A fuel expert has revealed the cheapest time to refill your car at the gas station while debunking some common misconceptions around fuel saving techniques.
Gordon Wallis from Your NRG, which is an independently run fuel supply and fuel distribution business for domestic and commercial customers, has disclosed the best time to fill up your tank if you want to save some extra pennies.
He has also dispelled one supposed tip that many believe to be cost efficient. Gordon has shut down the common misconception that filling up your car late at night when temperatures are cooler will save money due to the fuel being denser.
He explained: “While small changes in fuel volume due to temperature can affect fuel efficiency, the difference is usually very small and can only save pennies per fill-up, though it can add up over time for careful drivers.”
So when is the best time to fill up on fuel? It turns out that people should be doing it first thing over later in the day.
He added: “It’s a good idea to fill up your gas tank during early mornings because fewer people buy fuel, so the prices are lower. Drivers should try to avoid filling up during midday or after five pm when most people are done with work as queues can quickly form.”
You can read Gordon’s other top tips below.
Tank volume and fuel efficiency
Gordon reveals that filling your car’s tank completely will add weight to the vehicle but it is only a very small amount.
He said: “Typically less than five per cent of the car’s total weight, so the difference in fuel efficiency between a full and half-full tank is likely to be minimal and you might not see much change at the gas station.”
Running on low fuel
Gordon confirmed that a common money saving tip is filling up less at it might lead to more frequent trips to the gas station.
He added: “It’s important however to avoid running your car on low fuel as there are several downsides to this practice – as the fuel level gets low, debris can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This debris can then clog the fuel filter and pump, leading to performance issues and potentially expensive repairs
“When your fuel gauge hits 50 miles left, consider refuelling. This allows plenty of time to find the best fuel prices, rather than being rushed into a decision as your tank nears empty.
“Running out of fuel completely can damage the fuel pump itself, especially if it runs dry as it can be a costly fix. It’s generally best to maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel to avoid these risks.”
Gordon advised: “Focusing on maintaining a healthy fuel level, rather than constantly topping up or running on fumes, is a more practical approach to fuel efficiency. By keeping your tank at least a quarter full, you can avoid any risks associated with low fuel levels and get rid of any potential efficiency drawbacks from a full tank.”
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