Changing It Is Harder Than You Think
Once a car’s design is locked in, changing the gas tank’s location is no easy feat. Mercedes-Benz’s Bharat Balasubramanian explained that fuel door placement is decided early in the design process. Moving it later would disrupt the car’s structural integrity.
Pro Tip for Drivers
Next time you forget which side your gas tank is on, just check for a small arrow next to the fuel gauge on your dashboard—it points to the side of the fuel door. This simple feature can save you from the awkward moment of pulling up to the wrong side of the pump.
The Bigger Picture
So, why are gas tanks on different sides? It’s a blend of engineering, safety, consumer habits, and practical design. While it may seem like a small inconvenience, these variations help with gas station flow and vehicle design challenges. Now when you pull up to the pump, you’ll know there’s a reason for the location—even if it’s not the side you expected!
