Have you ever pulled up to a gas station but forgot which side of your car the fuel tank is on? You aren’t alone, drivers often have cars with the fuel door on different sides. There are a few different reasons why some are on the left and others are on the right. 

Why do cars have fuel doors on different sides? 

First of all, don’t believe the myths about why cars have fuel doors on different sides. One rumor suggests it’s based on whether a car is designed for a man or a woman. Back in the day, men often pumped gas for their ladies. 

So, a man’s car would have the fuel door on the driver’s side so he can get out and easily pump gas. But in a woman’s car, he gets out of the passenger side to pump his woman’s gas for her. 

Also, some people think European cars have gas tanks on the right but American ones have them on the left. That’s also false. 

In reality, sometimes the designs are built for driver preferences. When the gas tank is on the left, it’s easier to pull up to the pump. 

But when it’s on the right, it allows drivers to avoid dinging their doors on the pump. According to Rislone, when it’s on the right it can be safer as it puts the driver further away from passing traffic. 

Having the fuel doors on different sides helps avoid long lines at gas stations because the fuel pumps can be placed on both sides. 

Also, sometimes the fuel door is placed based on its best position for safety, engineering, and packaging.