Cheaper Gas Detour

Is driving farther for cheaper gas worth it?

Your numbers

Enter your numbers to see the result.

How Cheaper Gas Detour works

Pump savings = price difference × gallons purchased. Subtract the detour distance divided by MPG times the cheaper fuel price to find net savings.

A worked example

These sample values illustrate the calculation. Use your own numbers in the calculator for your result.

Example inputs
Nearby station ($/gallon)
3.6
Cheaper station ($/gallon)
3.4
Extra round-trip miles
8
Fuel economy (MPG)
30
Gallons to buy
12
Net savings
$1.49
Pump savings
$2.40
Detour fuel cost
$0.91
Extra fuel
0.2667 gal

Assumptions and limits

Negative net savings means the extra drive costs more than the pump savings. Time and wear are not included.

Check lender terms and manufacturer guidance. These estimates do not replace a mechanical inspection.