Drivers can avoid the frustration of pulling up to the wrong side of the petrol pump by checking a little-known symbol on their dashboard. The tiny arrow next to the fuel gauge indicates which side the fuel cap is on, saving time and preventing potential damage to the car.
William Fletcher MBE, CEO of Car.co.uk, explained that most motorists overlook this feature. 'The arrow is usually quite small and sits right next to the petrol pump symbol on your fuel gauge. If it points left, your cap's on the left. If it points right, it's on the right,' he said.
Stretching the fuel hose across the car to reach the cap on the opposite side can scratch the paintwork and strain the equipment, potentially causing spills. Knowing the correct side also helps avoid holding up queues at busy petrol stations.
For cars without the arrow, the position of the petrol pump icon on the gauge can serve as a backup indicator, though it is less reliable. Fletcher recommends that drivers familiarise themselves with their dashboard layout to make checking the fuel cap side a habit, especially when driving an unfamiliar vehicle.
