Chevrolet 2003 Malibu Owner's Manual page 217

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to
the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered cap inside the
fuel door.
L
If you get fuel on yourself and then something
ignites
it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can
spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too
quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is
nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any
"hiss" noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See Cleaning the Outside
of
Your Vehicle on page 5-75.
5-8