The High-Mile Club: HiQ Tyres & Autocare study reveals Britain’s hardest working vehicles

Image credit: HiQ Tyres & Autocare

Editorial Brief
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HiQ Tyres & Autocare's study has identified Britain's highest-mileage vehicles, with one van in Northamptonshire reaching nearly 500,000 miles. The findings highlight the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially in rural and coastal areas where drivers tend to cover more distance. HiQ has launched The High-Mile Club, inviting UK drivers to share their own high-mileage records.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

While high-mileage vehicles are nothing new on UK roads, HiQ Tyres & Autocare's latest data provides a rare, detailed look at where and how drivers are racking up the biggest numbers. The findings point to a clear pattern, with rural and coastal regions seeing the highest average mileages, underlining the reliance on private vehicles for everyday travel in areas where public transport options may be limited.

For drivers and fleet operators, the results offer a reminder that regular maintenance remains key to extending vehicle lifespans, especially as economic pressures and supply challenges keep older vehicles on the road for longer. The call for motorists to share their own mileage milestones also taps into a wider trend of celebrating vehicle longevity and value, at a time when many are looking to maximise the return on their automotive investments.

Story Ideas
Consumer impact

The Longevity of Vehicles: Maintenance Over Replacement

Focus on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance as highlighted by the study. Discuss how proper upkeep can prolong a vehicle's lifespan and the environmental and economic benefits of maintaining older vehicles rather than replacing them frequently.

Target audience
Automotive magazines, environmental blogs, consumer rights publications
Story potential
8/10
Innovation

High-Mileage Vehicles: A Testament to Engineering and Maintenance

Investigate the engineering and maintenance practices that allow vehicles to achieve high mileages, like the Peugeot Expert with nearly half a million miles. The story could delve into the role of technological advancements in vehicle durability and reliability.

Target audience
Automotive engineering journals, technology and innovation news outlets
Story potential
6/10
Press Release
  • New data from HiQ Tyres & Autocare reveals Britain’s highest-mileage vehicles; one vehicle has nearly half a million miles on the clock
  • Nationwide data highlights how regular maintenance can help vehicles stay on the road for longer
  • Drivers are invited to share their own mileage milestones in search of the UK’s highest-mileage vehicle

A new study from HiQ Tyres & Autocare has revealed Britain’s hardest-working vehicles, uncovering one van with almost half a million miles on the clock and identifying the parts of the UK where drivers are clocking up the greatest distances.

In a survey of nearly 60,000 vehicles across its nationwide network, HiQ found that the highest mileage recorded belonged to a 12-year-old Peugeot Expert MPV, at a HiQ Tyres & Autocare centre in Northamptonshire with an astonishing mileage reading of 488,100. This distance is equivalent to travelling more than 19 times around the Earth. (1)

The study also sheds light on where Britain’s hardest-working vehicles are found. Drivers in Devon recorded the highest average vehicle mileage anywhere in the UK at 82,696 miles, followed by Cornwall (79,516 miles), Essex (76,551 miles) and Somerset (75,467 miles). The findings suggest drivers living in rural and coastal communities often rely more heavily on their vehicles, travelling greater distances for work, family life and everyday essentials.

To celebrate Britain’s hardest-working vehicles, HiQ Tyres & Autocare has launched The High-Mile Club, inviting drivers from across the UK to submit their own odometer readings in search of the nation’s highest-mileage car or van. (2)

Craig Sprigmore, Retail Director, HiQ Tyres & Autocare, said: “It is impressive that one vehicle has completed almost half a million miles in little more than a decade, and it is a real testament to what regular professional maintenance and upkeep can do for a vehicle’s lifespan. It just goes to show that a high mileage doesn’t have to mean the end of the road, and that older cars can continue to serve their purpose if properly cared for.

“Our regional data also suggests that those living in rural and coastal communities may find themselves travelling further to reach work, family members and essential amenities, making proper vehicle maintenance even more important.”

Helping vehicles go the distance

While very few vehicles will ever approach half a million miles, reaching six-figure mileage is increasingly achievable with regular servicing and preventative maintenance.

Regular servicing, MOTs and simple vehicle health checks can help identify minor issues before they become more costly repairs, while maintaining the correct tyre pressures, checking fluid levels and replacing worn components can all help improve reliability and extend a vehicle’s lifespan.

Sprigmore added: “Whether a vehicle has covered 20,000 miles or 200,000, staying on top of routine maintenance is one of the best ways to keep it safe, reliable and performing at its best. Small issues caught early are often much easier, and less expensive, to put right. Every vehicle that comes through our doors tells a story, and this Peugeot Expert is a brilliant example of just how far a vehicle can go.

“We’d love to hear from drivers across the country who own a vehicle that beats this Peugeot’s record. Whether it’s a beloved family car, or a trusted work van, we want to hear how you’ve managed to get the most out of your vehicle.”

HiQ Tyres & Autocare operates more than 230 locations nationwide, each offering car servicing, MOT testing, tyres and vehicle maintenance for a wide range of vehicles. Backed by Goodyear, it is renowned for its professional and seamless customer experience.

Drivers who think they have a vehicle capable of beating the current record are invited to join The High-Mile Club by sharing a photo of their odometer on Instagram and tagging @hiqautocare with the hashtag #HiQHighMileClub.

  1. Results taken from a survey conducted by HiQ Tyres & Autocare between 2025-26 involving 59,111 vehicles.
  2. Vehicle owners that wish to submit a mileage reading to claim the record for the UK’s highest mileage car should post a photo of their mileometer to Instagram and tag @hiqautocare on Instagram, or HiQ Tyres & Autocare on Facebook with the hashtag #HiQHighMileClub.

Notes to editors

APPENDIX Notes to editors: further data analysis
  • Devon recorded the highest average vehicle mileage in the study at 82,696 miles, with Cornwall (79,516), Essex (76,551), Somerset (75,467) and Suffolk (74,883) completing the top five counties for average vehicle mileage.
  • Three of the UK’s highest-mileage vehicles were all recorded in Northamptonshire, including the Peugeot Expert that topped the national rankings with 488,100 miles.
  • The highest-mileage vehicle recorded in Cornwall had travelled 372,350 miles, while Devon’s highest-mileage vehicle had reached 285,710 miles.
  • Essex ranked third nationally for average vehicle mileage, making it the highest-ranking predominantly urban county in the study.
  • Four of the five highest-ranking counties for average mileage are located in the South West or East of England, suggesting geography plays a significant role in how drivers use their vehicles.
  • Vehicles analysed as part of the study had undergone inspections at a selection of HiQ Tyres & Autocare centres across the UK, covering a total sample of 59,111 vehicles.
High-mile club rankings from the HiQ Tyres & Autocare study: Top three mileage vehicles recorded:
County Make & Model Mileage
1 Northamptonshire Peugeot Expert 488,100
2 Northamptonshire Mercedes-Benz Vito 429,976
3 Northamptonshire Vauxhall Zafira Mk2 407,272
Top three counties for highest average mileage:
County Average Mileage Highest Mileage Recorded
1 Devon 82,697 285,710
2 Cornwall 79,516 372,350
3 Essex 76,511 263,786
Bottom three counties for lowest average mileage:
County Average Mileage Highest Mileage Recorded
1 Lincolnshire 24,070 234,169
2 Norfolk 29,424 275,107
3 Shropshire 36,837 296,407
Media contacts: Thomas Carney +44 7477 659561 [email protected] James Bailey +44 7904 114414 [email protected] About HiQ Tyres & Autocare HiQ Tyres & Autocare is one of the leading automobile tyre, car-servicing and MOT test franchises in the United Kingdom. Established in 1992 and backed by global tyre brand Goodyear, its network includes more than 190 autocentres and service partners nationwide catering to the needs of private and fleet customers. HiQ Tyres & Autocare is dedicated to providing excellent customer service at open, and honest pricing. To give your car the treatment it deserves, visit: https://www.hiqonline.co.uk/. About Goodyear Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 20 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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