Frequently asked questions
Is Autogas safe ?
Yes. Of course nothing that can burn or explode is totally safe, but in comparison to petrol, Autogas is much less dangerous to be around! Petrol is contained in a flimsy metal or plastic tank, with vents to the atmosphere. LPG is held in a heavy pressure vessel, and in normal circumstances will not allow any gas to vent. The tanks can take damage far beyond anything a normal fuel tank could absorb without rupturing. There are a number of safety devices on the vehicle to cut off fuel in case of an accident and each system is fitted in accordance with a strict protocol to ensure that safety is the first concern.
How do I know that the conversion has been properly carried out ?
A company that is registered with the LPG ASSOCIATION has gone through a strict vetting process to ensure that the conversion will be carried out to the highest standards. Registered installers are subject to ongoing quality checks. The LPGA are the only body recognised by central government to oversee our industry. They have set the stringent guidelines and codes of practice with which we must comply.
What about servicing ?
Servicing and durability are covered elsewhere, but wear and tear on the engine is often reduced, with the exception of the valves. On some vehicle the additional heat generated can cause some valve seat recession. No special requirements are needed for a converted vehicle, and your normal garage should be able to carry on with the routine maintenance. If however the gas system needs to be touched for any reason, then it essential that only a qualified engineer does this.
What happens if I run out of gas ?
The system is dual fuel, so if you run out of either petrol or gas, you simply switch to the other. (However on gas this is an automatic process). A major advantage if you don't like filling up... A major disadvantage if you have bladder problems.
Will my vehicle feel different to drive ?
Maybe, the engine will possibly be smoother, and quieter in operation. Acceleration may be marginally down, so although a well-tuned-in driver may just notice the difference, their passengers almost certainly will not.
Why is engine wear decreased ?
When you first start the engine on petrol the fuel sticks to the cylinder walls and washes off the oil which is there to protect it. This causes wear to both pistons and the cylinders. This petrol then drops down into the oil, and starts to dilute it, eventually destroying the lubrication qualities. Furthermore - because the fuel does not burn completely there is a build up of carbon deposits - which end up being pumped round the engine with the oil. These deposits are very abrasive and can contribute to engine breakdowns. The only area where wear can increase is in the valve seats. These may suffer recession due to the higher temperatures experienced in the combustion chamber when an engine runs on gas.
I have been told that I will need loads of different adaptors to enable me to fill the tank. Is this true?
No. The standard fitting in this country is the bayonet coupling, which is seen on all forecourts that I know of. The only variation you are likely to find in this country is at some of the more pre-historic sites, and they will have to use an adaptor from an "acme" thread. On the continent you will find that the only adaptor required will be to convert to the French claw filler. Many fuel stations keep adaptors to loan to customers, but they are not expensive to buy, and really easy to fit, and remove. The only problem you will have is finding the thing in the glove box amongst the crisp packets, and melted chocolate bars.
What about my insurance premium ?
When your conversion is carried out by a company approved by the LPGA you will be issued with a certificate of conformity. The insurance companies should not charge any additional premium to any customer who can produce this certificate.
A survey has been carried out to ascertain the attitude of insurance companies to gas conversions in general, and the safeguards they require before granting cover, to view this click here.
Will any vehicle run on gas ?
Not all vehicles are suitable. A diesel engine can only be converted after a considerable amount of work is done, after which it would not run on diesel again. So unless the need to change is great, the cost would far outweigh the benefit. This situation has changed slightly with the introduction of a dual-fuel system, that runs on gas and diesel at the same time. We are currently investigating its potential.
Turbo-charged vehicles and some others have in the past had an increased risk of flat spots and a lean mis-fires in the inlet manifold. The very latest gas injection systems (Generation 3) have overcome all of these problems in most cases.
Will my car use more fuel ?
Yes. Depending on how you drive, and what vehicle you are driving, your fuel consumption will be higher on Autogas than on petrol, by between ten and twenty percent in normal circumstances. Although I have not known of anyone having more than this increase a number of customers have reported that their fuel consumption has increased hardly at all. (Remember the price differential though.)
Navigation
- What is Autogas? - What it is, where it comes from.
- Overview - For those with a short attention span;;
Ready reckoner - Calculate the savings you will make on fuel purchases.
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History. - Learn about this fuel. (Its been around longer than you think)
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Environment - Why Autogas is a "green fuel."
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System types - Look at the equipment.
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Advantages. - Looks at advantages and dis-advantages
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Fuel availability - Where to fill up, and a link to the LPGA.
Prices. - How much your conversion could cost.
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FAQs - Frequently asked questions.
Approved installation company-Your guarantee of quality and safety !!
