Katerina Swanson
The cost of fuel per mile for a car in the UK depends on several factors, including the car's fuel efficiency, engine size, and the type of fuel used. For example, cars with larger engines or lower fuel efficiency will generally consume more fuel per mile. Additionally, the cost of fuel can vary over time due to market and geopolitical influences. To calculate the cost of fuel per mile, you can use the formula: cost per litre x 4.54609 = cost per gallon. This value is then used with the car's miles per gallon (MPG) to determine the cost per mile. Understanding these calculations is essential for drivers to manage their fuel expenses, especially with the recent increases in fuel prices.
How much fuel does a car use per mile in the UK?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of ultra-low sulphur unleaded petrol per litre | £1.48 |
| Average cost of petrol per litre | £1.356 |
| Average cost of diesel per litre | £1.431 |
| Average fuel efficiency of a petrol car (mpg) | 36 |
| Average fuel efficiency of a diesel car (mpg) | 43 |
| Cost per mile for a petrol car | 15p-20p |
| Cost per mile for a diesel car | 13p-16p |
| Cost per mile for an electric car | 5p-8p |
| Factors that impact fuel efficiency | Engine size, aerodynamics, tyre pressure, motor oil, route |
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Fuel cost calculators
There are several fuel cost calculators available to UK drivers. The RAC Fuel and Mileage Calculator helps you to calculate the fuel cost of a journey and your business mileage. It is easy to use, simply add your current location and the details of your destination. The calculator will then display the overall driving distance in miles and kilometres, and the driving time. The RAC also monitors wholesale and retail fuel prices to keep drivers informed of the latest average petrol and diesel prices.
Fleet News also has a fuel cost calculator that uses fuel price and vehicle data to calculate the cost of your journey. This calculator also has the pence per litre pre-filled with the average fuel price across the UK, but you can change this to a more accurate local price if you wish. You can then enter your vehicle's mpg or look it up in their running costs dataset.
GoCompare also has a fuel price calculator that can help you to compare costs and find the cheapest places to fill up in your area.
There are also some simple ways to reduce fuel costs. For example, keeping your tyres properly inflated can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, and using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve fuel mileage by 1-2%.
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Fuel efficiency
Calculating Fuel Efficiency
Another approach is to calculate fuel consumption, which is the reciprocal of fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption measures how much fuel a vehicle uses per unit distance, typically expressed in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km). To calculate fuel consumption, divide the amount of fuel used by the distance travelled.
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors influence a car's fuel efficiency. Firstly, the engine size and type impact fuel efficiency, with larger engines generally resulting in lower efficiency. The type of fuel used also matters, as different fuels have varying prices and energy densities. For example, diesel engines typically offer better fuel efficiency than petrol engines, resulting in lower costs per mile.
Additionally, the maintenance and condition of a car can affect its fuel efficiency. Properly inflating tyres, using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil, and avoiding unnecessary add-ons that increase drag can all contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, fuel efficiency considerations extend beyond traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs), for instance, offer significantly lower fuel costs per mile, even when charged using regular home electricity tariffs.
In conclusion, fuel efficiency is a critical aspect of modern driving, influencing both the financial burden on drivers and the environmental impact of their vehicles. Understanding fuel efficiency and taking steps to improve it can lead to substantial savings and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Engine tuning
Understanding Fuel Economy
Firstly, it's important to understand what fuel economy is and how it's calculated. Fuel economy, or fuel efficiency, quantifies how far a vehicle can travel using a specific amount of fuel. This is typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) or kilometres per litre (kmpl). The inverse of this is fuel consumption, which measures how much fuel a vehicle burns per unit of distance, typically in litres per kilometre (L/km) or litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km).
- Maintain proper tyre pressure: Properly inflated tyres can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. It's recommended to check your tyre pressure at least monthly and inflate your tyres to the pressure suggested by the car manufacturer.
- Use the recommended motor oil: Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve fuel mileage by 1-2%. Additionally, look for motor oils with "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol, indicating the presence of friction-reducing additives.
- Optimise spark plugs and ignition: Clean plugs are essential for efficient fuel burning. Ensure any glazing is removed from electrode tips, and all leads and hi-tension electrics are in good condition.
- Improve volumetric efficiency: A better exhaust design or a less restrictive intake can allow the engine to breathe easier, improving volumetric efficiency.
- Air/fuel ratio: The stoichiometric air/fuel ratio for ideal combustion is 14.7:1, meaning 14.7kg of air is combusted for every kg of fuel. Running a slightly leaner air/fuel ratio of around 15.5:1 can improve fuel economy, but going too lean may cause engine misfires.
- Direct injection: Direct injection engines inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing precise control over fuel addition and mixture with air. This technology can provide significant improvements in fuel economy.
- Engine temperature: Hotter engines are more efficient. Adjusting the thermostatic valve controlling the cooling system by a few degrees can improve fuel consumption.
- Reduce aerodynamic drag: Accessories like spoilers and ground effects kits may look nice, but they increase drag and fuel consumption.
- Plan your route: Driving shorter distances and taking highways instead of local routes can improve fuel efficiency. When in cities, consider parking in a central location and walking or using public transportation.
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Tyre pressure
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found a strong correlation between tyre pressure and fuel economy. Every 1% decrease in tyre pressure led to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. At 10% under inflation, fuel consumption increases by 2%. This rises to 4% at 20% under inflation and 8% at 40% under inflation.
It is important to note that tyres can lose pressure over time, losing about 1 PSI per month. Cold temperatures can also cause tyre pressure to decrease due to the thermal contraction of air. Therefore, it is recommended to check tyre pressure at least monthly, preferably weekly, and inflate to the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer.
While underinflated tyres can negatively affect fuel economy, overinflated tyres are not without their drawbacks. Over inflation can lead to a bumpier ride, compromise handling, and cause uneven tread wear. Additionally, comparative studies have found no link between tyres inflated above the manufacturer's recommendation and increased miles per gallon.
It is worth mentioning that tyre pressure is not the only factor influencing fuel economy. Driving style, engine tuning, and vehicle weight can also play a significant role in a vehicle's fuel efficiency.
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Type of petrol
The type of petrol used is one of the factors that determine the cost of fuel per mile. Other factors include the car's fuel efficiency, engine size, and the year of the car.
The cost of petrol per mile varies depending on the type of petrol used. For instance, unleaded and super unleaded petrol have different prices per litre, which will affect the cost per mile. Similarly, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have different prices and will result in different costs per mile.
The specific type of petrol used can impact the fuel efficiency of the car, which in turn affects the cost per mile. For example, a car with a larger engine will typically have lower fuel efficiency and incur a higher cost per mile. Additionally, the age of the car can play a role, as older cars tend to have lower fuel efficiency compared to newer models.
To calculate the cost of petrol per mile, you can use a formula or a petrol calculator app like Roadtrip. The manual calculation involves determining your car's fuel efficiency (usually found in the car's manual or online), finding the current price of petrol per litre, and then converting the litre cost to a gallon cost. This calculation can be time-consuming, especially when compared to the convenience of petrol calculator apps.
Using the average petrol price of £1.48 per litre as an example, the estimated cost per mile for the 10 most popular cars in the UK can be calculated. For a petrol car with average fuel efficiency (around 36 mpg), the cost per mile ranges from approximately 15p to 20p. This cost increases for cars with larger engines and decreases for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
In summary, the type of petrol used, along with other factors such as fuel efficiency, engine size, and the year of the car, contribute to the overall cost of fuel per mile. Petrol calculator apps and manual calculations can help determine the cost per mile for specific vehicles and current fuel prices.
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Frequently asked questions
You can calculate the cost of fuel per mile for your car by determining your car's fuel efficiency (in miles per gallon or mpg), finding the current price of petrol per litre, converting the litre cost to a gallon cost, and then calculating the cost per mile.
The cost of fuel per mile is influenced by the car's fuel efficiency, engine size, and the type of petrol used. For instance, cars with larger engines or lower fuel efficiency will have a higher cost per mile.
There are several ways to reduce fuel costs. You can ensure your car engine is properly tuned, keep your tires properly inflated, use the manufacturer's recommended motor oil, and drive shorter distances.
