Gas-tank door placement hasn’t always been inconsistent. During the 1970s, Ford tended to place fuel doors on the passenger side, partly due to safety concerns and ease of access for refueling away from traffic. Over time, however, consumer preferences and evolving designs led to a shift in placement strategies.

Once a car’s design is finalized, the location of the gas tank is challenging to change. Bharat Balasubramanian, a former Mercedes-Benz executive, emphasized that gas tank placement is determined early in the design process. Moving it later would disrupt the vehicle’s structural integrity and packaging.

If you can’t remember which side your gas tank is on, look for the small arrow next to the fuel gauge on your dashboard—it points to the correct side. This simple feature has saved countless drivers from the embarrassment of pulling up to the wrong side of the pump.

The placement of gas tanks on different sides of cars is a blend of engineering, safety, consumer preferences, and practical considerations. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, this variability actually helps balance gas station usage and accommodates diverse design challenges. The next time you’re at the pump, remember that your car’s fuel door is where it is for a reason—even if it’s not the side you expected.