What is the Most Miles You Put on Your Car in a Single Year?

The most miles put on a car in a single year can vary widely depending on individual circumstances such as commuting distance, travel habits, and lifestyle. For example, individuals with long commutes or frequent business travel might accumulate 30,000 to 50,000 miles per year, while others might stay in the lower range of 10,000 to 15,000 miles. However, these figures represent the average scenario. There have been notable cases where individuals or companies have reported over 100,000 miles in a year, typically due to extensive travel or the vehicle's use for business.

Extensive Mileage Cases

Pharmacy Delivery Driver: During a period of two years, I drove almost 100,000 miles delivering pharmacy goods. I maintained a grueling schedule, driving from my home in Seattle to various pharmacies in the region. The regular route involved traveling 55 miles to the pharmacy in Lacey, 55 miles to Vancouver, USA, just north of Portland, and then returning home, all six days a week. This high mileage was typical for my role as a pharmacist who had to cover a vast geographic area to serve clients.

A Record Holder: Clinton Avery and His Buick Roadmaster: A remarkable record is the 1957 Buick Roadmaster owned by Clinton Avery, which covered an astonishing 7 million miles. The story behind this incredible mileage began when Avery's father, Michael Avery, worked in the lumber industry and frequently drove the car from Utah to Alaska six times per year. To ensure the durability and reliability of the vehicle, Avery ordered an old stock inline "Fireball 8" cylinder engine and made several modifications. The engine was reworked with hardened steel valve seats, and two Stromberg WWC carburetors were installed. The rear differential was also modified to 2:50:1, a gear ratio used in some Chevrolet models. With a 24 miles per gallon rating and a substantial fuel capacity (20 gallons in the main tank and 16 gallons in the trunk), the Buick Roadmaster not only survived but thrived with such high mileage, making it a testament to engineering and durability.

Travel Tales of High Mileage

During a trip to Rhodes, I encountered a taxi with an odometer showing nearly 800,000 kilometers. The car, a Mercedes diesel, was a marvel to drive, running smoothly and quietly. This high mileage car provided me with a unique insight into how vehicles can withstand such extensive use, highlighting the longevity and reliability of well-maintained vehicles.

High mileage cases like these remind us of the immense variety in vehicle usage and the remarkable capability of well-maintained cars to endure millions of miles of travel. Whether it's a truck driver, a pharmacy delivery worker, or a taxi driver, each story illustrates the patriotism and durability found in vehicles.