Got customers vehicles? Then you should care about your parking lot.
Think about every obsessed auto shop owner. They spend all their time thinking about the things happening inside of the bay. The lifts. The techs. The repairs.
But they neglect one huge area…
The parking lot.
If your parking lot is cracked and falling apart, you’re doing more than just annoying customers. You’re damaging vehicles before they even enter your shop.
Yup. Letting your parking lot go will cost you money and ruin your reputation.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
By following a proper asphalt sealcoating process and maintenance schedule, any shop owner can build a beautiful parking lot that protects customer vehicles and shines like a well-oiled machine.
Ready to get started? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything we’ll cover:
- Why you should care about your parking lot
- Parking lot damage causes thousands of dollars in vehicle damage
- Why asphalt sealcoating is the best place to start
- 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Shop’s Parking Lot
Why You Should Care About Your Parking Lot
Here’s a little secret…
The parking lot is the first thing customers interact with when they visit your shop.
They pull up. They park. They walk across the lot to your front desk. And during that time their opinion of your shop is being formed.
If your parking lot is cracked and covered in puddles what message do you think that sends to customers?
It says you don’t care about the little things. If you can’t maintain your own property why would someone trust you with their car?
It’s harsh but it’s true.
But low maintenance goes beyond just reputation. According to the National Safety Council, parking lots are the site of tens of thousands of crashes every year. Those crashes lead to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
Potholes, cracked pavement and faded lines make parking lots dangerous for everyone.
And for auto shops, that’s a double edged sword.
- Customers expect their vehicle to be safe on your property
- Your parking lot can cause damage that mechanics will have to repair
That’s bad business.
Parking Lot Damage Causes Thousands of Dollars in Vehicle Damage
Ok, so a neglected parking lot causes accidents. Bad.
But did you know that parking lot conditions can actually damage customer vehicles?
Here’s the deal…
Cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces are enemies of vehicle suspension systems. Rolling over damaged pavement works your shocks, wheels, and tires like nobody’s business.
AAA reported that drivers spent $26.5 BILLION on pothole damage repairs in a single year. The average repair cost was $596.
Customers aren’t going to care that you didn’t purposely steal money from their wallets. They’ll see damaged pavement as irresponsible and reflective of how you operate as a business.
Cracked pavement also collects rainwater and causes larger potholes to develop over time. Once you start ignoring your parking lot it’ll only get worse faster.
A poorly maintained parking lot damages customer vehicles.
Why Asphalt Sealcoating Is the Best Place to Start
Alright, so how do you keep your parking lot in good shape? Sealcoating.
Wait, what’s sealcoating?
Sealcoating is the process of adding a protective layer to top of asphalt pavement. It acts as a barrier against UV rays, water damage, oil spills, and other harmful chemicals. Since oil and fuel spills are pretty much guaranteed in your parking lot… Asphalt sealcoating is a must.
A few reasons why shop owners should be extra concerned with sealcoating their lot.
- Stops water damage – Over time water seeps into asphalt and causes major structural damage. Sealcoating prevents water from penetrating the surface and creating potholes.
- Resists chemical damage – Oil and gasoline break down asphalt super quickly. A good sealcoat creates a barrier that prevents your lot from dying a slow death.
- Saves you money – Asphalt pavement should be sealcoated every 2-3 years. Doing so regularly can keep your lot in good shape for 20-30 years. Proper maintenance is cheaper than replacing the entire lot.
There’s a lot that goes into proper sealcoating. That’s why it’s always worth working with expert paving solutions to get the job done right. A bad sealcoating job can do more harm than good.
Regular asphalt sealcoating is one of the best investments you can make. It’s cheap and extends the life of your parking lot.
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Shop’s Parking Lot
Guess what else matters? Everything else.
Once your sealcoat is applied correctly you’re not off the hook. Maintenance is how you get the most out of your investment. Use these five tips to keep your parking lot in tip-top shape.
Fill Cracks Immediately
Tiny cracks in your pavement won’t seem like a big deal at first. But don’t be fooled.
Once water gets into those cracks, freezes, and expands you’ll be talking about nothing more than a new pothole. Repairing cracks early is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to maintain your lot. Don’t wait for cracks to get bigger.
Clean Your Parking Lot
Oil spills, debris, trash, you name it. If it collects in your parking lot it’ll destroy the asphalt over time. Lots should be swept and cleaned regularly to prevent this type of buildup.
Repaint Your Lines
Over time parking lot markings fade. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it also makes it difficult for customers to navigate your parking lot. Nothing is worse than pulling into a parking space that you can’t see over your hood.
Plus, repainting your lines and lot numbers forces you to scrutinize your lot for other issues.
Fix Your Drainage
Asphalt likes to stay dry. If there are areas of your parking lot that tend to hold water after a rain storm you’ll have issues later down the road. Correct drainage should be a top priority when maintaining your parking lot.
Schedule Annual Inspections
Just like every vehicle that comes into your shop. Your parking lot needs tune ups too.
Have a professional inspector come out once a year to ensure everything looks good. Catching issues early can save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
Parking lots aren’t something you should neglect if you care about your customers vehicles.
Did you know that proper parking lot maintenance protects vehicles?
That’s right. Asphalt sealcoating and regular parking lot maintenance does more than improve appearances. It prevents damage to customer vehicles.
Here’s your quick recap.
- Invest in asphalt sealcoating every two to three years
- Fix cracks before they develop into potholes
- Clean excess oil, grease, and debris from your lot
- Keep your parking lot markings fresh and visible
- Ensure water properly drains from the lot
- Schedule annual parking lot inspections
Shops who take pride in their parking lot are the ones who customers remember. Don’t be that shop that ignores their pavement and watches valuable customers drive away.
