Swathes of Brits may be getting ripped off when refuelling their vehicles - but a simple hack could save them more than £100 every year.
An experienced full-time HGV driver has revealed a practical method for cutting down on fuel expenses, after realising just how much petrol and diesel prices can fluctuate. In a conversation with experts at Number 1 Plates, Malcolm Shaw explained how an easy-to-use app called PetrolPrices is key in saving him a small fortune when filling his tank.
PetrolPrices is a fuel price comparison app that displays a live map showing petrol and diesel prices submitted by real drivers across the UK. The real-time data allows users to quickly compare prices at nearby forecourts and identify where the cheapest fuel is available on any given day.
The RAC Foundation estimates that the average UK petrol car has a tank size of around 55 litres. Most drivers refuel approximately every 10 to 14 days, which means roughly 30 full refuels per year
"It's the first thing I check before a long day," Malcom said. "The difference between the most expensive and cheapest petrol station can be 5, 6, even 7p a litre — and that's just in the same postcode."
He says he regularly notices significant savings by simply choosing a petrol station just a short distance from his usual stop. "The other day I saw unleaded at 154.9 at one place, and 147.9 literally around the corner," the pro added. "For a full tank, that's over £4.50 saved, no effort."
To put these savings into perspective, the RAC Foundation estimates that the average UK petrol car has a tank size of around 55 litres. Most drivers refuel approximately every 10 to 14 days, which means roughly 30 full refuels a year. So If you save £4.50 every time you fill up, the total annual savings could be in the region of £135.
For households with multiple cars or those who commute longer distances, the amount saved could be considerably higher. Malcolm's message is straightforward — if you're not using a fuel price comparison app like PetrolPrices, you're probably paying more than you need to for fuel without even realising it.
He advises: "It takes seconds to check and could save you hundreds. I think every driver should have it." Fuel remains one of the largest monthly expenses for many UK households. Apps like PetrolPrices prove that a small change in your routine can make a meaningful difference to your finances. By simply taking a moment to compare prices, drivers can avoid overpaying and keep more money in their pockets.
In the current climate, where every penny counts, Malcolm's advice shows how technology can empower drivers to make smarter choices. Whether you're driving a heavy goods vehicle or a family car, using tools like PetrolPrices is a practical way to reduce fuel costs with little extra effort.
You can learn more about Petrol Prices here.
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