Most of us have a fairly good idea about how much mileage we would put on our vehicles each year. However, with the pandemic restrictions, work-from-home adjustments and homeschooling, it has likely changed significantly. The average car mileage in Canada can vary greatly based on where you live, your job, and many other factors. Not to mention, how often you service your vehicle, whether you carpool part-time or use public transit. Let’s find out how you compare to other drivers:
Average mileage per year in Canada
According to Natural Resources Canada, Office of Energy Resources, the average car mileage per year in Canada is about 15,200 kilometres. Distance traveled is highest in Newfoundland and Labrador, with an average of 18,100 kilometres per year. The lowest is in British Columbia with only 13,100 kilometres traveled. Ontarians average somewhere in the middle of the pack at 16,000 kilometres each year. Insurance companies calculate their rates according to the risk of a driver having an accident. As such, your average car mileage per year can play a substantial role in determining how much you pay for your insurance.
How does mileage affect your vehicle?
Cars can last approximately 11 years on the road – this is the best it has ever been. But it’s not only the odometer reading that indicates the condition of your car. Cars driven for decades with low yearly mileage can outlast a brand new car driven long distances consistently. Modern technology has helped cars achieve a longer lifespan. When cars have proper care, they can go longer without needing major repairs or replacement parts. A diligent repair schedule will keep your vehicle on the road for thousands of kilometres and many more years.
What does the distance of my commute have to do with my insurance?
The distance you travel on a daily basis, whether to work, school, or the bus station, can have a direct impact on the amount you pay for insurance. This is because the more often your vehicle is on the road, the greater your chances are of having an incident occur. For example, someone that travels for an hour and a half to get to work will have a different exposure to risk than another person that drives five minutes down the block to park their car at the train station. The amount of time that you spend on the road has a massive influence on your insurance premium. Drivers that spend more time on the road are seen as a greater risk than drivers that go for the occasional ride.
How many km can a car last before you need to replace it?
While technology has made today’s car more energy efficient, safer and overall more fun to drive, a variety of factors affect or influence the lifespan of your vehicle. Some of these factors are:
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Driving habits and overall usage
- If the car has sat for an extended period
- Fuel quality
- Severe weather conditions (drivers that live in snowy areas are more prone to collisions during the winter, thus, influencing the lifespan of the vehicle)
As the average Canadian vehicle lasts about 11 years, a car can easily surpass 300,000 km if it’s properly maintained.
How to make your car go the extra mile
According to Gold Eagle, there are a number of ways you can make your car last longer. These include:
- Having advanced safety systems: Adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, as well as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane assist, can help you avoid collisions.
- Paying attention to the vehicle management system: These car health monitors offer tips for improving fuel economy and also remind you of maintenance requirements.
- Keep your regular maintenance schedule: Proper ongoing care will help your vehicle last longer.
- Addressing problems: Don’t ignore your dashboard, keep your vehicle topped up with fuel, and perform regular oil changes when your indicator light comes on.
- Keeping your engine clean: Check your owner’s manual to find the proper octane fuel for your car; if it says premium fuel is recommended, use it.
- Have a good mechanic: Good mechanics are worth their weight in gold. Cars today are complex and involve computers and electronic components that experienced experts should address. Look for those who are certified to work on your car and who will be straightforward with you in all things.
- Buy a safe, dependable car: Buy a car that has a dependable track record. Don’t compromise on important features and look for one that will fit your lifestyle.
- Keep your car clean inside and out: Washing and waxing your car will help preserve the paint and prevent rust. Vacuuming dirt out of carpets and seats can minimize interior wear and tear.
- Good driving habits: Telematics technology can help you save money on your auto insurance premiums while also giving you helpful, personalized feedback on how to make you an even safer driver.
Vehicles with the best longevity
For the majority of automakers, the performance and longevity of the vehicles have always been a priority. There are some that have been more successful at this than others. Brands that can still perform efficiently despite high mileage are some of the most sought after vehicles.
The following ten vehicles are some of the longest lasting vehicles on the road:
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Sequoia
- Ford Expedition
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Yukon
- Toyota 4Runner
- Honda Ridgeline
- Toyota Tundra
- Lincoln Navigator
- Toyota Tacoma
Having your own vehicle makes even the smallest tasks easier. Consumers are looking at investing in vehicles that they will have for a long time. Be sure to keep track of your vehicle mileage so that you can monitor your usage, year over year. As our lives change, so does our dependency on our vehicles. If you notice that you are driving more or less than previous years, contact one of our isure representatives today to discuss how best to save on your car insurance premiums.
