People gobsmacked after learning what tiny arrow symbol on car dashboard means

17 January 2024 , 16:38

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The arrow next to the petrol pump symbol has a very useful function (Image: Getty Images)

People have been left gobsmacked after learning what a 'little-known symbol' on their car's dashboard means, with one woman admitting she was 'years old' when she found out. A blogger took to TikTok to point out the detail which she thought would be very useful for people who struggle when they get to a petrol station. Atinuke Awe, from London, pointed to a symbol next to her 'petrol needed' light in the video with an expression of shock on her face.

Awe, who is also an entrepreneur, said that she was only just learning that an arrow next to the light points out which side the petrol cap is on and her fans quipped that now most of them had been left feeling a bit dumb too. She gazes with her mouth agape before zooming in on the dashboard illumination that aims to prevent confusion when refuelling.

The content creator says it's a "simple life hack", adding: "I was today years old when I found out that this arrow when you run out of petrol on your car tells you which side your petrol door is on. Please tell me I'm not the only one." Awe then says in a caption that she "thought it was there for decoration and I've been driving for over 10 years".

Her video grabbed the attention of her followers and then went viral across other platforms including users on X, (formerly Twitter ), who also were filled with shock at the revelation. Below the video, one wrote: "When I found out I couldn't believe it," while another said: "Omg you're kidding! I had no idea!" Another said: "Oh wow. I didn't know that."

But Awe's tips about motoring are not the only ones around TikTok, according to Mail Online with great ideas abounding, including a woman who shared the perfect hack for travellers looking to get some rest on a long road trip. User @lisahersh88 said that you can convert a back seat to a bed by just removing the headrest on the seat.

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In the video she gives instructions via voice and her captions which take people through the process step by step, saying: "Take off your head rest [and] recline your seat the whole way back. Make sure the seat is pushed forward. Lay the seat flat... voila, mobile bed." The obvious problem with this hack was also pointed out by other users, who said that a car needs reclining seats and some don't allow the headrest to be removed.

Paul Donald