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.
What should I do if the gas tank arrow on my dashboard is pointing the wrong way?
If the gas tank arrow on your dashboard appears to be pointing the wrong way, it's highly unlikely the indicator itself is faulty. This feature is a standard design element. Double-check that you are looking at the correct symbol and arrow. If you are still certain it's incorrect, consult your owner's manual for confirmation of the fuel filler door's actual location. In extremely rare cases of a persistent issue, a mechanic could inspect the dashboard cluster, but this is almost never the cause.