Fuel strategy?
Discussion
It's been a while since I drove in France (for Le Mans classic last year) so can any more regular travellers or residents confirm the current pricing of French sans plomb?
Wondering whether a sensible fuel strategy is to run it to just under a quarter tank by Dover with the aim of clearing the expensive fuel stations close to Calais (as used to be the case) or just fill the thing up and get as far south as possible on the basis that there's little advantage to be had, particularly with the Euro being as strong as it is.
So, what's your fuel strategy of choice chaps, and why?
Wondering whether a sensible fuel strategy is to run it to just under a quarter tank by Dover with the aim of clearing the expensive fuel stations close to Calais (as used to be the case) or just fill the thing up and get as far south as possible on the basis that there's little advantage to be had, particularly with the Euro being as strong as it is.
So, what's your fuel strategy of choice chaps, and why?
Having given up the diesel that could (just) have got there an back on a single tank, I shall be filling up in the UK just before leaving home (Hampshire/Surrey border) which should be enough to get to Rouen where the fuel stop can be combined with a high class luncheon from the service station shop. This should be enough for the week and the return trip to Rouen on the Sunday night after the race. I might make a pitstop for a fill up during the week if the opportunity arises.
Stuart said:
It's been a while since I drove in France (for Le Mans classic last year) so can any more regular travellers or residents confirm the current pricing of French sans plomb?
Wondering whether a sensible fuel strategy is to run it to just under a quarter tank by Dover with the aim of clearing the expensive fuel stations close to Calais (as used to be the case) or just fill the thing up and get as far south as possible on the basis that there's little advantage to be had, particularly with the Euro being as strong as it is.
So, what's your fuel strategy of choice chaps, and why?
This website gives you all the current fuel prices (it's updated very regularly):Wondering whether a sensible fuel strategy is to run it to just under a quarter tank by Dover with the aim of clearing the expensive fuel stations close to Calais (as used to be the case) or just fill the thing up and get as far south as possible on the basis that there's little advantage to be had, particularly with the Euro being as strong as it is.
So, what's your fuel strategy of choice chaps, and why?
http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/
Last time I looked it was around €1.15 / litre in supermarkets, more on the autoroutes.
We're aiming to fill up in the UK and, bearing in mind Le Plod will be out in force, having a gentle run down to Le mans. There are big supermarkets near Dover and Folkestone which don't involve major detours - the Dover one is about 5 miles outside Dover, and you get to it from the roundabout with the petrol station on it. Tesco.com and Google maps are your friend.
For the Eurotunnel contingent, there's a bit Tesco just off the M20 which you get to from the junction (J12 I think) immediately after the Eurotunnel junction. The good thing is that there is a back route from there which brings you onto the Eurotunnel access road. Again, Google maps will reveal all.
Stuart, it isn't so much the pricing but the state of the pound that will more influence things I reckon. At the moment 98 octane is about 1.20€ a litre so I doubt a lot different to the UK but of course as always you pay dear on autoroutes.However, anyone driving a dismal engined car will substantially benefit from filling up this side of the water. As an observation, the actual cost difference there and back will probably amount to about the cost of a pint anyway, so who actually worries? Be interesting to hear the conversation with the BIB though if you are coming flat stick!
This is the first year I'll be using my own petrol. Previously I filled up company motor at Tesco in Dover on the dial card. Usually needed ten quid's worth in France on return journey then back to Dover to fill up again. Birmingham - Le Mans return for ten quid , now I have to pay for my petrol. Retirement does have it's disadvantages.
Dave
Dave
(if i drive to "le plod's" standards 
)
gt6 said:
Went to Spa for the 6 hour race at the weekend and the price of fuel was sky high, at a supermarket about 10 miles from calais it was Euro 1.33 for unleaded so that makes the 95p in the UK cheap. Fill up before you cross the channel
1.33 sounds like autoroute prices. 1.19 is more like the price at most of the supermarches, such as the Champion in Mulsanne.See link above for current prices - just select the fuel type and type in the location.
Fuel strategy
You are on a trip to the sports car mecca man.
Just put the fuel in and go. You cannot go to LE-MANS and worry about the cost of fuel and things when you get there.
Chill and enjoy then explain to the other half why you spent so much money.
You are on a trip to the sports car mecca man.
Just put the fuel in and go. You cannot go to LE-MANS and worry about the cost of fuel and things when you get there.
Chill and enjoy then explain to the other half why you spent so much money.
Edited by Digger Man on Friday 15th May 14:39
Edited by Digger Man on Friday 15th May 14:42
Digger Man said:
Fuel strategy
You are on a trip to the sports car mecca man.
Just put the fuel in and go. You cannot go to LE-MANS and worry about the cost of fuel and things when you get there.
Chill and enjoy then explain to the other half why you spent so much money.
Not worried about it in the slightest. I'm going in an R8 for feck's sake - if I was worried it'd be something at least diesel powered! Just wondering what's the received wisdom on it nowadays given that both the Euro and fuel prices have shifted around a bit since last I drove down.You are on a trip to the sports car mecca man.
Just put the fuel in and go. You cannot go to LE-MANS and worry about the cost of fuel and things when you get there.
Chill and enjoy then explain to the other half why you spent so much money.
Edited by Digger Man on Friday 15th May 14:39
Edited by Digger Man on Friday 15th May 14:42
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