How much you pay to fill your car depends on three things: your tank size, the fuel price, and which station you use. This guide shows typical fill costs by car type and explains how to calculate your running costs.
Typical fill costs by car type
Based on E10 petrol at approximately 130p per litre:
Diesel cars cost approximately 6% more to fill due to the higher per-litre price.
Cost per mile
Your cost per mile depends on your fuel economy (MPG) and the price you pay per litre. Here's a rough guide at current prices:
Quick calculation: Take the fuel price in pence (e.g. 130p), multiply by 4.546 (litres per gallon), and divide by your MPG. For example: 130 × 4.546 ÷ 40 = 14.8p per mile.
Annual fuel costs
The average UK driver covers about 7,400 miles per year (down from 8,000+ pre-pandemic). Here's what that costs at current prices:
High-mileage drivers (15,000+ miles/year) spend roughly double these figures. For them, even a small price saving per litre compounds significantly.
How to reduce your fill cost
You can't change your tank size, but you can control the price per litre and how many litres you use:
- Compare before you fill. The price gap between stations is typically 10–15p per litre. On a 50L tank, that's £5–7.50 per fill. Search your postcode →
- Use standard fuel. Don't pay for super unleaded or premium diesel unless your car requires it. E10 vs E5 explained
- Drive at 60, not 70. Dropping from 70mph to 60mph improves fuel economy by up to 9%.
- Check tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by 3–5%.
- Remove weight and drag. Roof racks, boxes, and unnecessary items in the boot all reduce efficiency.
Save £5–8 on every fill
Choosing the right station is the single biggest saving. Enter your postcode to find the cheapest fuel near you.
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