Most drivers have asked themselves this question at some point: when is the best time of day to buy fuel for my car? It’s a valid question, since gasoline prices fluctuate regularly caused by different factors (including general demand), that can make one time better than another.
Historical fuel price data shows that, on average, gasoline prices are lowest in the early morning hours. This makes sense, since gas stations typically receive their deliveries overnight and prices are set based on supply and demand. However, there are a few other things to keep in mind before heading out to fill up your tank first thing in the morning.
There are many other factors that affect prices
First, although historical data shows that gasoline prices are lowest in the morning, this doesn’t take into account real-time fluctuations. If there’s a sudden spike in gas prices, you may not be getting the best deal by filling up first thing in the morning. Second, gasoline evaporates more quickly at higher temperatures, so if it’s a hot day, you may want to wait until later in the day when the temperature has cooled down a bit.
Gasoline density is another factor to consider when deciding when to buy fuel for your car. Gasoline is more dense at cooler temperatures, so you’ll get more bang for your buck if you fill up in the morning when it’s cooler. However, keep in mind that gasoline density doesn’t have as big of an impact on price as historical prices or evaporation rates.
Use popular gas apps to get the best fuel prices
Using apps like Waze and Gasbuddy should give some idea of the best time of day to fill up or simple tap up, if you need to. Simply downloading these apps and monitoring them even on days when you don’t need fuel should show a clear pattern of when prices decrease or increase in your area.
Final thoughts
So, when is the best time of day to buy fuel for your car? The answer depends on a few factors, but historical data shows that the early morning hours are typically the best time to fill up your tank. Just be sure to keep an eye on real-time prices and temperature, and you’ll be sure to get the best deal!
