Fiat Driver Gets Gas. Why Is It Her 'Worst Nightmare?'

The Fiat 500 has the strangest, most frustrating fuel cap—and you might want to get one just like it. Here’s why.

Driver Gets Frustrated Opening Fiat 500 Fuel Cap

In a trending video with more than 112,000 views, content creator Brooke McCann (@brookemccannx) shared the worst part of owning a Fiat 500.

“It’s every Fiat 500 girl’s worst nightmare filling the car up [themselves],” the on-screen caption reads.

In the clip, McCann opens up the area where the gas cap is and reveals a rather strange-looking gas cap.

Most gas caps are black and have a piece down the middle where you can grip the cap to twist it off, easy peasy. But McCann’s Fiat has a metal bit protruding in the middle where she has to insert her key.

You’d think it would just twist off at this point, but as she turns the key left, then right, then left again, she looks visibly confused, getting flustered as she’s seemingly unable to get the darn thing off in order to fuel up.

“I was so stressed,” McCann says in the caption.

How to Remove the Fuel Cap on a Fiat 500

Since the cap is lockable, you’ll need your key to open it. Here’s how to do it, according to a video from a Fiat car parts supplier:

1. Open the fuel flap: Pull the flap open to expose the fuel cap.
2. Insert the key: Place your Fiat 500 key into the slot on the fuel cap. Hold the cap firmly with your other hand.
3. Unlock the cap: Turn the key counterclockwise while continuing to hold the cap.
4. Twist off the cap: Once the cap is unlocked, turn it counterclockwise until it comes off completely.

To replace and lock the cap after refueling, you’ll do everything in reverse:

1. Position the cap back in place.
2. Turn it clockwise until you hear a click.
3. Hold the cap steady, then turn the key clockwise to lock it.
4. Remove the key and close the fuel flap.

Should You Get a Key-Protected Gas Fuel Cap?

​​While the Fiat 500’s locking cap might feel like an odd design choice, it’s not unique to Fiat.

Plenty of cars can be fitted with a high-security locking gas cap, either straight from the manufacturer or as an aftermarket replacement. These caps look like the standard kind but include a built-in lock that requires a key to open, the JWM security company stated.

The main reason to get one is simple: protection. Gasoline isn’t cheap, and siphoning is easier than most people think.

A locking cap prevents anyone from casually helping themselves to your tank, and it also blocks vandals from tossing sugar or other contaminants inside. For businesses that run fleets, the savings from preventing fuel theft add up quickly. For everyday drivers, it’s mostly about peace of mind when your car is parked overnight on the street or in an open lot.

Installation is straightforward. Usually, you just swap out your old cap and twist the new one into place. Just make sure it’s the right fit for your make and model so you don’t trigger a check-engine light. Maintenance is minimal, though it’s worth keeping the lock lubricated and knowing where your spare key is.

Commenters React

“Hold the cap while you turn the key hopes this helps,” the top comment read.

“Glad i saw this now before the first time i had to fill my car,” a second person said.

“Full tank everytime I HATE filling up, the angry looks from the queue behind me. My very first time some random man [came] to help,” another shared.

“[No one] told me that I‘m supposed to hold it with one hand and I had to watch a youtube tutorial at the gas station when i got gas the first time,” another commenter revealed.

Motor1 reached out to McCann for comment via email and TikTok direct message.