Most drivers do not think twice before stopping at a petrol station, integrating it whenever they need to into their driving routine.
However, experts at Number1Plates have shed light on the times of day that filling up your car can have a positive impact on your wallet, and why planning the timing of your refill can sometimes make a real difference.
In the UK, fuel prices fluctuate throughout the day, and petrol stations adjust their prices in line with global oil movements, daily demand and local competition.
Research shows that prices change multiple times a day, meaning there are windows where it is significantly cheaper to fill up your car. It has been revealed that often the worst time of day to visit petrol stations is between 10am and 2pm.
This is because prices have shifted in reflection of the overnight market, often pushing hem higher during peak driving hours.
“Most stations update their digital boards after monitoring early morning wholesale price adjustments,” a spokesperson from Number1Plates said.
“By late morning, those increases tend to be reflected, meaning motorists heading out for a mid-day refill are more likely to pay a premium”.
Another reason why this particular time is more expensive is because forecourts have guaranteed that they will not lose customers.
This is because of the steady flow of demand that comes from people refuelling on their way to work, or during mid-morning errands.
At the other end of the spectrum is before 9am, which is one of the cheapest times to fill up.
This is because you can benefit from the night’s cheaper costs before petrol stations update their prices for the day ahead.
“It may not sound like a huge saving, but over a year, a driver filling up once a week could save more than £100 a year just by changing the time they visit the forecourt”, a Number1Plates spokesperson said.
Another benefit from an early morning refill is that petrol and diesel expand in warmer weather, meaning that you are more likely to get a slightly denser fill when it is cooler in the morning.
Number1Plates offers some tips in order to make the most of your refuelling routine.
- Fill up early – Aim for before 9am, when prices may still reflect the previous day.
- Avoid mid-day refills – Between 10am and 2pm, prices are often higher.
- Track price patterns – Many stations adjust rates consistently; keep note of when your local forecourt is cheapest.
- Use apps or loyalty cards – Fuel price apps and supermarket loyalty schemes can help you spot the best deals.
- Don’t wait until empty – Filling up in smaller amounts when prices dip saves more than topping up only when you’re desperate.
“Ultimately, it’s about small, consistent savings, If you can adjust your routine slightly, you’ll spend less over time – and that adds up quickly. Especially in today’s climate of rising costs”.
