Why is it that in many American cars you can open the gas cap from the outside?

[pstokely]

Every American car I have had has been like that but in my Toyota, it can only be opened from inside the car. The Gas Cap 2006 Cobalt I'm driving until they fix the bumper has no lock. It this a GM thing, an American car thing?

[LostinVA]

1. My VW has a gas cap lock, too

[bigwillq]

2. With my Nissan

you can only open it from inside.

[trof]

3. Anti-theft/siphon?

[bigwillq]

4. I think that's why (nt)

[pstokely]

5. Why hasn't GM figured this out?

[bigwillq]

6. Stupid Amerikans!

:silly: :P


:)

[CanuckAmok]

11. It's an element of the Patriot Act:

"No manufacturer of vehicles may install or impliment any device which may delay the expedient filling of gasoline tanks by the American Consumer. Any such delay shall be interpreted as an attempt to slow the consumption and sale of pretoliates, and as such deemed contrary to the public interests and national economic well-being. Possession or sale of these instruments of mass restriction shall be punishable by a penalty ranging from execution to one-on-one counselling with Wayne Newton."

[trof]

8. I'm told newer American cars are already anti-siphon.

During the Arab oil embargo in the 70s everyone was buying locking gas caps.
When gas hit 3 bucks I went to an auto supply store to get one.
Guy said they don't make them for later model cars because there's something about the tank plumbing that makes it difficult or impossible to siphon from them.
:shrug:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

7. In my Porsche, I couldn't figure out how to open the gas cap at all

I finally figured it out, but it was pretty embarassing sitting at the pump (after sliding my card) trying to figure out how to open the fucking thing.

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. Bill Cosby did a bit about that years ago

on the album "200 MPH." Said he didn't know where the gas cap was on his Ferrari. Went to a gas station, and...


Now he's just walkin' around the car, lookin'. Gettin' ready to put it in the tires. "No, no! Not there, you fool!"

"What is this, Candid Camera? You got the thing up there somewhere?"

"No, it's not! Find the gas tank!"

"All right, how about if I just pour it all over the car? Maybe it'll suck in somewhere."

:rofl:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

10. LOL, I think I remember that

and it definitely describes my first day at the gas station with the new baby.