Total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by U.S. drivers for the month of January 2020 continued its historical downward trend as estimated by data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and studies conducted by Openbay. This trend will most likely continue through February 2020 based on historical trends. VMT for the month of January is estimated at 245.7 million miles, approximately 1.1% less than the same period a year ago, but 0.41% higher than the same period two years ago. For February 2020, if historical trends stay true, we should see the lowest vehicle miles traveled for the month of February during the previous 3 years at approximately 224 million miles.
Even though VMT declined during the month of January 2020, demand for automotive services on Openbay continued to grow, achieving all-time highs for the company. Openbay compiled a list of the top automotive services requested on its marketplace for January 2020.
Top 6 vehicle makes and models requesting service during January 2020 in rank order:
Rank |
Vehicle Make |
Avg. Year |
Top Models (in rank order) |
| 1 | Toyota | 2011 | Camry, Corolla, Prius, RAV4 |
| 2 | Honda | 2011 | Accord, Civic, CRV, Odyssey, Pilot |
| 3 | Nissan | 2013 | Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima |
| 4 | Ford | 2011 | Fusion, Escape, Focus, Explorer, F-150 |
| 5 | Chevrolet | 2012 | Malibu, Cruze, Equinox, Impala |
| 6 | Hyundai | 2014 | Sonata, Elantra, Santa, Accent |
The average age vehicle requesting service on Openbay is trending upward to newer year models now at eight years in age, on average.
Top 7 automotive services requested during January 2020 on the Openbay marketplace, in rank order:
Rank |
Automotive Service* Requested on Openbay |
| 1 | Engine oil-related service (oil changes, oil pan repair, etc.) |
| 2 | Brake related services (brake pads, rotors, calipers) |
| 3 | Manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals |
| 4 | Suspension (wheel alignment) |
| 5 | General diagnostic – problem encountered, check engine light |
| 6 | TIre and wheel assembly related |
| 7 | Transmission (Fluid and filter changes, slipping) |
* Services listed indicate ‘original services’ selected by the vehicle owner when service request was entered on the Openbay platform. Additional services may have been added to the original service request or completed service.
Total vehicle miles driven impact vehicle operating costs
The more miles a vehicle travels, the higher the cost of operating the vehicle. Operational costs include fuel and general maintenance and repairs performed on the vehicle. Depending upon the year of the vehicle and the type of vehicle, fuel consumption and general maintenance and repair costs can vary.
Fuel costs can vary by as much as 60% when you compare economy-type vehicles to low mile per gallon SUVs. Depending upon the year of a vehicle, general maintenance and repair services can vary too due to general wear and tear on motor vehicle components. As miles accumulate, especially with older vehicles, parts breakdown or deteriorate. Vehicle components impacted can include filters (engine, cabin), various pumps (fuel, water), belts (serpentine), suspension components (shocks, struts, ball joints, wheel bearings, etc.), brake system components (pads, shoes, rotors, calipers), electrical components (engine sensors, battery, alternator, spark plugs, lights), any system that uses fluids (engine, transmission / drivetrain), wiper blades and of course tires.
Openbay is here to help vehicle owners and business owners of auto service centers
Openbay is building the world’s most trusted and transparent automotive services marketplace, helping consumers reduce vehicle operating costs and helping automotive service centers improve the way they acquire vehicles to service.
Membership for consumers and automotive service centers is free.
- Consumers can join here.
- Automotive service centers can apply to become a member here.
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