Potholes are the absolute worst. One day your driveway or parking lot looks fine, and the next thing you know, there’s a crater big enough to swallow a tire. And if you live in New Jersey, where we go from freeze to thaw and back again, these little nuisances tend to show up fast—and grow even faster. So, when you’re faced with asphalt damage, it’s natural to ask, “How do I fix potholes without making things worse?” The truth? While DIY asphalt patching kits are easy to find, they’re not always the long-term solution they promise to be. Here’s what to know before you grab that bucket of cold patch and start filling holes.
Potholes Are a Symptom—Not Just a Surface Problem
First, let’s get one thing straight: a pothole is more than just a dip in your asphalt. It’s the end result of water infiltration, cracking, and a compromised base. When water seeps into the pavement, freezes, and expands, it weakens the structure underneath. Over time, the surface collapses under the weight of cars and trucks. So if you only fill the hole without dealing with what’s going on below, guess what? It’s coming back. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon—and probably bigger.
Signs your pothole problem might be deeper than it looks:
- Cracks surrounding the pothole
- Pooling water after rain
- Loose gravel or debris inside the hole
- Multiple nearby patches failing at once
Cold Patch Quick Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions
Look, we get it. A bag of cold patch from the hardware store feels like an easy win. And in some cases—like small potholes on low-traffic areas—it can work just fine for a short while. But if you’re dealing with anything larger or in a high-traffic area (like a commercial parking lot or your main driveway), it’s more of a band-aid than a fix.
What a long-term repair should involve:
- Cutting and clearing the damaged area
- Compacting and replacing the sub-base if needed
- Applying hot mix asphalt and compacting in layers
- Smoothing and sealing the surface for durability
Not exactly a Sunday DIY project, right? That’s why many property owners turn to professional pothole repair teams who can spot the deeper issues and fix them right the first time.
Don’t Let a Small Pothole Turn Into a Costly Repair
Ignoring potholes—or fixing them poorly—is like ignoring a toothache. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. And what could’ve been a quick repair job might turn into a full resurfacing project. If you’re a homeowner, that means driveway replacement. If you manage a commercial property, it could mean downtime, safety risks, or even liability headaches. Either way, it pays to get it done right the first time.
Ready to fix that pothole the right way? At Oscar’s Asphalt and Sealcoating, we specialize in asphalt maintenance that actually lasts. From pothole repair to full asphalt repairs, our crew uses industry-best practices to ensure your pavement holds strong. We also offer reliable parking lot maintenance and expert driveway sealcoating to prevent future damage. Reach out for a free estimate today—your asphalt will thank you.