Some cars have the gas cap on the Driver's side, some on the other side. Why?

Question

Is there some coordination between gas companies and car manufacturers regarding the location of gas caps?

Answer 1

A well-designed car would have the gas cap on the opposite side from the driver for the simple and obvious reason that it's easier for the driver to get out when his door isn't right up against the pump. However, when a right-drive model is brought to the US, they have to change the side the driver sits on, but they are not going to bother moving the gas cap accordingly (too much expense to duplicate the parts). Thus, many import cars end up with the gas cap on the driver's side. To further confuse things, some domestic cars are trying to imitate imports and thus have the gas cap similarly located.

Answer 2

It is simply the way designers design the whole car, and the filler tube has to be placed according to the design and placement of everything else under the car. The only people that really worry about it are people who forget where it is and get embarrassed when they pull up to the wrong side of the island, and, of course, conspiracy theorists that believe everything is a plot. It used to be Commie plots, then Russian plots, now it is Chinese and/or Taliban plots. So if you don't like where your gas cap is, somebody will blame Osama.

Answer 3

They keep moving them around to keep you confused. It's easier now than it used to be, though. Some used to be behind the rear license plate, and some mid/rear engine cars actually had the filler hose in the (front) trunk.

Answer 4

Actually it is the way the car designer designed it. Or it may be because the fuel tank is on that side, again by the car designer.

Answer 5

nope it is done by station attendants who laugh at people that get the gas tank side confused