The average American driver puts about 13,500 miles on their car each year. This figure, compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is a reliable baseline for understanding typical vehicle use. However, this number is highly influenced by individual circumstances like commute distance, geographic location, and lifestyle.
Your annual mileage is a critical factor in several automotive decisions. For car buyers, it helps determine whether a vehicle's warranty (often 36,000 miles/3 years) is sufficient. It's also the primary metric for calculating depreciation; a car with significantly lower-than-average miles will be worth more on the used market. For budgeting, knowing your mileage helps estimate annual fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs more accurately.
The following table breaks down average annual mileage by common driver profiles, illustrating how much the average can vary:
| Driver Profile | Estimated Annual Mileage | Key Influencing Factors |
|---|
| National Average (FHWA) | 13,500 miles | A composite of all driving types. |
| Long Commuter (50+ miles round trip) | 18,000 - 25,000+ miles | Daily work travel is the dominant factor. |
| Urban Driver / Short Commute | 7,000 - 10,000 miles | Shorter trips, more use of public transport or walking. |
| Retiree / Low-Usage Driver | 5,000 - 8,000 miles | No daily work commute, primarily local errands and leisure. |
| Sales Professional / Rideshare Driver | 25,000 - 40,000+ miles | Driving is central to the profession. |
| Family with Teen Drivers | 15,000 - 20,000+ miles | Additional drivers and activities increase total mileage. |
To find your own average, track your odometer readings over a few months or check your annual insurance statement, which often summarizes this data. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum empowers you to make smarter choices about vehicle type, maintenance schedules, and overall transportation costs.
