As drivers, we often spend parts of our journey scanning the dashboard for any new warning lights that might suggest an issue with the vehicle.
However, these dashboard symbols can also provide valuable insights about the car itself. Social media experts have highlighted one ‘genius’ sign that many people are unaware of, but understanding it could save you a lot of hassle – particularly if you’re driving a new car.
Consumer experts at Which? shared this useful tip on TikTok, aiming to help people maximise their cars, finances and homes with practical advice, reports the Mirror.
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Their latest video reveals a common symbol on car dashboards that could save you time when refuelling. The screen captions read: “I was today years old when I learned what this car dashboard symbol meant.”
The symbol in question is the fuel pump sign with an arrow pointing either left or right. Praising the inventor as a ‘genius’, the expert said: “Just a really simple tip for anyone driving a new or different car.
“This arrow, by the fuel pump on the dashboard, indicates what side of the car the fuel cap is on. That means no more driving around the petrol station looking like an idiot.”
This symbol, invented in 1986, is a handy feature for those who want to avoid pulling up on the wrong side of the fuel pumps, particularly when in a hurry. The idea was conceived by Ford engineer Jim Moylan, who was inspired by his own experience of getting soaked in the rain while trying to locate the fuel cap.
The expert stated: “Contrary to popular belief, the side that nozzle is on has nothing to do with the side of the fuel cap. In fact, it’s almost always pictured on the right.
However, the professional highlighted that this symbol isn’t present in every vehicle, urging car manufacturers to ‘sort it out’. In the comments section of the video, viewers were amazed upon learning this, with many vowing to look out for it in the future.
One person commented: “No! I didn’t know this. This will help on hire cars. All these years.”
Another confessed: “I thought it meant what side of the pump to park on originally and kept getting it wrong. Ashamed to admit how many times I did it.”