---
title: "Why tar is preferred in parking lots"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:tar-parking-lot"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/tar-parking-lot
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Why tar is preferred in parking lots

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 10: Asphalt, Bitumen, Tar and Miscellaneous Materials

- Asked in: 2076 Chaitra, 1 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/tar-parking-lot
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-10

## Question

Why is tar preferred in parking lot construction?

## Short answer

Tar is preferred because it resists petrol, oil and diesel spills that would soften bitumen, so the surface remains hard. It also provides a waterproof, low-cost surface with good aggregate adhesion, and its temperature sensitivity is less problematic in low-speed parking lots.

## Answer

Tar is preferred in parking lots (and similar low-speed areas) mainly because:

- It resists petrol, oil and diesel spills, which dissolve bitumen and asphalt, so the surface does not soften or break up.
- It gives a hard, waterproof surface at low cost and sets quickly.
- It adheres well to the aggregate, and low traffic speeds avoid its temperature problems.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Main reason for tar in parking lots?
   A. Resists petrol, oil and diesel that dissolve bitumen
   B. Looks better
   C. Heat-resistant
   D. Light
   Answer: A. Spills dissolve bitumen and asphalt but not tar. (Key point: Fuel resistance)

2. Why is tar's temperature sensitivity acceptable there?
   A. It is not sensitive
   B. Low traffic speeds avoid its temperature problems
   C. Parking lots are cold
   D. Tar is hard
   Answer: B. Low speeds avoid the problem. (Key point: Traffic speed)

3. Which other advantage is listed?
   A. High cost
   B. Hard waterproof surface at low cost that sets quickly
   C. Slow setting
   D. Poor adhesion
   Answer: B. Low cost, waterproof, quick setting and good adhesion. (Key point: Other advantages)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Why alloy steels are preferred](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Awhy-alloy-steels-preferred) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 8