Cheap petrol prices near you can be useful, but only if each result is a fair comparison. Before choosing a station, work through four checks: grade, record time, litres and route.
- Grade: compare the fuel approved for your vehicle, not a different product.
- Record time: note when the displayed figure was captured.
- Litres: calculate the saving for the amount you will actually buy.
- Route: include the extra road miles and time.
Use the local petrol search to find candidate forecourts. If you are comparing a small number of records, do not assume the lowest one represents every station in the area. The sample size matters.
For instance, a 1p-per-litre difference on 20 litres saves 20p. That may be worthwhile if the station is already on your route, but rarely justifies a separate drive across town. Check the pump on arrival and keep the receipt if you want to compare your real fill cost next time.
Prices and availability can change. Check the current pump price and the fuel grade approved for your vehicle before filling.