Motorway vs City Driving: Which is Kinder to Your Car?

By: Sean Reynolds

30th October 2025

We’ve all been there, faced with the choice between the quick route through town or the longer stretch down the motorway. One feels convenient, the other eats up a few extra miles. But have you ever wondered which one your car actually prefers?

Well, buckle up, because it turns out those extra motorway miles might just be doing your car a favour.

Why Mileage Isn’t the Whole Story

We’re often told to keep our mileage low to protect our car’s value and avoid wear and tear. But here’s the twist: it’s not how far you drive that matters most, it’s how you drive.

Think of it like this, city driving is like stop-starting your way through a fitness class: bursts of effort followed by rest, then another sprint. Motorway driving? That’s a steady jog, consistent, smooth, and much easier on the body.

On the motorway, your engine purrs along at a steady temperature. You’re not constantly hitting the brakes or changing gears. Everything just flows. The result? Less strain on key components and often better fuel economy.

The Hidden Cost of City Driving

Now let’s talk about town and city driving, it’s convenient, sure, but your car secretly hates it.

All that stopping and starting doesn’t just test your patience, it tests your clutch, gearbox and brakes too. The constant friction and heat build-up put extra pressure on parts that wear faster than you might think. Even short trips can be tough on your engine because it never quite reaches its ideal running temperature.

In other words, while city driving might look kinder on the odometer, it’s often harsher on your car.

Fewer Miles, More Wear

It’s one of motoring’s biggest myths, that fewer miles automatically means a healthier car. In reality, 10,000 easy motorway miles could be gentler than 5,000 miles of city traffic.

For those covered under warranty, that means motorway driving might lead to fewer issues down the line. Fewer problems from worn clutches, tired brakes, or transmission niggles. Just smoother sailing (or rather, cruising).

How to Look After Your Car

If your driving is mostly around town, you can still reduce wear by giving your car a proper run every now and then. Longer journeys let your engine breathe, your oil circulate fully, and your battery recharge properly.

And remember, even with careful driving, issues can still occur. That’s where a good extended warranty steps in. It’s designed to protect you from unexpected repair bills, keeping your motoring stress-free, mile after mile.

The Bottom Line

So next time you’re deciding between cutting through town or taking the motorway, think about what’s better for your car, not just your watch. Your vehicle might just thank you for that extra stretch of open road.

After all, sometimes the long way round really is the smarter way.