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Are Highway Miles Better? What Every Driver Needs to Know
Published on Jan 30, 2025
•5 min read
You might think fewer miles on the odometer means a car is in better shape. But that’s not always true. A car with more highway miles could actually be the better deal. We’re here to answer one simple question: are highway miles better than city miles and why?
Think about it: city driving puts your car through constant stop-and-go traffic, hard braking, and endless idling at red lights. Meanwhile, highway miles are smoother, and your car cruises at a steady speed, avoiding the daily grind of city streets. That can mean less wear and tear on key components like your engine, brakes, and transmission.
So, what does this mean for you? Should you care whether a car has more highway or city miles? And how does this affect things like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and resale value? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to look for.
What’s the Difference Between Highway Miles and City Miles

Ever feel like your car is working harder in city traffic? You’re not imagining it. Stop-and-go driving, constant braking, and endless red lights all put extra stress on your vehicle. On the highway, it’s a different story, your car runs at a steady pace, with fewer interruptions.
Think of it like exercise. Imagine two runners: one jogging at a steady pace and another doing constant sprints with sudden stops. Who do you think will feel more worn out by the end? Your car works the same way.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how highway and city miles affect your car differently:

If you’re mostly driving in the city, don’t panic, it doesn’t mean your car is doomed. However, knowing these differences can help you adjust your driving habits and stay on top of maintenance.
Fuel Efficiency and How Highways Save You Money

Want to save money on gas? Stick to the highway whenever you can. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that highway fuel economy can be up to 20% better than city driving. Over time, that adds up to fewer trips to the gas station and more money in your pocket.
And if you want more than just the extra mile, try using cruise control, keeping your tires properly inflated, and avoiding aggressive acceleration, small changes that can make a big difference.
Note that the two biggest car components that suffer from wear and tear in city driving vs. highway driving are your tires and your brakes.
Tire and Brake Longevity
Ever feel like you’re replacing your tires and brakes way too often? If most of your driving is in the city, that’s probably why. The constant stopping, turning, and braking wear down these parts much faster than cruising on the highway.
Even Wear, Longer Lifespan for Your Tires
- Smooth highway roads mean less impact damage and more even tread wear.
- Fewer sharp turns and sudden stops prevent excessive stress on the rubber.
- Steady speeds generate less heat and friction, both of which can shorten tire life.
Now compare that to city driving, potholes, tight turns, and constant braking. It all adds up, forcing you to replace your tires sooner than you’d like.
Less Stress, More Mileage on Your Brakes
- Highway driving means fewer stops, which reduces wear on brake pads and rotors.
- City traffic? You’re braking at every intersection, which heats up and grinds down your brakes.
- On average, city drivers replace their brake pads twice as often as highway drivers.
If you do a lot of city driving, you can still extend the life of your tires and brakes by braking gently, avoiding sudden stops, and keeping an eye on your tire pressure. But if you’re mostly on the highway? You’ll likely save money on replacements without even trying.
What to Look for in a High-Mileage Used Car

So, you’ve found a used car you like, but the mileage looks high. Should you walk away? Not necessarily. A car with 100,000 well-maintained highway miles could be a better buy than one with 60,000 hard city miles.
Quick Checklist For A Good Deal on A High-Mileage Car
- Ask about driving history, and if most of the miles were from highway travel, that’s a good sign. Don’t take answers at face value but this is often the best place to start.
- Check for even tire wear. Uneven tread could mean alignment issues or rough city driving.
- Look at the brakes because frequent replacements suggest stop-and-go traffic wear.
Drive Smarter, Save More
So, are highway miles better? In most cases, yes. They’re easier on your engine, brakes, and transmission, helping your car last longer with fewer costly repairs. Plus, you get better fuel efficiency and even a boost in resale value.
That doesn’t mean city driving ruins a car, it just means you need to stay on top of maintenance. Whether you drive mostly on highways or in the city, regular oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations will keep your car running smoothly.
Looking for a car with well-maintained highway miles?
Browse thousands of listings on AutosToday and find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are highway miles actually better for my car?
Yes! Steady speeds put less stress on your engine, brakes, and transmission compared to stop-and-go city driving.
How can I tell if a used car has mostly highway miles?
Look for even tire wear, clean brakes, and a smooth transmission. Also, check the maintenance records, fewer suspension and brake repairs usually mean more highway driving.
Does highway driving improve fuel economy?
Absolutely. Without constant stops and slowdowns, your engine runs more efficiently, helping you save on gas.
Should I be worried about a high-mileage car?
Not necessarily. A car with well-maintained highway miles can be in better shape than a lower-mileage car that’s been driven aggressively in the city. Always check the service history and take it for a test drive.
Is highway driving better for electric cars too?
It depends. EVs benefit from regenerative braking in city traffic, but high speeds can drain the battery faster. However, highways still reduce wear on brakes and tires.