In 2022, fuel prices have skyrocketed. And even though they were already well below the peak values at the end of December, diesel, gasoline, etc. still cost a lot. With these tricks you can get cheaper fuel and use less fuel.
According to the ADAC, 2022 was the most expensive year for refueling: After the refueling discount no longer regulated fuel prices at the end of August, Super E10 became up to 35 ct/L more expensive, according to a study by the automobile club – for diesel, which was already more expensive, it was up to 18 ct/L. This means high costs for people who rely on their cars. With these tips you can fill up cheaper and save fuel.
Refuel off the highway or abroad
As the mdr reports with reference to a study by the ADAC, refueling on the motorway is significantly more expensive than after the exit: on average you pay 26 ct/L and 25 ct/L more for Super E10 and diesel at the service station. If the distance to the border is not far, it is often worth going abroad – but you have to be careful and find out more beforehand. While fuel prices are generally somewhat lower in Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria, they are usually more expensive in the Netherlands, according to mdr. Luxembourg could also be worthwhile because the state there has set a price cap.
It’s worth filling up in the evening
Also with reference to a study by the ADAC, the mdr advises filling up in the evening between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. or between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. At these times, fuel prices are almost always lower than during more expensive periods – up to 22 cents/L. Fuel is particularly expensive around 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the afternoon. So if you plan ahead and have time to fill up in the evening, you can save a lot of money with this trick. Platforms for comparing gas stations also help. A list of such platforms with reliable data from the Market Transparency Office for Fuels, some of which are also available as an app, can be found on the Federal Cartel Office website. Comparison platforms often allow you to set a notification to pop up when a certain price level is reached, so you don’t miss the right moment to refuel.
Speeders pay more for gas
The ADAC has bad news for speeders: According to the automobile club, those who do not adhere to the specified speed limits consume more fuel due to frequent acceleration and braking. For the same reason, not only for everyone’s safety, but also financially foresighted driving is very worthwhile, with early upshifts (around 2,000 revolutions per minute) and the use of the engine brake being particularly recommended. Furthermore, you should transport as little heavy load as possible, use energy-saving tires and maintain the vehicle regularly. Maintenance is so important because tire pressure, engine air filters and regular oil changes have a direct impact on fuel consumption. And anyone who can do without the auxiliary heater should also do so: according to the ADAC, if it is in operation, the additional consumption of 0.2 to 0.5 liters per hour adds up over time.
Editorial team finanzen.net