Abstract: A protector for protecting pavement or flooring while cleaning a vehicle tire may generally include an elongated body having a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral edge disposed between the top side and the bottom side. A notch extends from the top side to the bottom side and inwardly from the peripheral edge. The notch is sized and configured so that the protector is positionable with the bottom side disposed on the pavement or flooring and with the notch extending around a portion of the tire treads in contact with the pavement or flooring.