Why do some manufacturers build their cars with the gas-tank filler tube on the driver's side, and some put it on the passenger side? My theory was that my Subaru had the gas- tank filler on the right side because that's the driver's side in Japan. When they moved the steering wheel to the left side for American sales, they didn't bother moving the gas filler. However, my research (done in a megamall parking lot) does not support this hypothesis, and the placement seems to be random. Any idea what the rationale behind the placement is? -- William
Tom: As far as we know, there is none. We've heard one argument that it's safer to have the filler cap on the passenger side. Why? Because if you run out of gas by the side of the road, you won't have to pour your little gallon of gas into the car on the driver's side as semis and milk trucks go whizzing by. That sounds kind of bogus to me, but that's an argument that's been made.
Ray: The case for having the filler tube on the driver's side makes more sense to me. First of all, when you drive up to a gas station "island," you pull up on the right side, just like you do everywhere else in the United States of America. Plus, if you're pumping the gas yourself, it's more convenient to pump the gas from the side you're already on, isn't it?
Tom: But as far as we know, there's no universal standard, nor is there any overwhelming reason to go one way or the other. The exhaust system has to go down one side of the car, and the gasoline filler tube generally goes on the other.
Ray: If you think you have a compelling argument for one side or the other, write to us care of this newspaper or through our Web site (the Car Talk section of cars.com) and we'll print your thoughts.
Tom: And remember, since every major automobile manufacturer reads our column religiously (as do their legal staffs), your ideas will be going right to the top!
