How Many Miles a Year Should You Drive?
Annual mileage affects car maintenance schedules, insurance premiums, depreciation rates, and resale value. The US average is around 13,500β15,000 miles per year, but individual driving varies widely. A 15-mile one-way commute driven 5 days a week alone adds up to 7,800 commute miles annually β before any weekend or leisure driving.
Enter your typical commute, weekly errands, and long-distance trips to estimate your actual annual mileage. The guide then gives you category benchmarks and maintenance recommendations appropriate for your driving level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, more than 12,000β15,000 miles per year is considered above average. A 5-year-old car with over 75,000 miles has been driven more than typical. That said, service history matters more than mileage alone.
Every 10,000 miles above the average can reduce resale value by $1,000β$2,000 depending on the vehicle. Low-mileage cars command a premium on the used car market.