Average KMs Per Year By Canadian Drivers

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 have 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.

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 are properly cared for, 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.

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%.

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 your weekly mileage by 52 (number of weeks in a year).
• For example, 500km per week x 52 weeks = 26,000 km per year

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 voiding your warranty. 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 : The majority of vehicles will run on 86 to 93, depending on where you live. High-performance vehicles should be fueled 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.

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

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.