Sylvie Willis
Fuel prices have been on a rollercoaster ride lately, with petrol and diesel prices soaring and then falling. While prices have dropped in recent weeks, they are still significantly higher than last year. So, what's the cheapest fuel you can get for your car without compromising on quality? Well, there are a few ways to find out. Firstly, you can use a fuel price comparison app or website, which will help you find the cheapest fuel stations near you. Secondly, you can make some simple checks and adjustments to your vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and save money. Finally, some apps and fuel cards offer rewards and discounts, so you can save money every time you fill up.
Cheapest Fuel for a Car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest fuel type | E85 (40 cents cheaper than regular) |
| Cheapest fuel station finder apps | GasBuddy, PetrolPrices, Car Owl |
| Cheapest fuel stations | Independent stations are usually cheaper than branded stations |
| Cheapest fuel payment methods | GasBuddy card, GasBack |
| Cheapest fuel consumption | Reduce car weight, lower tyre pressure, and smooth driving can improve fuel efficiency |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel-saving apps
Fuel is expensive, and prices can vary significantly between stations. Luckily, there are many apps available to help you find the cheapest fuel in your area. These apps can also help you save money by offering rewards, discounts, and cashback. Here are some of the best fuel-saving apps:
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is a popular app that helps you find the best fuel prices in your area. It is crowd-sourced, relying on users to report real-time prices at stations. It also offers a GasBuddy card that can be used to get additional discounts and cashback. The card can be linked to a checking account and used like a debit card. GasBuddy claims that users can save up to 30 cents per gallon by using the card and activating deal alerts in the app. The app is free to download and is available for both iPhone and Android users.
PetrolPrices
The PetrolPrices app helps UK users find the cheapest filling stations in their area. It covers about 8,300 forecourts across the UK and can help users save up to £15 when filling up a typical family car.
AAA Mobile
The AAA Mobile app, offered by the American Automobile Association (AAA), helps users plan road trips and check fuel prices along the way. It also provides information on EV charging stations and offers hotel discounts and other travel-related perks for paid members.
Trucker Tools
Trucker Tools is an all-in-one app for truckers that helps them find and book loads and save money on fuel. It provides updated fuel prices, live traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn directions. It is highly rated by truck drivers across the country.
Other Fuel-Saving Methods
In addition to using fuel-saving apps, there are other simple ways to reduce fuel consumption and save money. These include:
- Keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure
- Reducing the weight of the vehicle by removing unnecessary items from the boot
- Filling up the tank slightly more often but only partially (to half or three-quarters full) to reduce the weight of the fuel
- Driving smoothly and avoiding rapid acceleration or deceleration
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Cheapest fuel stations
There are several ways to find the cheapest fuel stations. One way is to use a fuel price comparison app such as GasBuddy, which allows users to find the best fuel prices in their area and save up to 25 cents per gallon. The app also offers a fuel rewards program called Pay with GasBuddy+™, which can save users up to 50 cents per gallon.
Another similar app is PetrolPrices, which has over 2.75 million UK users and claims to help drivers save up to £240 a year. The app allows users to filter by brand or fuel type and sort by distance or price. It also has a Fuel Map feature that offers the most comprehensive fuel price tracking in the UK.
Some other ways to save money on fuel include taking advantage of supermarket petrol stations, which often offer great value and convenience, and signing up for loyalty programs at specific stations, such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, which offer rewards and cost-effective fuelling options. Costco, for example, offers exclusive fuel savings for members.
Additionally, some simple checks and adjustments to your vehicle can help reduce fuel consumption and save money. For instance, regularly checking tyre pressure and removing unnecessary weight from the car can help improve fuel efficiency.
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Fuel-efficient cars
When it comes to choosing a car with good fuel efficiency, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that modern vehicles are generally more efficient than older models, but some newer models stand out for their exceptional fuel economy.
One of the most well-known fuel-efficient cars is the Toyota Prius, which offers impressive fuel efficiency, with the 2023 model delivering up to 57/56/57 mpg. The 2024 model has evolved with improved fuel economy and up to 196 horsepower. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is another notable option, with fuel efficiency ratings of 51/58/54 mpg for the base Blue variant and slightly lower ratings for higher trims. The Kia Niro is also a popular choice, available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric powertrain, with the hybrid model delivering 53/54/53 mpg.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car in its price range, starting at just under $18,000. The Mirage hatchback is rated at 36/43/39 mpg, while the Mirage G4 sedan offers slightly lower fuel efficiency at 35/41/37 mpg.
For those seeking a balance between luxury and fuel efficiency, the 2025 Toyota Crown offers a unique value proposition with its rich interior and hybrid powertrains. Additionally, the Lexus ES is a reasonably priced mid-size luxury sedan that provides a smooth driving experience, ample safety features, and a plush interior.
It's worth mentioning that all-electric models, such as the Chevy Bolt, offer the advantage of completely eliminating fuel costs, but the switch to electric may not suit everyone's driving needs or budget. Hybrid vehicles, like the Honda Accord, provide a good alternative by combining fuel efficiency with the flexibility of a gas-powered engine.
When considering fuel efficiency, it's not just about the car; there are also simple checks and adjustments you can make to improve your vehicle's fuel consumption. Maintaining correct tyre pressures, reducing unnecessary weight in your car, and using tools like the GasBuddy app or the PetrolPrices app can help you find the cheapest fuel prices and further optimise your fuel efficiency.
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Lower tyre pressure
Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure is an important way to save money on fuel. Under-inflated tyres increase the vehicle's drag, which in turn increases fuel consumption.
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found that every 1% decrease in tyre pressure correlated to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. Under-inflating the tyre by 10% increases fuel consumption by 2%, and 20% under inflation increases consumption by 4%. With tyre pressure at 40% below the recommended level, the tyre's fuel consumption increases by 8%. This can have a significant effect over time, as tyres can naturally lose one to two PSI per month. Changes in temperature can also affect tyre pressure. For every 5 °C drop in temperature, there is a 2% loss in tyre pressure.
Overinflating your tyres will also use more fuel, so it is important to keep the pressure at the correct level. The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box, and in your owner's manual.
In addition to keeping your tyres at the correct pressure, there are other simple checks and adjustments you can make to your vehicle to reduce fuel consumption. Keeping your engine tuned, using the recommended grade of motor oil, and removing unnecessary weight from your car can all help to improve fuel efficiency.
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Fuel price monitor
Fuel prices have been on a rollercoaster ride lately, and drivers are increasingly looking for ways to save money on fuel. One way to do this is by using a fuel price monitor. These tools help you find the cheapest fuel stations in your area, so you can save money on every fill-up.
There are several fuel price comparison tools available, such as GasBuddy, PetrolPrices, and Car Owl. These platforms allow you to compare prices at different stations and make informed decisions about where to refuel. Some tools may require you to register and enter your postcode, town, or city, and your preferred radius or travel distance.
For example, the GasBuddy app and card help you locate the cheapest gas stations near you and offer additional savings through their Pay with GasBuddy+™ fuel rewards program. The PetrolPrices app also helps you find the cheapest filling stations in your area, covering about 8,300 forecourts across the UK. Meanwhile, the Car Owl platform provides live fuel price updates near you, ensuring you get the best value for your money on every fill-up.
In addition to using fuel price monitors, there are other ways to save on fuel costs. One way is to reduce your fuel consumption by making some simple checks and adjustments to your vehicle. For instance, maintaining correct tyre pressure, removing unnecessary weight from your car, and refuelling more frequently but filling up less can all contribute to reducing your fuel costs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several apps and websites that can help you find the cheapest fuel in your area. GasBuddy, PetrolPrices, and Car Owl are some examples. These tools allow you to compare fuel prices at stations in your area and make informed decisions about where to refuel.
Aside from finding the cheapest fuel prices, you can also reduce your fuel consumption by making some simple adjustments to your vehicle and driving habits. For example, keeping your tyres at the correct pressure, removing unnecessary weight from your car, and driving smoothly can all help to improve fuel efficiency.
Yes, there are many fuel-efficient cars and SUVs available that offer great fuel economy at good prices. Consumer Reports has a list of recommended models from brands like BMW, Honda, and Toyota. Local supply and demand can also influence pricing, so it's worth checking for incentives and deals offered by automakers and dealers.
