Drivers offered petrol station lifeline to save on fuel costs by filling up at a certain time of the day

The worst time to buy petrol or diesel is believed to be at midday or after 5pm when most people are done with work.

One expert explained that a common saving tip for drivers is to fill up late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

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This can help save drivers money on their petrol and diesel costs because fuel is denser during the cooler times of the day.

Gordon Wallis, from Your NRG, stated that 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".

The cost-saving hack could come in handy for drivers as the average price of fuel continues to rise.

Currently, the average price for a litre of petrol is 144.94p per litre, while diesel drivers pay just over £1.50 a litre.

In another suggestion, Wallis said that many drivers resort to only filling up their car by half to avoid unnecessary weight.

But Wallis detailed that despite a full tank adding weight, it's typically less than five per cent of the car's total weight.

“So the difference in fuel efficiency between a full and half-full tank is likely to be minimal and you might not see much change at the fuel station,” he added.

He warned that it is important for drivers to avoid running a car on low fuel as there are “several downsides” to this.

One of them is that as the fuel level gets low, debris can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. which can clog the fuel filter and pump, leading to performance issues and potentially expensive repairs, Wallis explained.

When a fuel gauge hits 50 miles left, drivers should consider refuelling their car. This can allow “plenty of time” for motorists to look for the best fuel prices, rather than being rushed into a decision.

Wallis concluded, saying: “Running out of fuel completely can damage the fuel pump itself, especially if it runs dry as it can be a costly fix.

"Focusing on maintaining a healthy fuel level, rather than constantly topping up or running on fumes, is a more practical approach to fuel efficiency.

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“By keeping your tank at least a quarter full, you can avoid any risks associated with low fuel levels and get rid of any potential efficiency drawbacks from a full tank."