James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies

On cars without the arrow they often follow the convention where the gas filler handle is depicted on the same side of the gas icon as the filler door is in the car.

Re: James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies

#7

Post by rationalist » Fri, Jan 02, 2026, 5:04 AM UTC

toomuchtodo wrote: post #2

“Moylan arrow” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_gauge#Moylan_arrow https://www.vermeulenfh.com/obituaries/james-moylan-2/#!/Obi...

Another car thing that is named after someone:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroney_sticker

Also known as the "Window Sticker"

Re: James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies

#8

Post by deathanatos » Fri, Jan 02, 2026, 5:07 AM UTC

What a letter. Clear, concise, just chef's kiss. I love that little indicator.

Re: James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies

#9

Post by nutjob2 » Fri, Jan 02, 2026, 5:08 AM UTC

phibz wrote: post #6

On cars without the arrow they often follow the convention where the gas filler handle is depicted on the same side of the gas icon as the filler door is in the car.

First time I've heard of that convention.

Re: James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies

#10

Post by nutjob2 » Fri, Jan 02, 2026, 5:10 AM UTC

celeritascelery wrote: post #4

I had no idea till this moment that’s what the arrow was for…

I'm sure about 99% of people are in the same boat.