Gas Station Timing: Best Days to Fill Up Your Tank

Emily Pollen
20 Min Read

Ever wonder if there’s a secret to saving money at the pump? It turns out that timing might just be the trick. While gas prices seem to have a mind of their own, the day you choose to fill up can make a difference. Let’s break down which days and times can help you keep some extra cash in your pocket.

Key Takeaways

  • Mondays are often the cheapest day to buy gas, so plan your fill-ups early in the week.
  • Fridays can also offer good deals, possibly due to fluctuating market trends.
  • Sundays are a decent choice too, as prices might drop before the new week starts.
  • Filling up early or late at night can save you money because cooler temperatures affect fuel density.
  • Avoid letting your tank run empty; aim to refill when it’s about a quarter full to protect your car’s fuel system.

1. Monday

Monday might not be your favorite day of the week, but it’s the best day to fill up your gas tank. According to various studies, including those by GasBuddy, Monday consistently offers the lowest gas prices across numerous states. This trend is largely because energy markets are closed over the weekend, and stations often haven’t adjusted their prices upward yet.

Why Monday?

  • Lower Demand: At the start of the week, fewer drivers are on the road than weekends, leading to less demand at the pump.
  • Price Adjustments: Gas stations often review and adjust their prices at the beginning of the week, typically resulting in lower costs on Mondays.
  • Market Trends: Energy markets resume on Mondays, providing a fresh price baseline before any mid-week increases.

Filling up on a Monday can save you a surprising amount over time. With prices being lower, a regular fill-up on this day could lead to significant savings annually.

Pro Tips for Monday Fill-Ups:

  1. Plan Ahead: Schedule your gas station visit during non-peak hours, like early morning or late evening, to avoid crowds.
  2. Check Local Prices: Use apps or websites to compare prices at nearby stations. Even within a small area, prices can vary significantly.
  3. Avoid Rush Hours: Filling up during the morning or evening rush can lead to longer wait times and potentially higher prices.

While you might dread the start of the workweek, filling up on Monday could be a bright spot in your routine, offering a chance to save a few bucks on your commute. Especially in smaller towns, remember, prices can change quickly, so keep an eye on trends and stay flexible.

2. Friday

Surprisingly, Friday has become one of the cheaper days to fill up your gas tank. This shift is a bit of a twist from when Fridays were notorious for having higher prices. Due to changes in work patterns, like more people working from home, gas stations seem to adjust their pricing strategies.

  • Why Friday?
    • The end of the workweek might mean less commuting for many, leading to lower demand.
    • Gas stations might offer competitive prices to attract weekend travelers.

If you’re planning a weekend trip, consider filling up on Friday. It might just save you a few bucks.

Key Points to Remember:

  1. Price Fluctuations: Gas prices vary a lot, even on Fridays. Always check local prices before heading out.
  2. Weekend Travel: Many people hit the road on weekends, so filling up on Friday can help you avoid the rush.
  3. Stay Informed: Use apps or websites to track gas prices in your area to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

In the grand scheme, timing your gas fill-up can be a small win against inflation. While prices have been unpredictable, knowing the right day to fill up can help ease some of the financial burden.

3. Sunday

Sunday is one of those days you might not think about filling up your gas tank, but it is a good choice. According to some studies, Sunday is often the second cheapest day of the week to buy gas. Why? Gas stations seem to be adjusting from the week’s fluctuations, and prices haven’t caught up to the higher weekday rates yet.

  • Relaxed Shopping: Sundays are generally quieter, which means less rush and more time to compare prices at different stations.
  • Weekend Plans: If you’re planning a road trip or any long drive, filling up on Sunday can save you a bit of cash before you hit the road.
  • Price Stability: Unlike on weekdays, Sunday prices are less likely to change throughout the day, ensuring a stable rate.

While Sundays might not always offer the rock-bottom prices like Mondays, they’re still a solid option if you’re looking to avoid the mid-week price spikes.

So, next time you find a free Sunday afternoon, consider stopping at your local gas station. It could be worth the few extra bucks you save.

4. Tuesday

Tuesday is a solid contender for filling up your gas tank. Many people find that prices are still relatively low, continuing from Monday’s trend. This is because energy markets don’t open until Monday, and any adjustments usually start making their way to the pumps by mid-week.

Why Tuesday Works

  • Market Stability: Since energy markets open on Monday, prices often stabilize by Tuesday.
  • Less Traffic: Fewer people tend to fill up on Tuesday, making it easier to get in and out quickly.
  • Midweek Deals: Some stations might offer midweek promotions to attract more customers.

Quick Tip

If you can, try to fill up on both Monday and Tuesday. This way, you can catch the lowest prices before any midweek hikes.

Considerations

  • Local Variations: Prices can vary significantly depending on your location. Therefore, it is important to monitor local trends.
  • Membership Perks: If you’re a Sam’s Club member, you might enjoy additional gas savings, which can make Tuesday even more appealing.

In summary, if Monday doesn’t work for you, Tuesday is your next best bet to avoid those midweek price jumps. Keep your eyes peeled for any local deals or promotions, and you might just save a bit more for your weekend plans.

5. Saturday

Saturday is a bit of a mixed bag when filling up your gas tank. It’s not the ideal day to fuel up to save some bucks. Historically, Saturday has been one of the pricier days to buy gas. Many people use the weekend to run errands and travel, leading to increased demand and higher prices.

Why Saturday Prices Fluctuate

  • Weekend Travel: Demand spikes with folks hitting the road for weekend getaways or family visits.
  • Weekly Price Adjustments: Stations often adjust prices based on the week’s trends, sometimes leading to higher costs by Saturday.
  • Supply Chain Factors: Any disruptions, like a pipeline closure, can further impact prices.

Tips for Saturday Fill-Ups

  1. Plan Ahead: If you must fill it out on Saturday, try to do it early in the morning before prices potentially rise.
  2. Use Apps: Price comparison apps can help you find the cheapest gas stations in your area.
  3. Consider Alternatives: If possible, fill up a day earlier or later to avoid the Saturday surge.

Even though Saturday might not be the best day for cost-conscious drivers, being strategic about when and where you fill up can still help you save a bit. Remember, a little planning goes a long way.

6. Early Morning

Filling up your gas tank in the early morning hours can seem like a smart move. The idea is that cooler temperatures make gasoline denser, so you might get a bit more fuel for your money. But does it really work that way?

The Science Behind It

Gasoline expands with heat. When it’s cooler, it is denser, meaning you could technically get more gas into your tank before it reaches the top. This sounds great, but modern gas stations have underground tanks that keep fuel at a pretty constant temperature.

Real-World Impact

In practice, the difference is minimal. Studies have shown that even with a 15-degree temperature change, the volume difference is only around 1%. So, while it might feel like you’re getting a deal, the savings aren’t significant enough to impact your wallet.

Considerations for EV Owners

Cold weather can affect your battery performance if you’re driving an electric vehicle. While this doesn’t relate directly to gas, it’s something to remember if you’re planning your morning commute.

Early morning fill-ups might sound like a clever hack, but the actual savings are negligible. It’s more about convenience than cost.

Best Practices

  • Consistency: Stick to a regular schedule that suits your lifestyle.
  • Rewards Programs: Use loyalty points or rewards to cut costs.
  • Avoid Peak Hours: Less traffic means a quicker stop, saving you time and stress.

In the end, early morning fill-ups will not revolutionize your savings, but they can fit nicely into a routine that makes your life easier.

7. Late Night

Filling up your gas tank late at night can be smart for several reasons. First, gas stations are typically less crowded, so you won’t find yourself waiting in long lines. This means you can get in and out quickly, saving precious time.

Another advantage is the cooler temperatures. Gasoline is denser when it’s cold, so theoretically, you might get more fuel for the same amount of money compared to filling up during the heat of the day. However, the difference is usually minimal due to temperature calibration at many stations. But every little bit helps, right?

Here’s a quick rundown of why late-night refueling might be a good idea:

  • Less Traffic: Fewer cars on the road and at the pump.
  • Cooler Temperatures: Slightly denser gas.
  • Convenience: Often quicker and more relaxed.

Filling up at night might not save you a fortune, but it can be a peaceful and efficient way to keep your tank topped off. Just like charging an electric vehicle at home during off-peak hours, timing can make a difference in convenience and cost-efficiency.

So, consider a late-night trip to the gas station next time you’re thinking of when to fill up. It’s a simple change that could make your fuel stops a bit smoother.

8. Full Tank

Filling your gas tank to the brim might seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Keeping your tank full can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Benefits of a Full Tank

  • Avoids Condensation: A full tank prevents condensation from forming inside, which can lead to water in your fuel.
  • Better Mileage: It might sound counterintuitive, but a full tank can help optimize your gas mileage by maintaining a consistent weight.
  • Emergency Ready: You never know when you’ll need to drive a long distance without warning. A full tank ensures you’re always prepared.

Economic Perspective

While it might sting a bit to see the numbers climb at the pump, it can be more economical in the grand scheme. You avoid frequent trips to the gas station, which saves time and reduces impulse purchases.

Filling up your tank when gas prices are lower can also help you save a few bucks. Gas prices tend to fluctuate, so timing your fill-ups when prices dip can be beneficial.

Tips for Keeping a Full Tank

  1. Set a Routine: Choose a specific day each week to fill up, regardless of how much gas you have left.
  2. Monitor Prices: Use apps or watch local news to know when gas prices are expected to drop.
  3. Budget for Gas: Allocate a specific amount of your budget for gas to avoid financial surprises.

Keeping your tank full isn’t just about avoiding the stress of running on empty; it’s about making a wise choice that benefits both your wallet and your vehicle’s health.

9. Quarter Full

Keeping your gas tank at least a quarter full isn’t just a suggestion; it’s smart for your car’s health. Running your tank too low can lead to costly repairs. When the fuel level gets too low, the pump starts pulling in air along with the gas, which can cause the pump to overheat and fail. Plus, the sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel filter, leading to even more issues.

Benefits of Maintaining a Quarter Tank

  • Protects the Fuel Pump: The fuel pump relies on gasoline to stay cool and lubricated. Without enough gas, it can overheat and wear out faster.
  • Avoids Sediment Problems: Keeping the tank above a quarter full ensures that the debris and particles at the bottom don’t get sucked into the engine.
  • Improves Fuel Efficiency: A lighter car is a more efficient car. With less gas weight, your vehicle can achieve better mileage.

Always keeping at least a quarter tank of gas isn’t just about avoiding an empty tank; it’s about maintaining your car’s performance and longevity.

While filling up more frequently might seem like a hassle, it’s a small price compared to the potential repair costs. Also, with higher energy prices affecting your wallet, avoiding any issues can help save money in the long run.

10. Avoid Empty

Running your gas tank down to empty is risky for getting stranded and rough on your car. Letting your fuel tank hit rock bottom can also damage your vehicle’s fuel pump. When the tank is nearly empty, the fuel pump pulls in the last bits of fuel along with any debris or sediment sitting at the bottom. Over time, this gunk can clog your fuel filter and lead to a costly pump failure.

Why Keeping a Quarter Tank Matters

  • Fuel Pump Longevity: Keeping your tank at least a quarter full helps the fuel pump stay submerged, keeping it cool and reducing wear.
  • Cleaner Fuel: You minimize the risk of drawing in dirt and debris from the tank’s bottom.
  • Emergency Readiness: You never know when to make an unexpected trip or get stuck in traffic. Having extra fuel can be a lifesaver.

Practical Tips

  1. Refuel at a Quarter Tank: Make it a habit to hit the gas station when your gauge reads a quarter tank.
  2. Track Fuel Levels: Keep an eye on your mileage and fuel gauge to avoid surprises.
  3. Plan Ahead: If you know a long trip is coming, fill up in advance.

Keeping your gas tank from running dry isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience. It’s about maintaining your car’s health and ensuring you’re always ready for the road ahead.

For those interested in maintaining their vehicles, proper winterization of your lawn mower is also essential to ensure it starts quickly in the spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Monday a good day to fill up your gas tank?

Gas prices are often lower on Mondays because the energy markets are closed over the weekend, leading to stable prices at the start of the week.

Is filling up your gas tank on Friday a good idea?

Yes, Fridays can be a good day to fill up because gas stations may offer lower prices to attract weekend travelers.

Should I wait until my tank is empty to refill?

No, it’s not advisable to wait until your tank is empty. Refilling at a quarter tank helps avoid damage to your fuel pump and ensures cleaner gas.

Is it better to fill up in the morning or at night?

Filling up early or late at night can be beneficial because cooler temperatures mean denser fuel, allowing you to get more for your money.

Why is Sunday considered a good day for gas?

Sundays often have lower gas prices as stations try to attract customers planning their week ahead.

Is it cheaper to fill your tank completely rather than partially?

Yes, filling your tank completely can save you money over time because it reduces the number of trips to the gas station and can lead to better gas mileage.

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Emily writes about hacks, tips, and tricks you should consider for your life. She will help you elevate your life in your career and life. She grew up in Des Moines, Iowa.