It’s that time of year again. Our dirt and gravel driveways are clearing of snow and ice, but are left with pits and holes that can do some serious damage to your vehicle. Instead of stressing out every day as you pull into the driveway, patch up those potholes and keep your suspension and alignment in good shape. Read on for 3 steps to filling gravel driveway potholes!

Fixing Deep Pits in Gravel Driveway

Step 1: Clear the Hole

You’ll need a tamper, some coarse gravel, gravel that matches the driveway surface, and a shovel.

Before you start to patch things up, you’ll want to make sure you get all the loose soil and any rocks or debris out of the hole. If you have to, dig down and out a bit till you have firm walls all around the pit. This will make the patch more effective.

Step 2: Fill the Hole

Fill the hole to a depth of around 3 inches below the driveway with coarse gravel. Then you’ll want to pack the hole with a homemade tamper. Fill the last 3 inches of the hole with gravel that matches the rest of the driveway surface.

If your driveway is made from dirt, you should fill the hole with dirt a couple inches above the surface of the driveway, watered, and then packed down as firmly as possible.

Step 3: Pat Everything Down

Finally, you’ll just want to make sure to really pack the patch. The easiest way to accomplish this is simply to drive your vehicle over it several times.

The best way to keep potholes from showing up is to make note of drainage issues on your dirt or gravel driveway. It’s easiest to accomplish this by having the center of the driveway as the highest point, with a slope slightly downwards on each side.

Schedule Wheel Alignment and Rotation Racine WI

If the potholes have been causing you some issues, it’s a great time to get your wheels aligned and your tires rotated. Check out the service center coupons page for potential savings and then schedule your service center appointment online!