Sealcoating is the best way to preserve the life of your asphalt. New asphalt should be sealed after the first year of installation and sealed every 2-3 years after.
What is the difference between paving and sealing? How long does it take to pave a lot or driveway?
Depending on the width of the cracks, hot mix asphalt or hot rubberized crack sealant can be used to limit water intrusion, and subsequent degradation of the asphalt.