If you have a vehicle, then one of the things you have to deal with constantly either in your driveway or garage is tire marks. These can be quite unsightly, especially when they repeatedly appear in different areas, and before long, that is all you can see on the concrete. If you are wondering whether tire marks will come off the concrete, no need to worry since it is easy to remove. You need a few products that are easy to find in your home, and this guide to help you get rid of the tire marks from concrete.
Removing tire marks from concrete
There is no specific way to prevent the stains from showing on concrete, so the best way is to eliminate them before they build up. Hosing alone won’t do it unless the marks are fresh, so it is essential to get rid of spots as soon as possible. There are various ways to clean, as shown below.
Water, a brush, and some elbow grease
This method to remove black tire marks from concrete is best when they are not very old. It doesn’t use any solvent if you suspect that the solvent may damage your driveway. To clean tire marks, you will require:
- Water in a bucket or hose.
- A stiff bristles brush
Start by clearing the concrete of any rubbish or dirt using the brush. Next, wet the area depending on your source of water. If you can, connect a hose since it guarantees you unlimited water. You can allow the water to set on the concrete since it will make the concrete easier to clean. Note that water doesn’t have any effect on the marks, so your hard work is needed.
Scrub the floor using the brush as you rinse away the removed pieces. If the marks on the concrete are old, this method may take more effort and time. Have patience and scrub as much as you can. Use a brush with a long handle to make it easier then rinse when finished.
Using dishwashing soap
If you try the water method and it doesn’t work, you may need some form of solvent. Dishwashing soap is a gentle option that you may want to try out before moving to much harsher products. For this, you will need:
- A bucket
- Water from a hose
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Bristle brush
Mix some of the dishwashing soap into the bucket of water and wet an area of the concrete. Allow this to sit for at least five minutes. Mix some of the soap in a fresh bucket of water and use this as you scrub the floor. Use the water when an area needs more wetness and wash until the marks start coming off. Unfortunately, this may also not work for very old stains, but it does a better job than the water.
Use the hose water to rinse away the soap as well as the particles of tire marks. It is best to either use some pressure on the hose when rinsing or use a clean brush so it can get all the soapiness out. Once it is all done, inspect and repeat if there are areas with tire marks.
Using WD-40 Degreaser
When you have stubborn stains, and the above methods fail to produce excellent results, then you need to get a degreaser for concrete. These products are made to specifically clean concrete and are likely to give better results when cleaning. In this method, you will need:
- WD-40 degreaser
- Water from a hose
- Bristles brush
Degreaser for tire marks work in various ways and are best for different types of concrete. The WD-40 is one of the best, and it is easy to use since it comes in a spray bottle. It doesn’t corrode the concrete, so it is safe for use even on colored concrete. However, if you have a colored concrete driveway, some products may lead to bleaching and corrosion, so doing a spot test is crucial.
Some degreasers allow you to apply on concrete then rinse off without scrubbing, but depending on the stain, brushing is usually the best option. Therefore, apply the solvent on the concrete and leave for the recommended time, usually 10 to 20 minutes. Use a stiff bristles brush to scrub off the marks, then rinse using water. You can also use a power washer, which is excellent for getting rid of stubborn stains. However, always check the condition of your concrete driveway to avoid damaging it when cleaning.
Check this too: 5 Best Tires for a Subaru Forester
If you are wondering whether skid marks go away on their own, the answer is no. However, there are many ways of cleaning them, depending on how nasty the stain is. In any case, ensure that the method you choose doesn’t affect the appearance of the floor. It is easy to trade one color for another. Avoid using bleach in any case since unless you want to clean the concrete thoroughly, it will leave the area with some unsightly marks.
