Drivers usually do not put much thought into the different sides of their cars. However, being aware of this comes into play more often than many people realize, from determining on which side the tank is for filling the car with gas to completing a report after an accident. Buying the right automotive parts is especially affected by being clear on the proper side of the vehicle. This can be as simple as buying a right side headlamp or as detailed as determining the correct brake caliper to buy when having the brakes maintained.

Sometimes confusion can come into play when determining proper equipment or part placement on a car. Many times, an automotive specialist might refer to part placement as belonging on the "driver's side" (left side) or "passenger's side" (right side), but even this varies for countries whose residents drive on the opposite side of the road. While this is typically not a big issue for those shoppers getting help in person at an auto parts store, it can be confusing for consumers purchasing car parts online. This is when it becomes important to know which is the left and the right side of the car.
 
 

How to Determine Vehicle Side
So, how do drivers determine which side of the car is which? It is as easy as sitting inside the vehicle: left hand is left side and right hand is right side of the car. While sitting in the driver's seat, the right side of the car is to the driver's right, effectively the passenger's side. The side that the driver is sitting in would be considered the left hand side. Cars ale called RHD and LHD. Left Hand Driver car (EU, US but not UK) is also designating that the driver sits Left. So, the next time shoppers are looking online for car parts, they can just envision themselves sitting behind the steering wheel.

Also, remember to keep in mind the front and back of the car. This comes into play primarily when dealing with wheel parts, including struts and shocks, and headlights and tail lights. This designation also becomes useful when determining what fender is needed when replacing a damaged or old one.