Get More Mileage: ADAC's Top Tips for Savvy Fueling
Reduce Fuel Costs: ADAC Outlines Optimal Times for Filling Up at the Pump - Reduced fuel costs: ADAC discloses the optimal times for refueling
Your wallet will thank you with these smart strategies for fueling up, backed by data from ADAC's in-depth analysis.
Fluctuating Fuel Prices: What You Need to Know
Fuel prices have taken an erratic dance recently, with Super E10 gasoline swinging as much as 12.5 cents per liter between morning and evening, and diesel following close behind, fluctuating by 13.3 cents. These discrepancies mark both the highest difference for E10 and the second highest for diesel since ADAC started tracking daily variations [1]. If you're asking yourself, "Does it matter when I fill up?" the answer is a resounding yes!
Just a year ago, fuel prices would only budge about 6-7 cents throughout the day. But what's the story now? "Pumping up at smart hours could net you more savings than you saw a year ago," ADAC’s fuel market guru, Christian Laberer, advises [1].
Top Picks: Evening Fills for Big Savings
One rule of thumb that'll save you big: Fill up in the evening instead of the crack of dawn. Fuel prices murmur a siren's song as they inch up from around 6:00 AM, peaking at around 7:00 AM during rush hour. Diesel becomes a whopping 9 cents more expensive, while Super E10 turns a hefty 8 cents dearer. But fear not! By 9:00 AM, prices plummet back down, only 2 cents higher than the daily average. They then take a slight uptick, follow a meandering course before settling towards the evening low.
A roundabout the office? Prices drop by 2 cents below the average around noon, and by 4 cents cheaper at around 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. The least pricey point, just before 8:00 PM, trumps the others by a hair, but the difference is negligible. After 10:00 PM, prices inch back up, resting steady through the night before revving up again the following morning.
ADAC charts an astonishing eight typical price peaks during the day, mirroring last year's record levels. Individual gas stations might ride higher, but this advice is based on average numbers [1].
To nab the exact low point, there's no guarantee, but the odds are in your favor. In the beginning of the year, the Federal Cartel Office found an average of 22 price changes per gas station, with some outliers boasting over 50 daily adjustments [3].
Extra Ammo: Arm Yourself with Tools
Ready to flex your savvy fueling skills? Grab these key weapons for your arsenal:
- ADAC Drive App: Take the pulse of fuel prices and locate the cheapest pumps in your area with this powerful app, which also provides real-time traffic updates and figures for various fuels like gasoline, diesel, natural gas/CNG, and LPG [2].
- Off-Peak Hours: Time your trips wisely and fuel up during less busy hours. The longer wait might not save cash on the spot but will reduce stress and frustration.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Keep your ride running smoothly and draining less fuel. Regular tune-ups and maintenance can help maintain peak fuel efficiency [4].
Hungry for even more surefire strategies? Head straight to ADAC’s resources for the latest local advice. Knowledge is power, and in the case of fuel prices, it’s your scoring ticket!
References:
- ADAC Reveals the Best Times to Fill Up
- ADAC Drive App Features
- Federal Cartel Office Report
- Energy Price Trends
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: technology and personal-finance. With the smart strategies for fueling up from ADAC, you can save money on both technology, such as the ADAC Drive App, and personal-finance by fueling up at smart hours, which not only saves money but also reduces stress during rush hour.
