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 if my dashboard fuel symbol doesn't have an arrow?
If your dashboard fuel symbol lacks an arrow, it likely means your vehicle does not have this specific indicator, or it's presented differently. Older vehicles or certain models may not include this feature. In such cases, you can determine the fuel filler door location by consulting your owner's manual, which will clearly state its position. You can also visually inspect the sides of your car; the fuel door is usually located on the driver's or passenger's side, often towards the rear.