Beat the pump. Finance expert suggests fueling up early to save on gasoline costs

British finance journalist Martin Lewis divulged on his podcast a theory that claims owners of gasoline cars and diesel vehicles can save money during refueling by making minor adjustments to their habits. What should one do? During his podcast broadcast, Martin read a letter from a listener named Paula, who chose to share her helpful advice on refueling tricks. The woman confessed in her letter that she previously worked at a gas station. According to her, visiting early in the morning or late at night is beneficial, primarily taking advantage of low temperatures. It seems that the cold significantly impacts fuel density.

Paula shared some intriguing insights in her letter to the finance expert. According to her theory, fueling the car during early morning or late evening hours when outside temperatures are low is optimal. Paula asserted that colder fuel contains a higher density. She maintained that a liter of cold gasoline or diesel weighs more than a liter of warm fuel. Since gas stations charge based on volume, not weight, she suggests that following her advice is logical.

Paula's theory posits that refueling with more gasoline when cold could save money. Martin Lewis conceded that he had once heard about this technique as well. However, various researchers and experts suggest that the daily fluctuations in air temperature hold a minuscule impact on the volume of fuel obtained. Thus, the acclaimed theory doesn't seem to hold much weight in saving money.