can someone clear this up

according to my own observation most cars have the fuel filler cap on the opposite side to the steering wheel

It is an obvious safety measure as it means you will be filling up the tank on the pavement side if you run out of fuel whilst driving - not in the middle of the road

so all European cars seem to have filler caps on the right because they are left hand drive - and they don't bother to change the filler when they swap the wheel for the UK market

The Japs, like us drive on the left - so the filler should be on the left - which it seems to be on my Toyota

but Subaru seem to have the filler cap on the right (same side as the steering wheel)

why would that be? anyone have an idea

 

There is no logic or reason.

 

Perhaps Subaru thinks that anyone running out of petrol deserves to be run over?
Seriously, it's not an issue is it?

 

no not a problem at all, I suppose the reasons to have the filler on the opposite side to the steering wheel means that filling at the side of the road is inherently safer


and that's why I assumed manufacturers did it - as it seemed on my bag of a *** packet analysis that this was the case

and why I stated it in another forum - only to be told that Subaru (at least) don't follow the rule

I checked and its true

just wondered if there was a reason

 

Have a look which side the exhaust pipe is on compared to the fuel filler. Fuel, leaks onto hot exhaust etc etc.

Now the fact that some have twin rear pipes or even central will de bunk that theory but there is a logic.

 

The steering wheel thing is bollox. Mitsi and holden are another that dont meet your safety theory

 

mmm, i beginning to think that too

 

If the fuel filler is on the opposite side it could be that it is easier to get out of the the car as the drivers door will not be up against the fuel pump.


Just a thought.

 

yeah, other reasons I have heard for one side or the other is that collisions are more likely one side etc etc

but it looks lie there does not seem to be a universal overarching reason

but all the European manufactures seem to have the filler cap on the right

 

Surely only a total pillock would stop so close to the pump that he couldn't get out of the car!

 

The tank is always mounted centrally so which side is hit in a collision should be irrelevant. And plenty of British-built cars have their fillers on the right!

 

Had a few jags and they had a filler on each side.

 

good point


what British built cars out of interest

@ Johned - yeah that was pretty cool, My Mini Cooper S has twin tanks

 

The new Astra as the filler on the RHS. Built in Ellesmere Port.

Honda Civic as the filler on the LHS. Most are exported built in Swindon.

 

The only ones I know for certain (having owned them or parents did) are Range Rovers, Land Rovers, Triumph Stag; some Rover models, although I think my father's Rover 3500 had its filler mounted on top of the boot. Must be others!

 

yes - good one

I had a 4.2 LSE too

okay my theory is crap, seems pretty random

 

Yeah!! I would never do that.




Cough............