How long do cars last in Canada?
10 minute read Published on Sep 4, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
As a driver in Canada, have you ever caught yourself wondering, “How long do cars actually last?” It’s a good question and one that really matters, whether you're buying a brand-new ride or picking up something used. After all, cars aren’t cheap these days. With the cost of new and used vehicles on the rise, getting the most life out of your car just makes good financial sense. But it’s not just about saving money. More and more people are thinking about sustainability, too. Replacing your car every few years adds to the environmental toll, so if you can keep your vehicle running smoothly for many years, it’s better for the planet as well.
And let’s not forget that driving in Canada comes with its own set of challenges. From icy winters and salted roads to stop-and-go city traffic and long highway commutes, your car puts up with a lot. Where you live and how you drive can have a big impact on how long your vehicle lasts. So, have you ever wondered how long your car will last on Canadian roads? Currently, it’s around 10.5 years, according to industry experts. Let’s explore what factors influence a car's longevity.
How long do vehicles typically last in Canada?
In 2020, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) reported the average age of Canadian vehicles was 9.7 years, though many industry experts believe that number is closer to 10.5 years today. But back in 1973, the average age of a car in Canada was just 5.7 years. So, what does that tell us? Canadian vehicles are lasting longer than ever, thanks to better technology, improved maintenance habits, and drivers looking to get more mileage out of their investment.
How mileage tells a car's lifespan
One of the easiest ways to get a sense of how long a car might last is by looking at its mileage. Mileage just means the number of kilometres your vehicle has travelled—something you can check right on your dashboard.
Back in the day, hitting 160,000 kilometres (or about 100,000 miles) was considered the upper limit for most cars. But thanks to major improvements in vehicle technology over the years, today’s cars can often go much farther. The average car lifespan now is closer to 322,000 kilometres, which works out to around 10 to 12 years for most drivers. And if you're behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, you might get even more out of it. Some EVs are now expected to last up to 483,000 kilometres, which is pretty impressive.
Of course, how long your car lasts really depends on how much you drive and how well you take care of it. If you’re putting in long highway hauls every week, you’ll hit that number a lot faster than someone who just drives around town.
Factors that can impact how long your car lasts in Canada
While the average vehicle in Canada may be designed to last around a decade, there are several factors, some of which are within your control and some of which are not, that can impact how long your car lasts. From driving conditions and how regularly you take your car in for a checkup, below is an exhaustive list of details that may influence the lifespan of your vehicle:
Driving style and frequency
The way you drive your car and how often you drive it can both contribute to wear and tear. In other words, if you abuse your vehicle by adopting a certain driving style, its lifespan might be shorter.
How you drive
Examples of driving styles that may impact your car’s lifespan include accelerating and braking hard, and maintaining high speeds for long periods of time. High engine speeds create heat and put stress on the engine, which could wear down the car’s internal parts.
Also, if you’re driving up and down steep hills regularly, like in parts of British Columbia or Newfoundland, you’re putting more pressure on your car’s powertrain. That extra effort can lead to more maintenance issues down the road.
How often you drive
Similarly, the more often you drive, the more kilometres you will rack up. Here's a breakdown of the average annual kilometres driven in some provinces:
Ontario: 16,000 km
Alberta: 15,200 km
British Columbia: 13,100 km
This shows that drivers in Ontario and Alberta are putting more kilometres on their cars each year compared to drivers in British Columbia. And with more driving comes more wear and tear, which can take a toll on a vehicle over time and possibly shorten its overall lifespan. And don’t forget about idling. If you’re in a busy city like Toronto or Vancouver, sitting in stop-and-go traffic every day can cause your engine to run without really going anywhere, leading to more wear over time.
Climate and weather conditions
Where you live and what you drive through every day can have a big impact on how long your car lasts. Harsh weather and tough driving conditions can put extra strain on your vehicle, and over time, that wear and tear adds up. For example, if you live in places like Quebec or Alberta, you know how brutal the cold and snow can get. Extremely low temperatures can make your engine work harder to warm up, and icy roads mean your tires and brakes are constantly being put to the test.
Ontario's Rust Belt
And then there’s Southwestern Ontario. It's right in the heart of what’s often called the Rust Belt. The area’s tough weather conditions and environmental factors make it a real hotspot for vehicle corrosion. In winter, road crews are constantly battling snow, freezing rain, and icy roads with loads of road salt and de-icing brines. These mixtures often contain chemicals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride, which do a great job of melting ice, but they’re brutal on vehicles. Over time, they can eat away at metal parts like your undercarriage, wheel wells, fuel tank, brake lines, and more.
But salt isn’t the only issue. This region is also exposed to higher levels of industrial pollution, which adds another layer of stress on your vehicle’s exterior. Then there are the freeze/thaw cycles in early spring and late fall, when temperatures swing above and below freezing, causing moisture to build up in hidden areas like inside doors, fenders, and rocker panels. Add in some summer humidity and cooler autumn nights, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for rust.
Car brand and build quality
One of the biggest factors in how long your car will last comes down to how it was built—and who built it. Some car brands have built solid reputations for making reliable vehicles that are tough and built to last. Over time, certain makes and models have proven to hold up better than others, especially in Canada’s ever-changing driving conditions.
If long-term durability is high on your list when shopping for a vehicle, it’s definitely worth doing some research into the most reliable car brands. In Canada, brands like Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Subaru, and Kia are consistently praised for their long-lasting performance and lower maintenance needs. GMC and Toyota also rank well when it comes to rugged, reliable trucks that can handle rough terrain and heavy workloads. Part of what makes these vehicles last is the quality of the materials used, from corrosion-resistant frames to well-engineered engines and components. Some brands put extra focus on reliability and simplicity, which can mean fewer repairs and more time on the road.
Cutting-edge safety features
The number of safety features in your modern car is another variable that can influence how long your car lasts. As vehicle technology becomes more advanced, so do the safety features that cars are equipped with.
For instance, cutting-edge safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are becoming standard in new vehicles. The more safety features your newer car has, the less likely you are to get into an accident and the longer your car is likely to last.
Old-fashioned luck
One final factor that can impact how long your car lasts is good, old-fashioned luck. Unfortunately, luck is one factor completely out of your control. You have control over the way you drive, but not the way others drive. Even if you are a defensive driving expert, you can still find yourself involved in a car accident. Alternatively, due to weather-related risks outside of your control, your car could be damaged while parked in your driveway. Though you might not like it, luck of the draw can play a role when it comes to vehicle shelf life.
The role of regular car maintenance
Taking care of your car isn’t just about keeping it running today. It’s about helping it last for the long haul. That’s where preventative maintenance comes in. Experts suggest giving your vehicle a proper checkup at least once a year, and honestly, staying on top of regular maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend your vehicle’s lifespan. According to industry experts, vehicles that receive proper maintenance can last up to 30% longer than those that don’t. Consumer Reports also says that if you stick to your vehicle’s recommended service schedule, a modern car from a reliable brand can easily hit over 320,000 kilometres.
Your owner's manual is a great place to start. It lists the specific maintenance tasks recommended for your make and model. These can include things like:
Oil changes
Coolant flushes
Tire rotations
Brake fluid replacements
Spark plug changes
Timing belt replacements
When to inspect your brake pads, belts, and hoses
Some of the most important maintenance checks are oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Clean oil keeps your engine running smoothly and helps prevent costly damage. Tire rotations make sure your tires wear evenly, which can improve handling and help them last longer. And regular brake checks are a must since your braking system takes a beating over time, especially if you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic or hilly areas. There are also some extras you can do to keep your car in great shape, like:
Regular car washes (especially during winter to wash off salt)
Waxing
Undercarriage cleaning
Interior stain preventative treatments
Getting your wheels realigned now and then
Simply put, a little routine care goes a long way in keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and on the road for years to come. If your car is due for a checkup, reach out to a trusted mechanic.
Common maintenance mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common maintenance slip-ups can shorten your car’s lifespan. These include:
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Skipping regular inspections (quick checkups can catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs)
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Using cheap or low-quality replacement parts (they might save money upfront, but often wear out faster and lead to more problems down the road)
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Ignoring rust-proofing if you live in an area with harsh winters or salted roads
The impact of EVs and hybrid vehicles on longevity
Electric vehicles (EVs) have shown impressive durability, often outlasting their gas-powered counterparts. Recent studies from Geotab indicate that EV batteries degrade at an average rate of 1.8% per year, suggesting they could remain functional for over 20 years. This translates to approximately 300,000 to 400,000 kilometres before significant battery degradation occurs.
However, Canada's harsh winters can impact battery performance. Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce battery efficiency, leading to decreased driving range during winter months. Additionally, frequent use of fast charging in cold conditions may accelerate battery wear.
Hybrid vs. traditional gas cars
When comparing hybrids to traditional gas vehicles, hybrids often have the edge in longevity. Consumer Reports found that hybrid cars experience 26% fewer issues than their gasoline counterparts. This reliability is partly due to the dual power sources in hybrids, which reduce strain on the internal combustion engine and lead to less wear and tear.
Plus, the average EV battery is built to last. Most can go anywhere from 10 to 20 years, or roughly 200,000 to 400,000 kilometres, before you start noticing real signs of degradation. That’s a huge step up when you compare it to a regular gas-powered car’s 12-volt battery, which usually needs replacing every three to four years.
How to help extend your EV's lifespan
To maximize the lifespan of your hybrid or electric car:
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Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to prevent deep discharges and overcharging, which can degrade battery health.
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Whenever possible, park in a garage or shaded area to protect the battery from extreme cold or heat, as Canada's temperature extremes can accelerate degradation.
How car insurance and warranties affect a car's lifespan
When it comes to keeping your car on the road longer, insurance and warranties can actually play a bigger role than you might think. From covering unexpected repairs to protecting against rust, the right coverage can save you money and help your vehicle stay in good shape for years. Standard warranties usually cover your vehicle for about three years or 60,000 km, depending on the manufacturer.
Extended warranties offered by car dealerships, on the other hand, can stretch that coverage to 5–10 years or more, and sometimes up to 160,000 km. If you plan to keep your car long-term or you're buying a used vehicle without much warranty left, they can be a smart investment. Just make sure to read the fine print, as some extended warranties are limited in what they actually cover.
How comprehensive insurance can help
Standard car insurance in Canada comes with some form of the following coverage:
However, many Canadian drivers choose to add additional coverage for a more comprehensive car insurance policy. Comprehensive insurance doesn’t just protect you in an accident. It also covers things like vandalism, theft, falling tree branches, and even some weather-related damage. That means if you're involved in an at-fault accident or a surprise hailstorm cracks your windshield, you’re covered if you've added collision coverage and comprehensive car coverage to your car insurance policy.
Having this kind of coverage can make repairs more affordable and help you avoid driving around with damage that could lead to bigger issues down the road. To learn more about having a comprehensive insurance policy, contact BrokerLink today.
Call BrokerLink for more information on auto insurance in Canada
Looking for more ways to extend your car’s lifespan? Contact BrokerLink today. We are automotive experts who offer a wide range of services to our customers. One of our licensed insurance brokers will be pleased to assist you with tasks like renewing your car insurance plan, reviewing your existing coverage, finding you a new policy, or even helping you determine which car is right for you.
As insurance specialists, we can also provide free car insurance quotes. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We can't wait to hear from you!
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