Every driver has at least once had to stand at a gas station and wonder, "Which side of my car has the gas tank?" 🤔 This is especially true for beginners or when renting a car, when the model is unfamiliar. A mistake can lead to an awkward situation at the gas station or even a minor inconvenience. In this article, we'll go into detail on how to quickly and easily determine which side the fuel tank is on.


🔹 1. Look at the arrow next to the fuel gauge

Modern cars are usually equipped with fuel gauge on the dashboard.
It has a little arrow, icon or letter "Fuel" on it that indicates the side of the filler neck.

  • If the arrow points to the right → the tank is in the on the right.

  • If the arrow points to the left → the tank is in the on the left.

💡 This is the fastest way that will save you time at the gas station.


🔹 2. Check the gas tank cap from the outside

If you are already familiar with the car or can get around quickly:

  • Go to the car and see which side has the gas tank hatch..

  • In modern cars, the hatch is usually located behind or to the sides of the vehicle.

🚘 In some models the hatch can be opened just from the showroomvia a button or lever near the driver's seat.


🔹 3. Pay attention to the instructions or stickers

If the car is new or leased, take a look:

  • User's Manual (the pouring side is accurately indicated there).

  • Stickers on the gas tank hatch or cap (sometimes specifying the type of fuel and side of refueling).

📌 This is important for rental cars to avoid mistakes and stay out of trouble.


🔹 4. Use visual landmarks at the gas station

Some stations have column captionsthat say "right tank" or "left tank."
If you haven't decided on the side of the gas tank yet:

  • Drive up slowly and see which side the hose is on.

  • Try to park so that it is convenient to insert the gun into the tank.

⚠️ This is especially true for narrow gas stations where maneuvering is limited.


🔹 5. Check for leased cars

If you rent a car from a company like bestrental.com.ua:

  • There may be different tank design depending on the make and model.

  • Check with a staff member prior to checkout, which side of the gas tankso you don't waste time at the gas station.

  • It is also important to know what type of fuel is needed (gasoline, diesel, gas).

💡 Little Lifehack: most European cars have a tank on the opposite side of the steering wheelbut that's not always the rule.


🔹 6. Why it is important to know the side of the gas tank

  • ⏱️ Saving time - there's no need to move the car.

  • ⚠️ Safety - the right side helps avoid accidents at narrow gas stations.

  • 💸 Avoiding fuel errors - is especially important when renting a car.


🔹 7. Additional tips for drivers

  • If you frequently rent an auto, Check the gas tank gauge immediately when inspecting the machine.

  • On some cars, the arrow on the dashboard may not be obvious - it's best to get in the habit of circling the car before refueling.

  • In rainy or dark weather, use a flashlight or headlight to see the hatch.


✅ Summary: identifying the side of the gas tank is easy if you know where to look. Use the arrow on the dashboard, look around the vehicle, check the manual or check with the rental staff. This saves time, avoids embarrassing situations and helps you refuel safely.

⛽ Advice from experts: always approach the gas station in advance to make sure that the chosen side allows you to conveniently connect the gun and fill up safely.

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