Car expert shares 'worst' times to fill up petrol and diesel vehicles

A leading motoring expert has urged drivers to steer clear of filling up their petrol and diesel vehicles during peak hours and the evening rush after 5pm. Gordon Wallis, spokesperson from Your NRG, also warned motoristsagainst topping up their tanks just after midday when workers are taking their lunch breaks.

The expert argued that fuel prices tend to drop during quieter periods, allowing drivers to bag a better bargain. Similarly, forecourts are likely to be rammed after work finishes, meaning drivers could find themselves stuck in lengthy queues.

Gordon offered the guidance as part of a series of recommendations for petrol and diesel motorists this summer, reports the Express. Gordon said: "A common misconception is that filling up your car late in the evening when temperatures are cooler can save money because fuel is denser.

READ MORE: I drove 350 miles in a day in an electric car - the numbers didn't work

READ MORE: 'I fast-charged my EV in major UK supermarket and cost left me gobsmacked'

"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. It's a good idea to fill up your gas tank during late evenings or early mornings because fewer people buy fuel, so the prices are lower. Drivers should try to avoid filling up during midday or after 5 pm when most people are done with work as queues can quickly form."

Gordon isn't the sole authority emphasising the significance of timing your petrol station visits strategically throughout the day. Rebecca Bebbington, Personal Finance specialist at NetVoucherCodes, highlighted that "off-peak hours" represented the optimal window for securing the most competitive rates.

She added: "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." Research from RAC Fuel Watch reveals that petrol and diesel costs have climbed marginally during recent weeks.

Information from the fuel specialists indicated that the average price of a litre of unleaded at the end of July was 135p – up 0.85p from 134.15p at the start of the month, while diesel rose by 1.64p from 141.21p to 142.85p.

This means that even modest savings on fuel expenses could prove crucial for motorists already grappling with tight vehicle ownership finances.