‘I’m a car expert - this is when to visit a petrol station for cheapest prices’

Motoring experts have revealed drivers can take advantage of the “cheapest” prices at petrol station forecourts by topping up their cars at these times. Drivers may not be aware that some fuel stations can change their prices throughout the day.

Prices tend to be higher during peak times when more drivers tend to fill up their petrol and diesel tanks. This means topping up at rush hour in the morning and after work could backfire with road users spending more than they need to. Gordon Wallis, spokesperson for Your NRG, admitted going to get fuel either late at night or early in the morning was the best time to fill up their vehicle.

As well as a quiet petrol station forecourt with next to no queues, he warned that “prices are lower”, helping road users save on costs.

He said: "It's a good idea to fill up your petrol tank during late evenings or early mornings because fewer people buy fuel, so the prices are lower.”

Meanwhile, costs can also fluctuate based on updates to wholesale prices and the rate of local competition. Motorists unaware of deals can use certain apps and websites to track fuel prices and find the best deal.

Gordon added: “A common misconception is that filling up your car late in the evening when temperatures are cooler can save money because fuel is denser.

“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.”

Data from RAC Fuel Watch has Unleaded petrol currently priced at 134p per litre, the lowest rate since October last year.

Meanwhile, diesel sits at 140.49p per litre, also the cheapest level for the compound since last Autumn.

Rebecca Bebbington, personal finance expert at NetVoucherCodes, also warned that “off-peak” hours were still the best opportunity to secure the cheapest rates.

She said: “Petrol prices can fluctuate throughout the day, with prices typically lower during off-peak hours.

“Try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night to take advantage of potentially lower prices.

“Avoid peak times such as midday and after 5pm when the majority of the country finishes work.”