Is It Normal to Drive 20,000 Kilometers a Year?
2 Answers
Driving 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers a year is considered normal for a car. During vehicle usage, it is necessary to replace tires, timing belts, brake pads, spark plugs, and various other wear-and-tear components in a timely manner. Follow the maintenance schedule provided in the owner's manual to replace corresponding parts periodically. In daily driving, attention should be paid to vehicle maintenance, with general servicing recommended every 5,000 kilometers. Introduction to minor maintenance: This includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. Minor maintenance typically refers to routine service tasks performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance. The interval depends on the effective duration or mileage of the engine oil and oil filter used. Different brands and grades of mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil have varying service life spans. Introduction to major maintenance: This involves replacing engine oil, oil filters, air filters, and other routine maintenance items. Major maintenance is performed at intervals specified by the manufacturer. Interval: Usually alternated with minor maintenance, the specific interval varies depending on the car brand.
As someone who has driven for over a decade, I think driving 20,000 kilometers a year is quite normal under certain circumstances, especially if you live in the suburbs but work in the city center—commuting back and forth can easily add up to that distance. From what I understand, most family cars average between 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers annually. However, for business professionals who frequently travel or families who love road trips, 20,000 kilometers isn’t unreasonable. I had a colleague who used to commute between cities daily for work and easily exceeded that number. Still, it’s important to note that high mileage accelerates vehicle wear and tear, such as tires and brake pads needing replacement sooner, and maintenance costs will be higher. If your mileage suddenly spikes, check if your route planning is inefficient—it could save you money and be more eco-friendly. In short, don’t worry too much; just keep up with regular maintenance for safety.
