Cold patch and crack filler is all you need.

Yes, you can do it yourself with basic supplies from the hardware store. Don’t overthink it.

First, clear out the loose debris. A wire brush or a screwdriver works fine for cracks. For potholes, dig out any loose chunks and blow out the dust with a leaf blower or compressed air. Wet the area slightly so the filler sticks.

For cracks under half an inch, use a tube of asphalt crack filler. Squeeze it in, smooth it with a putty knife, and let it dry. For potholes, get a bag of cold patch. Pour it in, tamp it down hard with the back of a shovel or a hand tamper, and add a little more until it’s slightly overfilled. Drive over it a few times to level it out.

That’s it. No need for hot asphalt, special tools, or a professional. A $30 investment and an afternoon will save you a lot of driveway grief.