Walk the entire surface to identify cracks, potholes, and any other damage. Take note of areas that need repair.

Determine the extent and severity of the damage. Decide if you need simple crack filling, pothole repair, or if larger areas need resurfacing.

Materials: Asphalt crack filler, asphalt patching compound, cold or hot asphalt mix, sealant (optional), and gravel (for potholes).
Tools: Broom, shovel, trowel, tamper, hammer, chisel, bucket, pressure washer, and protective gear (gloves and safety goggles).

Sweep the entire surface to remove loose debris and dirt.
For oil stains, use a degreaser or specialized cleaner to ensure proper adhesion of repair materials.
Pressure wash the area to remove any remaining dirt and debris. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Use a hammer and chisel to widen small cracks and remove any loose material. Clean out the cracks thoroughly.

Apply asphalt crack filler using a caulking gun or pourable container. Ensure the filler is slightly above the surrounding surface to allow for compaction.
Use a trowel to smooth out the filler, ensuring it's level with the surrounding asphalt.

Let the crack filler cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with further repairs or use.

Remove any loose debris and dirt from the pothole using a shovel. Ensure the edges are clean and well-defined.

If the pothole is deep, add a layer of gravel and compact it using a tamper. This provides a solid base for the asphalt patch.

For cold asphalt patching: Pour the cold asphalt mix into the pothole, slightly overfilling it. Use a tamper to compact the material until it's level with the surrounding surface.
For hot asphalt patching: Heat the area with a torch, pour the hot asphalt mix, and compact it with a tamper or roller.

Use a trowel to smooth the surface, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the existing asphalt.

Let the patch cure as per the manufacturer's instructions before allowing traffic over it.

If large areas of the asphalt are damaged or uneven, consider resurfacing. This involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface.

Clean the entire driveway thoroughly. Repair any cracks or potholes before resurfacing.

Apply a tack coat (asphalt emulsion) over the existing surface to ensure proper adhesion of the new asphalt layer.

Spread a layer of new asphalt using a paving machine or by hand for smaller areas. Compact the new asphalt with a roller to ensure a smooth, even surface.

Allow the new asphalt layer to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before using the driveway.

Use an edging tool to clean up the edges, creating a clean boundary between the driveway and surrounding areas.

Apply a sealant to the entire driveway to protect the repaired areas and enhance the overall appearance. Follow the same steps as detailed in a sealcoating guide.

Sweep the driveway regularly to remove debris and dirt. Hose down the surface to keep it clean.

Address any new cracks or potholes immediately to prevent them from worsening.

Plan to seal the driveway every 2 to 3 years to maintain its protective layer and appearance.