Thousands of drivers are having a lightbulb moment after realising the true purpose of a tiny but crucial feature on their dashboard – and it's been hiding in plain sight all along.
The small arrow found next to the fuel gauge on most modern cars actually serves an incredibly useful function, yet many motorists have never noticed or understood its meaning.
The Fuel Gauge Secret Every Driver Should Know
This unassuming indicator points to which side of your vehicle has the fuel filler cap – eliminating those awkward moments when you pull up to the pump on the wrong side.
Motoring experts explain that the arrow's position corresponds directly to where you'll find your petrol or diesel cap. If the arrow points left, your filler is on the driver's side. Pointing right? It's on the passenger side.
Why This Simple Feature Matters
For drivers who regularly switch between vehicles or hire cars, this small detail can be a genuine time-saver. No more getting out to check or memorising which side the cap is on for each car you drive.
The revelation has sparked amazement on social media, with one driver tweeting: 'After 20 years of driving I never knew this! How did I miss something so obvious?'
Other Dashboard Symbols You Might Have Missed
- The coffee cup icon: Some cars display this when they detect driver fatigue
- Snowflake warning: Appears when outside temperatures drop below 4°C
- Green leaf symbol: Indicates when you're driving in an eco-friendly manner
While car manufacturers have included this helpful arrow feature for years, it seems many of us have been overlooking one of the dashboard's most practical design elements. Next time you're running low on fuel, take a closer look at your gauge – that little arrow might just save you some hassle.
