.
Will the Marks Go Away?
Yes! These marks are typically cosmetic and fade over time as the surface is exposed to sunlight, weather, and general use. Heat will keep the surface malleable and vehicle traffic will help to flatten any raised marks. In most cases, they disappear within a few weeks, leaving behind a uniformly rich, black surface.
At AMS Paving, we use high-quality seal coat material and apply it with precision to provide the best possible application and smoothest finish. Unfortunately, marks and tracking are always a risk with new application but will almost always smooth back out over time. Know that we’re here to guide you through the care and expectations of your newly sealed asphalt and if you have concerns about marks after a seal coat, give us a call. We’re happy to inspect and advise.