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 gas tank side indicator work on all vehicles?
The gas tank side indicator, typically an arrow next to the fuel pump icon on the dashboard, is a feature found on a vast majority of modern vehicles, but not universally. While common in North America and Europe, its implementation can vary by manufacturer and region. It's always best to confirm with your vehicle's owner's manual if you're unsure, especially for older models or vehicles imported from different markets. However, for most cars manufactured in the last two decades, this indicator is present.