Blog Average KMs Per Year By Canadian Drivers

Sep 22, 2020

How Many KMs Do Canadians Put On Their Vehicles Each Year?

Odeomeder with numbers

How much do you drive each year? The average car mileage in Canada can vary greatly based on where you live, your job, and many other factors. How much you drive can also affect your insurance, car maintenance costs, and how much you pay for fuel. Find out how you compare to other drivers. Here we provide you with information about the average vehicle mileage driven.

What Is The Average Vehicle Mileage (KMs) Driven In Canada?

According to the NRCan Vehicle Survey, typical mileage per year is around 15,200 kilometres.

Approximately 11.5 million Canadians drive to work. Where you live and your lifestyle has an impact on the number of kilometres you drive in a year. Here is the typical annual mileage across all provinces:

  • Ontario : 16,000 km
  • Alberta : 15,200 km
  • British Colombia : 13,100 km
  • Saskatchewan : 15,800 km
  • Quebec : 14,300 km
  • PEI : 15,300 km
  • Nova Scotia : 16,600 km
  • Manitoba : 14,800 km
  • Newfoundland and Labrador : 18,100 km

As you can see, most drivers, regardless of province, drive a similar amount per year. Drivers in Newfoundland drive the most and drivers in BC drive the least.

How Does High Mileage Affect A Vehicle?

Cars last approximately 11 years on the road – this is the highest it’s ever been. A car’s life is not always determined by the number of kilometres driven. A car with 60,000 km on the odometer can be in worse shape than one with 120,000 km.

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.

How Does Mileage Impact Insurance?

The distance you drive daily can impact the amount you pay for insurance. The more time you spend on the road, the higher your chances of being involved in an accident or filing a claim.

For example, one person drives an hour to the city every day, versus someone who drives 10 minutes to the train station. The driver with the longer commute times puts them at a higher risk.

If you have low mileage, you can be rewarded with lower insurance because you reduce the chance of exposing yourself to risks on the road. You can qualify for a insurance discount as a low mileage driver. Low mileage drivers can have savings between 3% to 10%.

How Do I Estimate My Annual Mileage?

When you get car insurance quote, one of the first questions you will be asked is “what is your annual mileage?

Some people only drive on the weekends versus others who commute daily for work. There can be a huge difference in how much you drive annually. Here is how you can figure out your annual mileage.

  • Figure out your commute and weekend kilometres. Google your commute one way, double that, and then multiply the number of days.
  • For example - 60km one way to work = 120km per day x 5 days per week = 600km per week.
  • You also have to consider weekend driving. This might vary weekly if you drive to a cottage or take a road trip.
  • To find your annual mileage, multiply weekly mileage by 52 (number of weeks in a year).
  • For example, 500km per week x 52 weeks = 26,000 km per year

How Can You Make Your Car Last Longer?

Interior car light up dash

A typical vehicle is on the road for 11 years (up from 8 years in 1995). However, many drivers don’t realize the long-term financial benefits of keeping a car for 200,000 kilometres. Although there are repairs along the way, you can save around $30,000. This is the cost of a new car. The key to savings is limiting the impact of depreciation on your car.

Here are six tips on making your car last longer, even with high mileage.

  • Stick to the maintenance schedule: Proper ongoing care will help your vehicle last longer. When to service your car can be found in the car’s owner’s manual.
  • Don’t be thrifty with parts : Being thrifty on parts and fluids might save you a couple of bucks now, but it could cost you in the future. For example, using a low quality type of transmission fluid could cause damage leading to repairs or void your warranty. Or a no-name belt might not wear as well as one from a trusted brand.
  • 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. If you buy a used car, look for signs of neglect such as dents, rust and questionable repair records.
  • Know what to replace and when : In addition to following the repair schedule, keep an eye and ear out for any odd noises. Minor repairs now can save you expensive repairs in the future. If you have any doubts about a sound from your engine, suspension, or brakes, book an appointment to get it checked.
  • 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.
  • Use the proper octane rated fuel : Majority of vehicles will run on 86 to 93, depending on where you live. High-performance vehicles should fuel up with 91 to 93 octane. Check your owner’s manual to find what is right for your car; if it says premium fuel is recommended, use it.

How Many Kilometres Does The Average Car Last?

With proper care, cars can last between 200,000 and 300,000 km. The make and model of your vehicle can also be a factor. Here are the top vehicles are known to last over 200,000 km.

  • 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

What Mileage Is Good For A Used Car?

Vehicles between 80,000 km and 100,000 are a good benchmark for buying used cars.

Estimate your yearly mileage. Figure out how many years you think you can get out of the vehicle based on its condition and mileage. Also consider your monthly repair fees for the year to stay within your budget.


Car Mileage FAQs

Learn more about mileage and its effect on driving with these common questions.

With proper care, cars can last between 200,000 and 300,000 km.

In Ontario, the typical mileage per year is around 16,000 kilometres.

The amount of time you spend driving can affect your Ontario car insurance. In the case of driving a low amount of kilometres, you can save money on your insurance. Since you are reducing exposure to risks on the road, you have options as a low mileage driver.

If the car is a newer model with higher mileage, it may be worth it. Modern cars typically have up-to-date technology and fewer safety issues. It’s a good sign if a high mileage car is still running smoothly despite how much it’s been on the road. If a car suits your lifestyle and you are committed to regular maintenance, buying a used car with higher mileage can be worth it.

Cars that have between 150,000 and 200,000 (and more) kilometres are considered high mileage vehicles.