Are You Putting Too Many Miles on Your Vehicle?
Everyone wants to take good care of their car. But what if you were accidentally doing harm and didn’t even know it?
When you buy a used vehicle, the first thing you check out (even before getting car insurance) is the mileage. If there are too many miles on the car, most people assume it is in poor condition. That brings us to the big question: Are you putting too many miles on your own vehicle?
With this guide, you can learn more about the average miles driven per year and whether you secretly have high mileage on your car. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know!
What Is Car Mileage and Why Does It Matter?
You don’t have to be very technically savvy to understand mileage on a car. This simply refers to the overall amount of miles driven as recorded by your odometer.
By itself, that number is just a number. But you can tell how your odometer stacks up by understanding what the average number is.
Understanding the Average
How many miles does the average American drive a year? On average, drivers put 13,500 miles on their vehicles per year. By taking the age of your car and multiplying it by that number, you can discover whether your number is higher or lower than average.
Recognizing When Mileage Is Too Much
It’s one thing to know whether your vehicle’s mileage is higher or lower than the average automobile. It’s another to know answers to questions like “How many miles is too many for a used car?” and “At what mileage should I replace the vehicle?”
Below, you’ll find answers to these common questions. Those answers can bring you peace of mind about your vehicle and help you determine whether it’s time to trade it in for something newer.
Mileage Thresholds for Used Cars
If you are considering purchasing a used car, it’s best to get something that has had less than 12,000 miles driven per year (below average, in other words). If you are considering selling your vehicle, the overall condition is more important than the odometer reading when it comes to trying to sell it for a decent profit. That said, you don’t have to rule out buying a vehicle with higher-than-average miles driven if you have proof that it has been well-maintained and is in great working condition.
Assessing Vehicle Life-Span: Miles vs. Maintenance
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a used vehicle, its maintenance record is always more important than its total mileage. Be sure to keep your vehicle in working order and regularly have it inspected by professionals, fixing any mechanical problems ASAP. When buying a used vehicle, be sure to look at its maintenance history to determine its overall condition.
Mileage Myths and Realities
Understandably, there are plenty of myths related to the odometer reading on older vehicles. Want to separate myth from reality? Below, you’ll find the truth behind some of the more persistent myths.
Debunking Common Mileage Misconceptions
The biggest odometer reading myth is one touched on earlier. In short, many people think simply looking at a vehicle’s odometer will tell them about its condition. In reality, the number will simply be higher or lower than average. Whether buying or selling, it’s important to understand the real indicators of wear and tear on an automobile.
Understanding the True Indicators of Wear and Tear
Some indicators of wear and tear are mostly external. When buying a used vehicle, you should always look for things like thin tire tread, hidden areas of rust, and exterior discoloration. Under the hood, look for signs of fluid leakages and battery corrosion. If certain parts look newer than surrounding parts, there may have been a major repair after a front-end collision.
In addition to visual inspection, make sure you ask the dealer for a complete maintenance record that will tell you more about the vehicle’s overall condition. These are just a few easy ways to find a car for your California commute.
Effective Mileage Management Techniques
To keep your miles low, consider walking or biking to nearby destinations instead of driving. Carpool and use public transit when you can, and use ride-sharing programs as needed. Finally, consider getting a work-from-home job if possible, and try to make efficient trips where you complete everything you need to do (including getting gas, making deposits, and grabbing groceries) in one trip. No matter how much you drive, make sure you know how to save at the pump.
The Role of Technology in Vehicle Longevity
Here’s some good news: Once upon a time, a car was considered positively ancient if it had over 100,000 miles on it. These days, vehicles often last for 200,000 or even 300,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
That means the answer to questions like “Can you put too many miles on your car?” is: “No, as long as you maintain a solid maintenance schedule.” Make sure you take care of small problems before they become major issues. Treat that old car right, and it will take you on plenty more scenic California road trips before its time is over.
Making Smart Choices With High-Mileage Vehicles
Do you have a car with high mileage, or are you thinking about buying one? If so, you should carefully follow the maintenance schedule suggested by the manufacturer. Don’t neglect to replace filters, car batteries, and tires as needed. Use high-quality filters and fluids, and you should be able to keep the vehicle in great condition. And, of course, make sure you have great car insurance for road trips you’re planning to take!
Why Acceptance Is Your Ally on the Road
Now you know whether you’re putting too many miles on your vehicle. But do you know who your ally is for staying safe on the road?
Here at Acceptance, we specialize in the kind of coverage that helps keep vehicles safer regardless of how many miles they have. When you’re ready to drive into great prices and service, just give us a call at 877-405-7102 or get a fast and free car insurance quote online. You can also find an Acceptance office near you.
