An LPG conversion canseriously cut your fuel bills – by as much as 40%, according to industrysources. If you’ve been paying attention to the fuel prices at motorwayservices recently, you’ve probably already seen that low LPG price underneaththe unleaded and diesel entries, and wondered how you can go about getting aconversion for your vehicle. It’s actually pretty simple – and in addition tosaving yourself money (which, in this time of rocketing oil prices, we couldall do with) is also better for the environment.

So what do you need for asuccessful LPG conversion? First you’ll need an LPG tank. This can come inpretty much any shape and size – when you go for a conversion you will beoffered a range of LPG storage tanks according to the available spaces forholing one in your vehicle. Typically, your LPG storage tank is either boltedto the underside of your back seat (behind it, so you can neither see nor feelit) – or stored in the spare tyre wheel well.

The LPG storage tank is fittedwith excellent safety limiters, which are there to deal with the heightenedpressure and temperature of LPG. Your tank will not fill beyond 85% ofcapacity, which leaves plenty of room for expansion.

Your storage tank will beconnected to an LPG filler point, which is usually fitted to your vehicle nextto the petrol cap. The filler point works exactly like any Calor gas valve –that is, you can put the gas in but it won’t come out again.

The LPG conversion alsorequires some additional engine components: extra fuel lines (obviously youcan’t pump LPG down an existing petrol line); a vaporiser; and an electroniccontrol unit. All of these pieces can be fitted by any garage that is certifiedto carry out the work.

When you convert your vehiclefor LPG use, it will normally remain dual fuelled – so you will retain yourpetrol tank as well as having the capacity to run on LPG. You will, then, needto be able to see how much fuel you have in both tanks. Your LPG conversionshould include an extra fuel gauge (for your LPG) and also a switch thatenables you to flick between the two fuel sources you now have on board.

It’s vital to have an approvedLPGA converter do your installation for you. These individuals and companieshave been trained to high standards and are inspected to a government approvedlevel. LPG is no more dangerous than petrol (which, after all, is just anotherform of liquid gas): but you should treat its installation with the respect youwould afford to the introduction of any potentially explosive substance.

LPG conversions canpotentially save you a lot of money, are better for the environment and alsoraise the resale value of your vehicle. Individuals running large consumptionvehicles like 4x4s may also find that their cost per mileage is significantlyimproved.  

Lpg conversion, autogas conversion