How to Get Tire Marks Off Concrete

Tire marks on a concrete driveway or garage floor can be really unsightly. But, this issue is quite common, especially on bare concrete surfaces. However, with proper cleaning and maintenance, and even better, prevention, you can easily prevent the accumulation of these marks which can make them difficult to remove.

In this article, we will present the best methods on how to get tire marks off concrete surfaces, and address some prevention techniques. But first, let us briefly explain how and why tires can leave stains or marks on concrete.

Tire marks on concrete surfaces: What are they?

Tire marks on concrete are basically the deposition of certain compounds and dyes from the tire onto the surface, due to heat and/or friction. For instance, a plasticizer is one of the important polymer compounds in rubber tires, which makes them softer, more flexible, and improves their traction. However, when tires become hot, the plasticizer softens and migrates to leave a mark or stain on the surface.

How to get tire marks off concrete: The ideal cleaning methods

The removal of tire marks from concrete can be tricky, especially when they are old with a lot of buildup. Generally, fresh tire marks only require pressure washing for a complete removal. However, older and tougher marks require the use of some chemicals or degreasers to loosen up the stain. Accordingly, we present the following methods which can be highly effective even on stubborn tire marks.

Method #1: How to get tire marks off concrete using brake cleaner

A brake cleaner can be really helpful for the removal of most tire marks from concrete surfaces. However, it is important to test this product on a small hidden area first, to make sure it does not damage or discolor the surface, especially with decorative concrete.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Brake cleaner.
• Bristle brush.
• Hot water.
• Clean water.
• Pressure washer – optional.

Notes

• Brake cleaner.
  Appearance: Varies.
  Availability: It is available at automotive centers.
  Hazards: This product can be toxic, irritant, and corrosive to flesh, depending on its composition.
  Note: Non-chlorinated brake cleaners are usually less hazardous.

Steps

1. Put on your safety gear.
2. Saturate the spot with a brake cleaner.
3. Let it stand for a few minutes.
4. Gently scrub using a bristle brush and hot water.
5. Hose off or power wash the surface.
6. Repeat as needed.

Explanation

First put on your safety gear. Then, spray the brake cleaner on the tire marks to saturate the surface. Here, you should spray an area slightly larger than the margins of the marks or stains, and leave it for a few minutes. Next, dip the bristle brush in hot water, and gently scrub to remove the tire marks. And finally, hose off or power wash the surface if the equipment is available. However, it is important not to apply excessive pressure, or completely close the nozzle, as this can damage the surface. Besides, you can repeat this process if it is effective and slight marks persist.

Method #2: How to get tire marks off concrete using an isopropyl alcohol bandage

This method can be highly effective for relatively new and small tire marks.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Isopropyl alcohol.
• Water.
• Clean piece of cloth.
• Plastic sheet.
• Bristle brush.
• Pressure washer – optional.

Notes

• Isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol.
  Appearance: Colorless thick liquid.
  Availability: It is available at supermarkets and pharmaceutical supply centers.
  Hazards: This compound is flammable.

Steps

1. Wear your protective gear.
2. Mix 1 part of isopropyl alcohol with 1 part of water.
3. Dip a clean piece of cloth in the solution.
4. Apply the saturated bandage to the tire marks, cover it with a plastic sheet.
5. After about 30 minutes, remove the plastic cover and the bandage.
6. Spray isopropyl alcohol on the tire mark and scrub gently using a bristle brush.
7. Rinse and flush the surface, or pressure wash it.
8. Repeat as needed.

Explanation

The effective chemical compound in this method is isopropyl alcohol, which can be really helpful in removing tire marks from concrete floors. Mainly, you should first put on your protective gear, and make sure to work in a well ventilated area. Then, apply a bandage saturated with a 50% solution of isopropyl alcohol, and cover it with a plastic sheet. In fact, this cover can help in reducing the evaporation rate of the solution, which boosts the effectiveness of this method. Next, after about half an hour, remove the bandage and scrub the surface gently with isopropyl alcohol using a bristle brush. Finally, rinse and flush the surface, or pressure wash it for an even better removal if the equipment is available.

Method #3: How to get tire marks off concrete using a concrete degreaser

Using a concrete degreaser is generally highly effective and less complex than other methods, especially for large areas and stubborn tire marks.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Concrete degreaser.
• Water.
• Bristle broom.
• Pressure washer – optional.

Steps

Different concrete cleaner and degreaser products may require different application methods, and is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, we will present a typical step by step method.

1. Put on your safety gear.
2. Apply a generous amount of degreaser to the surface.
3. Gently scrub using a bristle broom.
4. Let it stand for a certain period of time, depending on the product.
5. Re-scrub using a bristle broom.
6. Thoroughly hose off and flush the surface, or more preferable, pressure wash it.
7. Repeat as needed.

Explanation

The typical application procedure for a concrete cleaner and degreaser is to apply or spray the product onto the surface. Then, spread the degreaser and gently scrub using a bristle broom, and let it stand for some minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Afterwards, scrub the surface to loosen up the tire marks, and then rinse and flush thoroughly with clean water, or pressure wash the surface.

How to protect the surface and prevent tire marks on concrete surfaces?

Obviously, the most effective method to protect the surface from various stains is to seal it. However, it is important to select the proper type of sealer, preferably topical. Nevertheless, tire marks can still stain some topical sealers. For example, hot tires can easily leave marks on basic acrylic sealers – which are one of the most popular sealers for concrete driveways, especially when the tires are relatively new and are of a high quality. In fact, this often happens when the sealer has relatively low cross-linking. Consequently, it is best to select a higher quality acrylic sealer in this case, with a higher solids content.