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How
will converting my car to LPG save me money?
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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Why
is LPG better for the environment?
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. Secondly, it is produced as
a by-product of oil extraction and refining operations. The UK produces a surplus
of millions of tonnes each year . LPG is by far the most valuable use for it.
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Is
LPG safe?
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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What
is LPG?
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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Does
it matter what system I put on my car?
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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How
will it affect my car's performance
Modern
LPG conversions suffer no noticeable loss of performance. Engines will run smoother
and be slightly quieter.
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How
does an LPG conversion work.
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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What
happens if I run out of LPG?
All
Greenfuel 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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Can
I still drive on petrol?
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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What
happens if I get a puncture?
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 all conversions are supplied
with fully approved tyre foam. This reflates the tyre and seals the puncture until
you can get it properly repaired.
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Where
can I refuel?
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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Can
I convert my diesel to use LPG?
Although
some companies are developing systems that use LPG and diesel at the same time,
the Greenfuel 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 Greenfuel will advocate its use.
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How
much does it cost?
This
depends on the vehicle to be converted.
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Will
it damage my engine?
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.
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What
about servicing?
The
LPG system should be inspected annually by a specialist LPG technician. This normally
takes about half an hour and is consequently not expensive.
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Will
it affect my insurance?
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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Will
the conversion improve the resale value of my car?
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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What
is going to happen to LPG prices?
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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Can
an LPG system be removed?
The
system can be taken out and put on another car but there are some important issues
to consider.
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Does
anyone famous use LPG?
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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Will
LPG take off?
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.
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Will
I be exempt from Congestion Charging?
Contrary
to what is sometimes said, not all LPG conversions qualify for CC exemption. To
qualify the car has to meet Band 4 (40% improvement on Euro IV) emissions targets.
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How
long does the conversion take?
Generally
three to four days to allow time for system testing.
