CarFuel FAQs
How to read a price, why a station might not appear and what the map and calculators can tell you.
Are CarFuel prices live at the pump?
No. A result shows the latest eligible price record CarFuel has received, together with its recorded time. Retailers can change pump prices after a record is sent, so treat it as a recent comparison rather than a live display and check the pump before paying.
How recent does a price have to be to appear?
CarFuel keeps a 30-day freshness window for comparison queries. A record outside that window is not treated as a current comparison. Passing the freshness check does not mean the pump price has remained unchanged since its timestamp.
Why is a station missing from my results?
A station may not have a valid record for the fuel grade you selected, may fall outside the chosen radius, may have a record outside the freshness window, or may not meet the site’s basic price checks. The supermarket-only filter can narrow the list further because it relies on the retailer name supplied with a station record.
What does the CHEAPEST label mean?
It marks the lowest listed price for the fuel grade you selected within the results currently shown. It stays on that result if you sort the list by nearest first. It does not add the cost of a detour, vehicle fuel use, loyalty discounts or retailer conditions.
Is distance the same as driving distance?
No. The search radius and nearest-first order use a straight-line calculation between coordinates. Roads, barriers, traffic and access points can make the drive longer. Use a navigation service to plan the actual route.
Which fuel grades can I compare?
The search offers unleaded petrol (E10), premium petrol (E5), standard diesel (B7) and premium diesel (SDV), where eligible records are available. Follow your vehicle handbook or the label inside the fuel flap if you are unsure which grade is suitable.
How does Find stations near me work?
The control asks your browser for permission to read an approximate device location. If you allow it, CarFuel sends the coordinates with the search request to find nearby stations. You can deny permission and enter a postcode or town instead.
Why might a map pin not land exactly on a petrol station?
Pins use coordinates stored for each station. A source coordinate can be approximate or become outdated. The map is a visual aid, not confirmation of an entrance, site boundary or current access route.
How is the fill-up estimate calculated?
The station calculator multiplies the litres you enter by the selected station price in pence per litre, then converts the result to pounds. It is an estimate based on the latest eligible record, not a quote from the retailer.
How does the journey cost calculator work?
It estimates fuel needed from distance and fuel economy, then applies the price you enter or select. A road route can be requested for supported locations. Actual consumption varies with the vehicle, load, weather, traffic and driving style.
Can I publish a CarFuel chart or price figure?
The Press room provides ready-made embeds and the current reuse terms. Keep the linked CarFuel credit with an embed or a quoted figure, include the record date when you cite a number, and do not present an old screenshot as a current price.
Does CarFuel use advertising or analytics cookies?
CarFuel and some service providers may use cookies or similar technologies to support site features and understand how the service is used. What is stored depends on the features used and services enabled. You can manage or clear browser storage in your browser settings. Read the Cookie Policy for a summary.
How can I ask about privacy or data use?
If you have a question about how CarFuel uses information, contact the CarFuel team. The Privacy Policy explains the main information used and the choices available.