Most drivers think about fuel one fill-up at a time, which hides the real total. Adding it up over a year is often a surprise — and it's the figure that matters when you're budgeting or comparing cars.
Annual fuel cost by mileage
Petrol at £1.45 a litre, at two common economy figures:
| Annual miles | At 35 MPG | At 45 MPG | At 55 MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 | £1,130.03 | £878.91 | £719.11 |
| 8,000 | £1,506.70 | £1,171.88 | £958.81 |
| 10,000 | £1,883.38 | £1,464.85 | £1,198.51 |
| 12,000 | £2,260.06 | £1,757.82 | £1,438.22 |
| 15,000 | £2,825.07 | £2,197.28 | £1,797.77 |
How to estimate your annual mileage
If you don't know your yearly figure, check your last two MOT certificates — the mileage is recorded at each test, and the difference is a year's driving. Alternatively, multiply your typical weekly miles by 52, then adjust for holidays.
Fuel is only part of the picture
Fuel is usually the biggest single running cost after depreciation, but a full car budget also includes insurance, VED (road tax), MOT, servicing, tyres and repairs. Comparing fuel alone? The cost per mile calculator is the fairest way to compare two cars, and the EV vs fuel calculator shows what the same mileage would cost in an electric car.
Drive for work?
If some of those miles are business journeys in your own car, you may be able to claim 45p a mile from your employer — or tax relief from HMRC if they pay less. Try the mileage allowance calculator.
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
Small habits add up over a year of driving. None of these are dramatic on their own, but together they can noticeably improve your real-world MPG:
- Accelerate and brake smoothly. Reading the road ahead and avoiding harsh acceleration uses less fuel.
- Keep tyres at the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Check the pressures in your handbook or on the door pillar.
- Remove unnecessary weight. Clear out the boot and take off empty roof boxes and bars when you don't need them.
- Plan journeys and combine trips. A warm engine is more efficient, so one longer round trip often beats several short ones.
- Keep the car maintained. Regular servicing keeps the engine running as intended.
- Compare fuel prices. Prices can vary between nearby forecourts, and motorway services are often more expensive.