Which Side is the Fuel Cap On in Your Hire Car?
When driving your own car, you’ll know exactly where the fuel cap is — it’s second nature. But when you’re hiring a car abroad, with all the other things to think about (driving on the opposite side of the road, learning local speed limits, or just finding your way), the simple task of refuelling can trip people up.
Most petrol pumps will reach either side, but if you’ve rented a larger vehicle or parked just a little too far away, you could find yourself awkwardly repositioning the car at the pump.
Here’s the simple tip to avoid that hassle:
Take a quick look at the fuel gauge on the dashboard. Next to the fuel pump icon, there’s a small arrow — it points to the side of the car where the fuel filler cap is. That’s it. No guessing, no embarrassing shuffle across the forecourt.
A small detail, but one that makes your car hire experience with Rhino Car Hire just that bit smoother.
We’ve also gone to the effort of listing most major car manufacturers and picked our most common rental model to state which side the fuel filler cap is on. As a general rule of thumb, manufacturers use the same side for most models in their range, but now you’re in the know, you’ll never need to get out of the car to check again.
FAQs: Fuel Filler Cap on Rental Cars
1. How do I know which side the fuel cap is on in a rental car?
Check the dashboard fuel gauge — the small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol points to the side of the car where the fuel filler cap is located.
2. Do all cars have the arrow on the fuel gauge?
Most modern cars do, but if not, you’ll need to look at the exterior of the car or ask the rental agent when you collect the vehicle.
3. Can petrol station hoses reach both sides of a car?
Often they can, but with larger vehicles or if you park too far from the pump, you may need to reposition the car.
4. What if I put the wrong fuel in my rental car?
Misfuelling can cause serious engine damage. Always double-check whether your hire car takes petrol or diesel. Rental agents may charge hefty fees for misfuelling.
5. Does Rhino Car Hire tell me which fuel my rental car takes?
Yes — your rental agreement and the fuel cap itself are clearly labelled. Always confirm at pickup to avoid mistakes.
MAKE
MODEL
FUEL FILLER SIDE