You've probably heard the advice: fill up on a Tuesday, avoid weekends, never buy before a bank holiday. But is there actually any truth to these claims? We've analysed the data to separate fact from fiction.
The Day of the Week Theory
The popular belief is that fuel is cheapest on Tuesday or Wednesday, and most expensive at weekends. The logic goes that retailers raise prices when more people are driving and shopping.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
The verdict: There's some truth to this, but the difference is typically only 1-2p per litre at most. You'll save more by choosing the right station than the right day.
Time of Day: Does It Matter?
Some suggest filling up early in the morning when fuel is cooler and therefore denser, meaning you get slightly more for your money. Let's address this myth directly:
Myth: Fill up in the morning for denser fuel
Underground storage tanks maintain a relatively constant temperature regardless of the weather above. The difference in fuel density between morning and afternoon is negligible – we're talking fractions of a penny per tank.
Verdict: Not worth worrying about
Seasonal Patterns
Fuel prices do follow some seasonal patterns that are worth knowing:
- Before bank holidays – Prices often creep up as demand increases
- School holidays – Summer and Easter holidays see higher prices
- Winter vs Summer – Diesel tends to be pricier in winter due to heating oil demand
- Budget announcements – Prices can spike before expected duty changes (though these rarely happen now)
Pro Tip
Fill up a few days before a bank holiday weekend, not on the Friday. You'll often find prices 1-3p cheaper and avoid the queues.
The Real Secret: Location, Location, Location
Here's the truth that no timing trick can beat: the difference between the cheapest and most expensive stations in your area is typically 10-15p per litre. That's 5-10 times more than any day-of-week variation.
A 50-litre tank at 10p difference per litre = £5 saved. Do that twice a month for a year, and you're looking at £120 in savings – just by choosing the right station.
When Timing Really Matters
There are situations where timing genuinely makes a difference:
- After a supermarket price cut – When Asda or Tesco announce a price cut, others often follow within 24-48 hours. Fill up early to benefit.
- Before a price rise – If oil prices have been climbing for a few days, pump prices will follow. Fill up before they catch up.
- When your tank hits quarter full – Don't wait until you're running on fumes. Keep flexibility to choose the best station.
The Bottom Line
While there's a kernel of truth to the "fill up on Tuesday" advice, the savings are minimal. Your time is better spent comparing prices between stations than worrying about which day to buy.
Use Fuelwise to check prices before every fill-up. That 30-second search will save you more than any day-of-week strategy ever could.
Quick Action
Bookmark Fuelwise on your phone. Check it every time you need fuel, regardless of the day. That's the only timing strategy you need.