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Where Is the Gas Tank on the Car? Ford Created the Arrow Trick Next to the Fuel Icon on the Dashboard in 1989 to Indicate Which Side the Tank Is On

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 01/08/2025 at 10:14
Quer saber onde fica o tanque de gasolina do carro sem sair do veículo? Confira truques simples e dicas práticas para nunca errar o lado na hora de abastecer.
Quer saber onde fica o tanque de gasolina do carro sem sair do veículo? Confira truques simples e dicas práticas para nunca errar o lado na hora de abastecer.
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Want To Know Where The Gas Tank Is Without Leaving The Vehicle? Check Out Simple Tricks And Practical Tips To Never Get The Side Wrong When Refueling.

Who has never arrived at the gas station and thought: where is the gas tank of the car?

This is a frequent question, especially when driving rented, new, or borrowed vehicles. Getting the side wrong when approaching the pump can be embarrassing and even cause a waste of time. Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to find out this information without leaving the car.

The Secret Is In The Dashboard

The most well-known trick is right in front of you. On the dashboard, next to the fuel gauge, there is a small icon in the shape of a gas pump.

Next to it, there is an arrow or triangle pointing to the left or to the right. This detail shows exactly which side the gas tank of the car is located.

Few drivers know that this idea originated in the 1980s. Created by Jim Moylan, a Ford engineer, the solution was implemented in the brand’s models starting in 1989.

Since then, it has become a standard adopted by manufacturers around the world, making it easier to identify the correct side without having to leave the car.

And What If There Is No Arrow On The Dashboard?

Older vehicles or those with simplified dashboards may not have this feature. In those cases, there are still alternatives.

The first is to observe the side where the fuel door is located before even getting in the car.

In most vehicles, it is on the right side, usually opposite the driver, but this is not a fixed rule.

Another possibility is to use the rearview mirrors. In some positions, it is possible to see the fuel door reflected, which helps to quickly figure out which side to refuel.

An Extra Detail That Can Help You Find Out Where The Gas Tank Is

In many older models, the illustration of the gas pump on the dashboard provides a clue.

The side where the hose in the drawing is positioned may indicate the same side of the fuel tank. It is a simple tip, but it still works in various vehicles.

With these guidelines, it becomes much easier to know where the gas tank is before even stopping at the station. Thus, you avoid confusion and ensure more agility in your daily life.

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Nelson Diniz
Nelson Diniz
01/08/2025 10:57

Parabéns pelas dicas, ótimas, pois eu mesmo já passei por essa situação constrangedoras, só que usei o retrovisor.

Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and science communicator.

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