The small arrow next to the fuel pump icon on your dashboard indicates which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
This is a common feature on most modern vehicles designed to help drivers quickly identify the location of their gas tank. When you are at a gas station, especially in an unfamiliar car like a rental or a newly purchased model, simply look for the fuel pump symbol. A small triangle or arrow pointing left or right will be positioned next to it, directly showing you which side of the car to pull up to the pump on. This saves you from guessing or having to circle the pump unnecessarily.
The presence and exact appearance of this indicator can vary slightly between different car manufacturers and models.
Does the fuel pump symbol with an arrow have a universal meaning?
Yes, the fuel pump symbol with an arrow has a largely universal meaning across different vehicle manufacturers. The symbol itself represents the fuel system, and the accompanying arrow consistently indicates the side of the vehicle where the fuel filler door is located. This standardization helps drivers, especially in unfamiliar cars, quickly identify where to refuel without confusion. It's a widely adopted convention in automotive design.