As the cost of living has risen in recent years so too has the cost of filling up cars with either petrol or diesel. These price rises have put further constraints on already squeezed budgets for households across the country.
However, even as the rate of inflation has slowed and the economy continues to recover, people are still on the look out for how to maximise the fuel they put in their tank by filling up at the right time of the week.
Speaking to ReachPlc driving expert and CEO at Lotus Car Rental Alexander Haraldsson suggested petrol and diesel drivers should not head to the pumps today or tomorrow.
He said: “When it comes to saving money on fuel, the advice is quite simple: fill up early in the week. We typically see prices rise towards the weekend, with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive days due to increased leisure travel.
“For the best value, try to get to the pump on a Monday or Tuesday. For those really looking to maximise their savings, getting into the habit of filling up late at night when the air is cooler can also help.
“Cooler temperatures make the fuel denser, so technically, you get a fraction more for your money. However, per fill up, this will save you pennies, not pounds.
“One final tip for saving money on fuel is to fill up at a supermarket. Supermarkets are consistently cheaper than elsewhere, with prices often being almost 4p less per litre than the UK average for petrol and diesel.”
As well as providing tips on the best days of the week to fill up one’s petrol or diesel car, Alexander also warned that motorists could be hit with further price rises towards the end of this month before schools go back in September.
He added: “As for August, drivers should brace for potential price increases. Petrol prices rose by nearly 3p from June to July, and diesel by around 4.5p. These increases pushed the cost of filling a typical family car to over £74 for unleaded and £78 for diesel by the end of July.
“Given this recent trend and the current volatility in the oil markets due to global factors like geopolitical tensions and supply changes, we predict these price increases to continue throughout the month.”
Whilst Alexander has said the best time to fill up is the start of the week, another expert has warned drivers to make sure to be mindful of when they fill up during a heatwave.
Speaking to the Express, experts at Car Finance 247 said: “During the summer, your fuel levels can drop faster than usual so your normal estimations might not be right.
“To avoid being stranded on the side of the motorway with the sun beating down on you, err on the side of caution and don’t let your fuel levels get too low before filling up again.”
