Frequently Asked Questions about converting to Autogas.
Frequently asked questions about Autogas.
- Where can I fill up with Autogas?
- What if I can't find a local Autogas supplier?
- How easy is Autogas to use as a motor fuel?
- How safe is the Autogas system when fitted?
- What happens if I run out of either petrol or Autogas?
- Will I lose performance?
- How many miles will I get to the gallon?
- How do I know how much Autogas is left in the tank?
- Where can the tank go, and will I lose boot space?
- Are there any special servicing requirements?
- Can Autogas damage my engine?
- What about vehicle warranty?
- What is going to happen to the price of Autogas in the future?
- What happens when I sell my vehicle?
What types of vehicles can be converted to run on Autogas ? Most four stroke spark ignition engines can be converted to Autogas, this ranges from older carburettor vehicles to modern fuel-injected vehicles, with or without catalytic converters, and 'closed loop' fuel injection systems. Modern petrol vehicles from 1996 are particularly suited to conversion
Where can I fill up with Autogas ? There is a fast increasing list of filling stations around the UK and a daily updated list can be found from the Liquified Pertroleum Gas Association's website www.lpga.co.uk . With the recent increases in in petrol and diesel prices, gas stations are starting to appear more frequently and most major Gas/Oil companies have big plans for the forthcoming years. A nationwide map is supplied as part of the conversion documentation.
What if I can't find a local Autogas supplier? Dependent upon space available and local restrictions, it can be very straight forward to have your own Autogas supply. A typical example would be a 1200 litre tank which can be mounted on concrete hardstanding 3m x 3m for a cost of £200.00 dependant on fuel supplier. This has the added advantage of lowering the Autogas cost per ltr. Its best to contact local authorities but normally planning permission is not required. Calor Autogas supplies 0345 661111
How easy is Autogas to use as a motor fuel? Carburettor vehicles can start on either petrol or Autogas. Switching from Autogas to petrol whilst on the move is easy. Injection vehicles can be started with the Autogas changeover switch left permanently on the Autogas position as the system automatically starts the vehicle on petrol and changes over to Autogas and will switch back to petrol if the gas runs out.
How safe is the Autogas system when fitted? Due to the fact that Autogas is stored under pressure the tank is much stronger and can survive greater impacts than a petrol or diesel tank. In the event of a serious accident the tank and associated Autogas pipes are protected with numerous safety devices, electronic and mechanical, to prevent and control the escape of the Autogas should a pipe be severed. If the vehicle should catch fire in the event of an accident then the Autogas tank is designed to control its pressure via a pressure relief valve saving the tank from rupturing and causing further damage.
What happens if I run out of
either petrol or Autogas?
If you run out of petrol the system can be run and started safely on
Autogas, and if you run out of Autogas, just press the switch and you are
back running on petrol. There is an automatic change over on sequential gas injection systems.
Will I lose performance? The conversion to autogas is not a performance aid, due mainly to its lower calorific value, engine power will be reduced by around 5% which is barely detectable.
How many miles will I get to the gallon? Due to autogas having a 20% lower calorific value than petrol you will expect to see a reduction in MPG (Range Rover 3.9 does 17MPG on petrol or 14 MPG on Autogas) which still represents a significant saving of around 40% compared to petrol.
How do I know how much Autogas is left in the tank? Built into the changeover switch is an LED gauge display, which will indicate the tank contents.
Where can the tank go, and will I lose boot space? Unfortunately one draw back of an Autogas conversion is that an Autogas tank will have to be installed, usually in the vehicle load area. Autogas tanks are available in a vast range of sizes to suit most vehicles these can be matched to your particular requirements of space and expected mileage range. Some conversions use a petrol tank and Autogas tank option to fit in place of original petrol tank, this type however is vehicle specific.
Are there any special servicing requirements? Your usual garage can continue to carry out your servicing and repairs provided no adjustments or removal of the Autogas system are required. Only fully trained Autogas engineers should work on the autogas system. We are a fully operational MOT testing station, with many years experience of servicing and repairs, and can fully satisfy these requirements as well as the Autogas repairs where required.
Can autogas damage my engine?
No, In fact because Autogas is a cleaner burning fuel engine life is
extended and less maintenance is required. The one exception is engines running
on leaded petrol as Autogas contains no lead, modification to the valve seats
would be required.
What about vehicle warranty? There is no reason for it to affect the vehicle warranty, however if the vehicle is under warranty it needs to be checked. The Autogas system itself is warranted and some of our systems now carry a two year component warranty with opptions to buy a three year parts and labour warranty for that extra peace of mind.
What is going to happen to the price of autogas in the future? Currently the cost is about 48p per litre, and the government is committed to maintaining the differential between autogas and petrol. Unlike the 70's the environment will continue to be high on the political agenda. Autogas is a cleaner running fuel, being produced as a byproduct of other products cannot be ignored.
What happens when I sell my vehicle? In the future as availabilty of Autogas increases you may well find that you will be able to sell your vehicle at a much higher premium. The Autogas tanks life is 10 years, and the 'Front End' components are calibrated with the aid of a lap top computer by our installers, and so are quite literally matched to the car. So once having made the investment in a Autogas kit you can continue to reep the benefits for many years.
Driving an LPG vehicle is safe, easy and, best of all, much cheaper than petrol.
