Top 20 'Low-Wear-and-Tear' Road Trip Routes to maintain your daily driver's resale value in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
The call of the open road is a powerful one. There’s a unique sense of freedom that comes from a full tank of gas, a curated playlist, and miles of scenic asphalt stretching out before you. But for many of us, our daily driver isn't just a tool for adventure; it's one of our biggest investments. The dilemma is real: how do you enjoy the journey without tanking your car’s resale value through excessive wear and tear?
Many believe that to preserve a car, you must garage it. But that's like buying a great pair of running shoes and never leaving the house. The real secret isn't to stop driving, but to drive smarter. A "low-wear-and-tear" road trip focuses on routes with smooth pavement, gentle gradients, and flowing traffic—conditions that are kind to your suspension, engine, brakes, and tires. It's about seeking out experiences that thrill the soul without punishing the machine.
That's why we've curated this list for 2025. These 20 routes are more than just pretty drives; they are smart choices for the discerning owner who wants to create memories while protecting their automotive investment. From coastal cruises to serene parkways, these are the trips that let you have your cake and eat it, too, ensuring your daily driver remains in prime condition for its next owner.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the quintessential low-impact scenic drive. Spanning 469 miles, this roadway is famous for what it lacks: commercial traffic, stoplights, and a high speed limit (most of it is 45 mph). This translates to a serene, stress-free experience for both you and your car.
The pavement is meticulously maintained, meaning your suspension gets a break from jarring potholes and rough patches. The gentle, sweeping curves and gradual elevation changes mean you’re not mashing the gas or slamming the brakes. Your engine and transmission can operate in their happiest state—cruising at a steady, efficient RPM. It’s a drive that feels like a long, meditative breath of fresh air for your vehicle.
Pro Tip: To minimize brake wear on the long, gentle descents, shift to a lower gear and let your engine do some of the braking. This simple act saves your pads and rotors significantly over the course of the trip.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama & Tennessee
If the Blue Ridge Parkway is a masterpiece, the Natchez Trace is a minimalist work of art. This 444-mile route is even more restrictive, with a strict 50 mph speed limit and a complete ban on commercial vehicles. The result is one of the smoothest, quietest, and most mechanically-kind roads in the entire country.
Driving the Trace is like putting your car on a treadmill set to its most efficient pace. There are no sudden stops, no steep grades, and no need for aggressive maneuvers. It’s the perfect environment for hypermiling and simply enjoying the quiet hum of your engine. The lack of heavy truck traffic means the road surface is immaculate, protecting your tires and alignment.
Pro Tip: The Trace is a two-lane road without shoulders. Stay alert for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk, to avoid any sudden, hard braking situations that can stress your car’s systems.
3. Pacific Coast Highway (CA Route 1), Central Coast Section
While the entire PCH is iconic, the stretch from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Cambria through Big Sur is the low-wear-and-tear sweet spot. Here, the road is generally well-maintained, and the views are so distracting that you’ll naturally want to drive at a relaxed pace. This section avoids the heavy urban traffic of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Cruising along the dramatic cliffs with the Pacific on one side is an experience every driver should have. The gentle curves and moderate pace are easy on your steering and suspension components. By traveling on a weekday in the shoulder season (spring or fall), you can often find long, open stretches to simply cruise and enjoy the ride without the constant start-stop of tourist traffic.
Pro Tip: Check CalTrans for road conditions before you go, as landslides can occasionally close sections. A smooth, planned drive is always better than a sudden, jarring detour onto rougher backroads.
4. The Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), Florida Keys
This 113-mile marvel is less of a road and more of a series of bridges hopping across a turquoise paradise. The entire route is perfectly flat, meaning your engine and transmission are never under strain from climbing. It’s the ultimate low-RPM cruise, which is fantastic for fuel economy and overall engine health.
The key to a low-wear journey on the Overseas Highway is timing. Mid-week, outside of major holidays or spring break, traffic is significantly lighter. This allows you to maintain a consistent speed, which is far better for your car than the accordion-like stop-and-go that can plague the route on busy weekends. The salt air can be corrosive, but that’s a simple fix.
Pro Tip: As soon as you finish your trip, give your car a thorough wash, especially the undercarriage, to rinse off any corrosive salt spray. This is a crucial step in preserving your vehicle's body and chassis.
5. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Affectionately known as "The Kanc," this 34.5-mile scenic byway cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. It's renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, but it's a brilliant drive any time it's open. The road is well-paved, and the speed limit is low, encouraging a relaxed pace.
While there are elevation changes, the grades are gentle and the curves are wide and sweeping, not tight and demanding. This allows for smooth inputs on the steering, throttle, and brakes. Your car's cooling system will get a light workout, but it’s nothing that a well-maintained daily driver can't handle with ease. It’s an adventurous drive that feels more like a ballet than a brawl.
Pro Tip: There are no gas stations, restaurants, or services of any kind along the 34.5-mile stretch. Arrive with a full tank of gas and a prepared car to avoid any stress-inducing situations.
6. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive is the sole public road in Shenandoah National Park. It’s the northern precursor to the Blue Ridge Parkway and shares many of its car-friendly characteristics: a low 35 mph speed limit, pristine pavement, and zero commercial traffic.
This is a route designed for sightseeing, not speed. The constant overlooks and gentle nature of the road encourage you to take it easy. Your brakes, tires, and engine will thank you for the leisurely pace. It’s a perfect half-day trip that delivers maximum views with minimal mechanical stress. As Goh Ling Yong often says, a well-maintained car is a happy car, and this drive is pure automotive bliss.
Pro Tip: Enter the park early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, especially on weekends in the fall. An open road ahead of you is the best way to ensure a smooth, consistent drive.
7. Texas Hill Country, Willow City Loop
Deep in the heart of Texas, the Hill Country offers some of the best driving roads in the state. The famous Willow City Loop, just outside of Fredericksburg, is a prime example. This 13-mile scenic drive is a narrow, well-paved country road that winds through canyons and over hills covered in bluebonnets and other wildflowers in the spring.
The beauty of this drive is its rhythm. The gentle ups and downs and flowing curves are a joy to navigate at a relaxed pace. Because it’s a rural route, you avoid the harshness of city driving. It’s a short but memorable trip that puts very little demand on your vehicle’s major components, making it a perfect detour on a larger Hill Country tour.
Pro Tip: This road is extremely popular during wildflower season (typically March-April). Drive it on a weekday to avoid lines of traffic, which would defeat the purpose of a low-wear cruise.
8. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee & North Carolina
Often considered the less-crowded cousin of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway is a driver’s delight. This 43-mile National Scenic Byway climbs to over 5,400 feet, offering incredible vistas and mile after mile of smooth, sweeping curves.
Don't let the elevation fool you; the road was engineered with gentle, consistent grades that are easy on your engine. The pavement quality is generally excellent, and the lack of sharp, low-speed turns means you can maintain a fluid pace. It provides the thrill of a mountain road without the harsh, component-punishing elements of tighter, more aggressive routes.
Pro Tip: There are no facilities on the Skyway itself. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your fluids are topped off before you begin the ascent for an efficient and trouble-free drive.
9. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The "King of Roads" was the first scenic highway in the U.S. and was specifically designed to highlight the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. The most famous stretch runs from Troutdale to The Dalles, with the section between Corbett and Ainsworth State Park being a must-drive.
This historic road features graceful stone guardrails, elegant arches, and a road surface that's been preserved for leisurely touring. The pace is slow, the views of waterfalls and vistas are plentiful, and the entire experience is gentle on your car. It’s a drive through history that respects your modern machinery.
Pro Tip: This road is popular with cyclists. Share the road and maintain a safe following distance to ensure your drive remains smooth and free of sudden braking.
10. M-22, Michigan
Encircling the Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan's M-22 is 116 miles of pure lakeside bliss. The route takes you through charming small towns, past towering sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and alongside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan.
The road is predominantly flat and well-maintained, making for an exceptionally smooth ride. Outside of the small towns, you can settle into a comfortable cruising speed. It's a perfect summer or fall drive that offers a diverse range of scenery without ever asking too much of your car.
Pro Tip: The stretch through Sleeping Bear Dunes is particularly gentle and scenic. Plan a stop to enjoy the views, which gives your car a chance to cool down and you a chance to stretch your legs.
11. Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin
This 66-mile loop in Wisconsin is a hidden gem for a low-stress scenic drive. It follows the shoreline of the Door Peninsula, meandering through picturesque villages, state parks, and past historic lighthouses. The route is exceptionally flat and the speed limits are modest.
This is the definition of a leisurely drive. The road surface is generally good, and the light traffic (outside of peak tourist weekends) allows for a steady, consistent pace. It’s an ideal trip for anyone looking to enjoy a coastal feel in the heart of the Midwest, all while being incredibly kind to their daily driver.
Pro Tip: The drive is most peaceful on a weekday morning. Grab a coffee in a town like Fish Creek and enjoy the open road before the day-trippers arrive.
12. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Known as the "All-American Road," this route might seem intimidating, but it's a paved and well-engineered marvel that's surprisingly gentle if driven correctly. The 124-mile road connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, offering some of the most surreal landscapes in the country.
While it features switchbacks and elevation changes, particularly over Boulder Mountain, the road surface is excellent. The key is to use your gears wisely on ascents and descents, maintaining a steady RPM and letting the engine assist with braking. The awe-inspiring scenery naturally encourages a slower, more deliberate pace, which ultimately saves your car from unnecessary strain.
Pro Tip: Drive this route from west to east (Bryce to Torrey). This orientation gives you slightly more forgiving downhill sections and arguably better unfolding views, particularly as you approach the famous "Hogback" section.
13. A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Florida
Stretching from Ponte Vedra Beach down to Flagler Beach, this 72-mile section of Florida's A1A is a world away from the busy interstates. This is old-school Florida cruising: two lanes, the salty air of the Atlantic, and a relaxed, beach-town vibe.
The route is completely flat and the pavement is smooth, offering a perfect, low-resistance ride for your tires. The numerous small towns and beach access points keep speeds naturally low. It's an ideal drive for a convertible or any car where you can roll the windows down and just enjoy the steady, efficient cruise.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the varying speed limits as you pass through different communities. A smooth drive is a ticket-free drive, and maintaining a legal pace is also great for your car’s fuel efficiency.
14. Lake Shore Drive, Illinois
A road trip doesn't have to be a cross-country epic. Chicago's Lake Shore Drive offers one of the most stunning urban drives in the world. This multi-lane expressway hugs the coast of Lake Michigan, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline on one side and the vastness of the lake on the other.
The key to a low-wear experience is to drive it during off-peak hours, such as a late weekend morning. When traffic is flowing freely, it's a smooth, high-speed cruise with very few stops. This minimizes the hard acceleration and braking typical of city driving, making it a surprisingly gentle trip for your car.
Pro Tip: For the best views and smoothest ride, drive northbound from the Museum Campus towards Hollywood Avenue.
15. The High Road to Taos, New Mexico
This scenic route is not a single highway but a network of well-maintained rural roads that wind through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos. It takes you through historic Spanish Land Grant villages, past ancient pueblos, and offers a deep cultural immersion.
The roads are paved, and the pace is dictated by the small communities you pass through. This isn't a high-speed journey; it's a slow, contemplative drive. The gentle climbs are easily managed, and the overall experience is one of minimal stress on your vehicle's suspension and drivetrain.
Pro Tip: Take your time. The point of this drive is to stop in the small villages like Chimayó and Truchas. These frequent breaks are not only culturally enriching but also great for your car, preventing any single component from getting overworked.
16. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This 50-mile engineering masterpiece in Glacier National Park is a bucket-list drive. While it does climb to 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, it's a surprisingly low-impact route due to strict park regulations. Speed limits are low (45 mph in the lower sections, 25 mph in the alpine section), and the road is only open to vehicles under 21 feet.
This slow, deliberate pace means your engine and brakes are never pushed to their limits. You'll spend the entire time in a low gear, letting the engine do the work. The pavement is well-cared-for, and the sheer spectacle of the scenery ensures you won't be tempted to rush. It’s a monumental drive that treats your car with surprising gentleness.
Pro Tip: The road is only fully open for a few months in the summer. Go as soon as it opens (late June/early July) on a weekday to experience it with the thinnest crowds.
17. U.S. Route 1, Coastal Maine
While U.S. 1 runs the entire east coast, the section in Maine from Brunswick to Machias is pure New England charm. This is not a highway for making good time; it's for enjoying the scenic journey as you weave in and out of charming fishing villages and past rocky shorelines.
The constant small towns naturally regulate your speed, preventing you from driving aggressively. The road is mostly flat and in good condition. It’s a classic summer road trip that is as easy on your car as it is on the eyes. This is a drive that is best savored, not conquered.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to pull over frequently at lobster shacks and scenic overlooks. These short stops break up the drive and are better for your car than idling in a long line of traffic.
18. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
This short but incredibly scenic route in northern Vermont follows Route 100 between the towns of Waterbury and Stowe. It’s nestled in a valley with the Green Mountains rising on either side, offering a quintessential Vermont experience of rolling farmland, quaint villages, and lush forests.
The road is smooth and the terrain is mostly gentle valley floor. It's a low-speed, high-satisfaction drive that puts virtually no strain on your vehicle. It’s perfect for a short, relaxing excursion that feels like a world away from the harshness of interstate travel.
Pro Tip: Combine this drive with a visit to a local attraction like the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury. Parking the car for an hour or two mid-drive is a great way to ensure everything stays cool and happy.
19. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive
Following the dramatic, rocky coastline of Lake Superior, this 154-mile route from Duluth to Grand Portage is breathtaking. The road, mostly old Highway 61, is well-paved and offers continuous, stunning views of the world's largest freshwater lake.
The route is a series of gentle curves and mild hills, with plenty of state parks and scenic pull-offs to explore. Traffic outside of Duluth is usually light, allowing for a steady and efficient cruise. It's a grand tour that feels rugged and remote, but the road itself is civilized and kind to your car.
Pro Tip: The weather along Lake Superior can change rapidly. A good set of tires with plenty of tread will provide the best grip and safety on wet roads, reducing the need for any sudden, wear-inducing corrections.
20. Avenue of the Giants, California
For a truly magical and low-impact drive, take this 31-mile detour off Highway 101 in Northern California. This old stretch of the highway winds through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, putting you directly beneath the towering ancient redwood trees.
The road is shaded, smooth, and has a very low speed limit. Driving here feels like a slow, reverent procession. There are no steep hills, no sharp turns, and no reason to hurry. It's a calming experience that allows your car to idle along, with its suspension, engine, and brakes enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Pro Tip: Roll down your windows. The cool, damp air is good for your car's engine intake, and the quiet of the forest is the only soundtrack you'll need. This is a drive for all the senses.
Your Adventure Awaits—Without the Repair Bills
As you can see, hitting the open road doesn't have to be a battle between adventure and depreciation. By choosing your routes wisely, you can experience the best scenery the country has to offer while keeping your daily driver in pristine condition. These 20 drives prove that a memorable journey and a well-preserved car can, and should, go hand-in-hand. Protecting your investment is about making smart, informed choices, not locking your keys away.
Now we want to hear from you. What are some of your favorite "low-wear-and-tear" road trips that deliver big on views but are gentle on your vehicle? Share your hidden gems and pro tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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