Frequently Asked Questions About Converting Your Vehicle To LPG
- What is Autogas?
- Are there any disadvantages?
- Is Autogas safe?
- What if a pipe breaks?
- What if I have an accident?
- Will my vehicle lose any performance?
- Will I get the same miles per gallon?
- Will I save money using Autogas?
- Will I still be able to use petrol?
- Does Autogas hurt the engine?
- Will Autogas affect my insurance?
- Can I fit the Autogas system myself?
What is Autogas?
Autogas is the name applied to Liquid Petroleum Gas when used as a vehicle fuel. The same gas is often used in rural areas for cooking and central heating.
There is nothing new about vehicles powered by gas. During the second world war, vehicles could be seen with a large balloon shaped box on the roof containing coal gas. Happily nowadays, the gas technology does not rely on a giant balloon on the roof!
The gas is stored under pressure in liquid form in purpose made tanks. At room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure Autogas is in a gaseous state, changing to liquid when subjected to pressure. Being in a liquid state under low pressures gives Autogas an advantage over natural gas which will only turn to liquid at extremely low temperatures. Therefore with Autogas more fuel can be stored for the same weight and volume than with natural gas.
TheLPG Auto Conversions - Guide to an Autogas system
A tank constructed from steel is fitted in the boot. It is fitted with a multi function valve. This unit comprises of a fuel gauge, a pressure relief valve, excess flow valve and various shut off valves. It is filled via a filling point located usually at the rear of the vehicle.
The gas in liquid form is carried through plastic coated copper pipes to the front of the car. Here it goes through a filter and than to the vapouriser. At this point it is converted to a gas ready for use by the engine.
The flow of gas to the engine is controlled by an e.m.u . (electronic management unit). This unit works alongside the car's own e.c.u. constantly monitoring the exhaust emissions and adjusting the gas supply accordingly. This unit is self learning and adapts to different drivers and road conditions automatically.
A switch on the dashboard allows you to select the option of running on gas or petrol.
Are there any disadvantages to Autogas?
There are a couple.
a ) The first one is the relatively small number of garages ( now up to over 1200) selling LPG Autogas. This is improving at an amazing rate. Most BP motorway services now have LPG pumps, and an increasing number of Sainsbury stores also have pumps. More garages are opening daily.
We can supply you with a comprehensive list or you can visit Go-Autogas to locate your nearest LPG refulling station. We also sell gas at a reduced rate to our conversion customers.
b ) The other disadvantage is the size of the gas tank. However, by careful planning, loss of boot space can be kept to a minimum in estate and hatch back vehicles by using a doughnut shaped tank fitted into the spare wheel well. Although this means you have a wheel in the load area, you can still fold the rear seats . On four wheel drives it is often possible to remove the original petrol tank and fit gas tanks in its place. A custom made small petrol tank is then fitted in an alternate location.
Our staff are always available to help with a choice of tank to suit your requirements.
Is LPG Autogas safe?
Yes. All connections inside the car are made in a gas tight box. In the unlikely event of any leak, the gas would be vented harmlessly outside the car.
What if a pipe breaks?
If a pipe should be damaged or break, the excess flow safety valve instantly shuts off the flow of gas. Would Her Majesty The Queen, Tony Blair and John Prescott - to name but a few - all be using cars powered by LPG if it were unsafe ?
What if I have an accident?
As soon as the engine stalls or is turned off the flow of gas is stopped. The gas tank is made of steel, unlike many modern petrol tanks which are made of plastic. The gas can not spill from the tank no matter what angle the car ends up at. In the event of a serious fire then obviously it is important to vacate the vehicle and retire to a safe distance before calling the emergency services, whether or not you have a gas converted vehicle.
However, the following picture is a testament to the engineering of the gas tanks and general fitments of gas conversions and speaks volumes for its inherent safety.
Will my vehicle loose any performance?
No, not noticeably. Some cars have slightly less power when running on gas, however the difference is so small it is not noticeable when driving.
Please come and have a test drive to check this out for yourself.
Will I still get the same miles per gallon (MPG)?
No. You get approximately 80 - 85% of the mileage that you normally get on petrol. For example - if 1 litre of petrol takes you 10 miles, then 1 litre of gas would do 8 - 8.5 miles. However, many converted cars do better than this.
Will I save money using LPG Autogas?
Yes. Yes. Yes. You will save up to 50% of your current fuel costs.
Will I still be able to use petrol?
Yes, you can change back from LPG to petrol simply at the flick of a switch!
Does LPG Autogas hurt the engine?
No. In fact quite the contrary. As the fuel is a gas it mixes better with air than petrol, therefore the combustion is much smoother, and also cleaner. The engine will last longer when using Autogas. Oil and spark plugs will also last longer.
Will LPG Autogas affect my insurance?
You should have no problems with increased insurance premiums. Some insurance companies even offer a lower rate for vehicles running on Autogas. All vehicles we convert are given a certificate of compliance for your insurance company.
Can I fit the LPG Autogas system myself?
No. You really DO need to be fully trained to fit the system.
