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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.
