Why Don’t All Vehicles Have Their Gas Tanks on the Same Side?

Have you ever gone to a gas station only to realize your vehicle’s gas tank is on the opposite side of the pump? While inconvenient and puzzling, there are several reasons why your vehicle is designed that way.

Reasons Why Gas Tanks Aren’t Always On the Same Side

There isn’t a single explanation as to why the location of fuel doors isn’t universal. Certain vehicle models have them on the left side of the vehicle, while others have them on the opposite side.

That being said, except on vehicles with dual exhaust, the fuel filler door will always be on the opposite side of the vehicle from the tailpipe. This standard practice of placing the fuel filler door on the opposite side of the vehicle from the tailpipe isn’t a standardized rule or regulation. It’s more about the design preferences of the car manufacturer and the engineering requirements of the vehicle.

The location can be influenced by factors such as safety, ease of refueling, and the layout of the fuel tank and exhaust system.

Here are other factors:

Design and Packaging

Auto engineers can place the fuel doors on the side that offers the easiest packaging. Numerous factors go into what qualifies as “easy,” including fuel tank design, location, and underbody constraints. For example, routing the filler tube to the same side on every vehicle would be difficult because of the structural components beneath the car.

Automakers also ensure a vehicle’s weight distribution is optimal for better handling and performance. For example, a vehicle with a heavier engine on one side usually has its gas tank on the opposite side to maintain balance.

Lastly, engineers also consider the other essential components within the car. Since vehicles have different mechanical and electrical systems, the position of these components could help determine where to place the gas tank.

Driver Preference

Americans typically prefer fuel doors on the left side of their cars because it’s easier to place the left fender close to the fuel pump. Placing the gas tank on the side more accessible from the driver’s position makes it easier to refuel at gas stations.

Regulation and Safety

There are existing regulations about vehicle fuel systems that may affect the placement of fuel doors. Currently, automakers are required to put the fuel filler on the widest part of the vehicle, inboard of any crumple zones, and safe from dripping onto hot exhaust bits or electrical wiring.

Other regulations require specific crash tests and safety features to protect the fuel system in case of accidents. This means manufacturers should strategically place the gas tank away from potential impact zones.

Practicality

If all gas tanks were on the same side, 50% of the pumps wouldn’t be used because drivers would be on the “wrong” side. This would result in long queues at the pump.

Things to Know About Your Car’s Gas Tank

Besides knowing why it’s on a particular side, here are a few other things you should know about your vehicle’s gas tank.

Fuel Capacity

The average gas tank capacity is proportional to the vehicle’s size. A small car can hold around 12 gallons of gas, while a larger car can store up to 15 or more gallons.

The larger the tank, the further you can travel before refueling. A bigger gas tank increases your vehicle’s weight and may reduce its fuel efficiency.

Some car brands also have a secondary fuel tank called the “reserve tank.” It can contain about 10% to 15% of the capacity of the main tank.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Don’t pack the gas. Stop when the pump tells you to. The gas tank is specially designed to have considerable airspace above the fuel, and packing the tank can saturate the EVAP canister, causing issues with the way the vehicle runs when it’s idling.

Types of Fuel

There are six different types of fuels commonly used, namely gasoline, diesel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, and biodiesel.

Minimum Fuel Needed

It’s a good idea to keep at least 1/4 of fuel in your gas tank. This helps cool the fuel pump and prevent the mechanism from overheating.

Running the tank too low could also lead to debris getting sucked in, which could clog and damage the filter. Lastly, avoiding driving on empty will also help prolong the engine’s life.

How to Tell Where the Gas Tank Is on Your Car

Look at the fuel gauge on your dashboard and find the gas pump icon. There’s usually a small arrow that points left or right, indicating what side the gas tank is on.

What Cars Have the Gas Tank on the Left Side?

Approximately 78% of the cars sold in the United States have the fuel doors on the left side of the vehicle. BMW, Honda, and Audi usually have their fuel doors on the same side, while Mercedes, Chevy, and Jeep models vary.

Get the Right Gas Tank For Your Vehicle

If you’re in the market for a replacement gas tank because of damage, you must get the one made for your specific vehicle model. Otherwise, you risk getting a gas tank that won’t fit your vehicle’s chassis. After all, gas tanks have different locations depending on your vehicle. Thankfully, you can get vehicle-specific fuel tanks here at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com has hundreds of fuel tanks from reputable aftermarket manufacturers in our catalog. They’ve all passed through stringent quality standards, so you know they’ll be durable and reliable. Our fuel tanks come with a lifetime replacement guarantee, meaning you can return them when they end their lifespan.  If you have any trouble or want to ask us more questions about fit, feel free to reach out to our friendly and helpful customer service team.

Finding all sorts of replacement parts is quite easy here at CarParts.com. Order a new fuel tank today!