In the ever-evolving landscape of car travel and economy, understanding the cost of petrol per mile in the UK is crucial for every driver.

Understanding Petrol Prices in the UK

Heading into 2024, the UK's fuel prices have seen fluctuation, a common trend in recent years. These variations directly impact the cost per mile for drivers, making budgeting for road trips and daily commutes a challenging task.

The Impact of Car Specifications on Fuel Costs

The cost of petrol per mile significantly varies depending on several factors, including the car's fuel efficiency, engine size, and the type of petrol used. For instance, cars with larger engines or lower fuel efficiency will naturally incur a higher cost per mile.

Based on the average petrol price of £1.48 per litre, here are the estimated costs per mile for the 10 most popular cars in the UK:

1. Ford Fiesta: Approximately 10.2p per mile
2. Vauxhall Corsa: Around 12.4p per mile
3. Volkswagen Golf: Approximately 12.9p per mile
4. Nissan Qashqai: Around 13.3p per mile
5. Ford Focus: Approximately 11.4p per mile
6. Volkswagen Polo: Around 11.2p per mile
7. Mini Cooper: Approximately 13.6p per mile
8. Mercedes-Benz A Class: Around 12.6p per mile
9. BMW 3 Series: Approximately 11.9p per mile
10. Toyota Yaris: Around 9.8p per mile

One thing to note is that the year of your car makes a massive difference in the cost per mile – that's why we recommend using a fuel calculator to find the exact specs of your car

How to calculate petrol per mile for your exact car model

There are two ways to calculate petrol per mile – use a formula or use a petrol calculator app like Roadtrip.

We generally prefer the ease of use of an app like Roadtrip because it looks up your cars petrol per mile for you – including hills which are an important factor for calculating petrol per mile.

Using a Formula to Calculate Fuel Costs

To calculate the petrol price per mile manually, you can use a straightforward formula. Here's how it works:

1. Determine Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: You need to know your car's miles per gallon (MPG). This information is usually available in your car's manual or can be found online.
2. Find the Current Price of Petrol: Check the latest petrol price per litre. You can find this information at local petrol stations or through various online resources.
3. Convert Litre Cost to Gallon Cost: Since MPG is measured per gallon, and petrol is sold per litre in the UK, you need to convert the cost from litre to gallon. There are approximately 4.54609 litres in a UK gallon.
4. Formula: Cost per litre x 4.54609 = Cost per gallon
5. Calculate Cost Per Mile: Now, use the MPG and cost per gallon to find out the cost per mile.
6. Formula: Cost per gallon / MPG = Cost per mile

For example, if your car has a fuel efficiency of 40 MPG and the current petrol cost is

£1.48 per litre, the calculation would be as follows:

Cost per gallon = £1.48 x 4.54609 = £6.73 (approximately)

Cost per mile = £6.73 / 40 MPG = £0.168 per mile (approximately)

So, for this example, the petrol cost per mile would be approximately 17p.

Using the Roadtrip App for Easier Calculation

While the manual calculation provides a good estimate, it can be a bit cumbersome, especially if you need to do it frequently or for different vehicles. This is where the Roadtrip app comes in handy. The app simplifies this process by doing all the calculations for you. Here’s how you can use Roadtrip:

1. Download and Open the App: Available for both iOS and Android, Roadtrip is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
2. Enter Your Details: Simply input your destination, car model, and the app will use its database to find your car's fuel efficiency.
3. Get Instant Calculations: Roadtrip calculates the total cost of your journey using the latest fuel prices, specific to your car's make and model. It gives you the cost per mile, as well as the total cost for your journey.

Using Roadtrip not only saves time but also provides more accurate and tailored information for your specific vehicle and current fuel prices. Whether you prefer the traditional method or the modern convenience of an app, both approaches will help you better understand and manage your fuel expenses.

Average Petrol Prices and Mileage Costs

As of the latest data available, the average cost of ultra low sulphur unleaded petrol in the UK hovers around £1.48 per litre. However, these numbers can change rapidly due to market and geopolitical influences.

Let's break down the costs based on average mileage and fuel efficiency:

• For a petrol car with average fuel efficiency (around 36 mpg):
• The cost per mile ranges from approximately 15p to 20p.
• This cost escalates for cars with larger engines and decreases for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Real-World Examples:

1. Small Engine Petrol Car (up to 1400 cc, 46 mpg):
2. Cost per mile: Approximately 15p.
3. Medium Engine Petrol Car (1401 to 2000 cc, 42 mpg):
4. Cost per mile: Around 16p.
5. Large Engine Petrol Car (Over 2000 cc, 34 mpg):
6. Cost per mile: Approximately 20p.

These figures are essential for drivers to understand their spending on fuel, especially in a time when economic considerations are paramount.

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Conclusion

Understanding the cost of petrol per mile is more than a number; it's about being informed and prepared for your travels. In these dynamic times, tools like Roadtrip play a pivotal role in helping drivers manage their travel expenses effectively. Stay updated and plan your journeys with precision, and don't forget to explore how Roadtrip can make your travels more economical and enjoyable.