Back to all

No Fueling! (Fuel Filler Location)

October 22, 2023

If you've ever gotten in an unfamiliar vehicle, maybe a rental car, you may have pulled up to the gas pump and wondered, "Which side is the fuel filler on?" Here's a tip for you.  There is usually a little arrow on the instrument panel near the fuel gauge that points to the side where the fuel filler is. 

But why are the fuel fillers not all on the same side, anyway? There are lots of reasons.  At one time, many manufacturers tried putting them in an easy-to-reach spot: in the center of the vehicle's rear end.  Some even hid them behind a hinged license plate door.  Cool place, but it turned out not to be a good idea.  When a vehicle with a fuel filler in the rear was hit by another vehicle from behind, it was much more prone to catch fire and explode.

Safety regulations now dictate that the fuel filler doors be placed within crumple zones and away from where they can drip fuel on hot exhaust pipes or near electrical connections.  But why do manufacturers put them on either side?

Some say it should be on the side away from the road.  That way if you run out of gas and have to add a little from a gas can as your standing at the side of the road, you'll be a little farther away from passing traffic.  So some companies from North America and many European firms with left-hand drive put their fillers on the right side.

Some manufacturers think convenience for the driver is paramount, so they put their fuel fillers on the driver's side.  If you have a vehicle with a cable release for the fuel door inside the cabin, it's usually on the same side as the steering wheel.  As you can see, there's no standardization.

Fuel doors need regular maintenance such as lubrication, and your gas cap (if your vehicle has one) should seal properly.  Have your service facility inspect those regularly. Wherever your fuel filler is, it's obviously important that you can get at it easily because you have to fuel up sometime. Otherwise, you're not going to go too far!

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell
7854 Smoky Row Road
Powell, Ohio 43065
614-792-0770
http://www.tuffypowell.com

More articles from Tuffy Powell

Is Your Powell Driving Severe?

May 5, 2024

People near Powell, Ohio, often ask Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell how often they should have a particular service done. It's a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner's manual or have your Powell, Ohio, service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell look up your vehicle in a servic... More

Hey Powell Drivers: How Do You Save Gas?

April 28, 2024

Higher Powell fuel prices aren't going away any time soon. That's not good news for our wallets. A lot of Powell drivers are trying to find ways to cut down on fuel consumption and hang on to some of their hard-earned money.North Americans drive billions of miles less during months of high fuel p... More

Engine Air Filter from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell

April 21, 2024

Many Powell drivers have found themselves in the following situation: They go to get their oil changed and their friendly service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell recommends a new engine air filter. They say yes, but don't know what an air filter is or what it does.If this has happene... More