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Autogas is half the price of diesel or petrol. This is because
the tax is far lower in recognition of its environmental benefits.
There are also benefits such as a small reduction in Vehicle
Excise Duty (VED) and reduced engine wear.
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Two reasons. Firstly the simple chemical nature of the fuel
ensures that it burns cleaner producing less pollution. LPG has
the potential to make a huge difference to local air quality,
particularly in urban areas, see table. It is produced as a by-product of oil extraction and
refining operations. LPG is by far the most valuable use for
it.
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Crash and fire tests have proved that the strength and
integrity of tanks fitted to LPGA safety guidelines (CoP11) make
the LPG fuel system safer than petrol. There are now over eight
million LPG vehicles around the world. The Queen has four of them.
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas, often called autogas when used to as a
vehicle fuel, is made up of propane and butane. It is a by-product
of oil extraction and refining operations, particularly when using
North Sea 'wet' crude. Consequently, the UK has an abundant
supply. Currently the UK exports LPG and imports petrol .
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Yes it does - very much. It is crucial to have both the right
system for your car and to have it fitted by a mechanic trained
both to LPGA standards.
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All systems are provided with a full parts and labour
warranty for 2 years.
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Modern LPG conversions suffer no noticeable loss of
performance. Engines will run smoother and be slightly quieter.
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The conversion adds a second independent fuel system, making
the car bi-fuel or capable of running on either petrol or LPG.
This requires a second tank, usually installed in the spare wheel
well.
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All conversions are dual fuel so when the car runs out
of LPG it will automatically switch to petrol. This is quite
normal, hardly noticeable and causes no damage to your engine. The
car will normally cold start on petrol and then quickly switch
over when the engine is warm. It is therefore important to have a
little bit of petrol.
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The conversion adds a second fuel system, leaving the original
petrol system in place. Therefore the car drives as before on
petrol and will normally cold start on petrol. However, when you
start filling up with LPG you will be loathe to buy more petrol
than you absolutely have to.
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Most conversions put the LPG tank in the spare wheel well of
the car so as not to reduce boot space. If you are unlucky enough
to get a puncture you can use one of these tyre weld systems. This reflates the tyre and seals the puncture until you
can get it properly repaired.
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The industry has invested over £100 million in the
infrastructure and there are now over 1,200 LPG refuelling
stations in the UK. If you do run out then the car will
automatically switch over to petrol.
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Although some companies are developing systems that use LPG and
diesel at the same time, the AUTOTECH position is that they are
very different fuels. Introducing them together may cause great
increases in power output and consequently mechanical problems.
If, in the future, a company can demonstrate a system that is both
mechanically reliable and reduces emissions, then AUTOTECH will
advocate its use.
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This depends on the vehicle to be converted. Use our instant
quotation service to find out the cost of converting your car.
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On the contrary, the LPG conversion will reduce engine wear.
LPG burns cleaner than petrol. This means less emissions out of
the exhaust and less carbon deposits in the engine. These deposits
are very abrasive and can contribute to engine breakdowns. The oil
and spark plugs will also last longer. Some engines use softer
valve seats / valves and therefore it is advisable to fit
valve protection, Flash Lube or similar system. This will
help to prolong the life of these softer items. We cannot be held
responsible for the manufacturers claims on these products. We can
advise on upgrading the valve and valve seats if required.
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The LPG system should be inspected annually by a specialist LPG
technician. This normally takes about an hour or so and is
consequently not expensive.
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You will have to notify your insurance company. The major
companies will not increase your premium provided that the work
has been properly carried out.
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This depends entirely on the quality of the system fitted. A
good quality, reliable system is akin to having a half price fuel
button on the dashboard and will be a good selling point.
Unreliable equipment without proper certification will lower the
value of the car.
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The Government has committed itself to reducing pollution. The
environmental credentials of LPG are proven. Therefore it is
extremely unlikely that the duty differential between LPG and
petrol and diesel will be reduced.
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The system can be taken out and put on another car but there
are some important issues to consider.
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The
Queen has two Rolls-Royces, a Daimler and a Rover running on
autogas, and a refuelling facility in the Royal Mews. The Duke of
Edinburgh's Metrocab runs on LPG. The Prime Minister, the Deputy
Prime Minister and the President of the USA all use LPG cars.
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Recently Brian Wilson, the Energy Minister, unveiled the
100,000th LPG car in the UK, which represents an investment of
over £150 million. The Oil industries have invested over £100
million in the fuelling infrastructure. Globally there are now
more than eight million vehicles powered by LPG.
Why does AUTOTECH promote LPG?
