Clarkson Autogas - Frequently Asked Questions
Q Why do some people call it LPG and others call it Autogas?
A There is no difference at all, LPG means liquid petroleum gas and Autogas is the terminology used within the Auto industry for LPG
Q Which vehicle are suitable for LPG
conversions?
A In general all petrol fuelled vehicles can be adapted to run on LPG. There are a few exceptions which are mainly some very modern vehicles which have direct petrol injection ie DGI engines. All vehicles retain their petrol system so that there is a choice of which fuel to use.
Q What is involved in having a vehicle converted to LPG?
A The first consideration is fuel storage. A special LPG storage vessel must be fitted to the vehicle. These tanks are extremely strong and safe and can be fitted in place of the spare wheel or as a cylindrical tank in the boot. Loosing a bit of space is the only disadvantage of have an LPG vehicle - ie you'll have to loose a little to gain a lot !! An additional LPG filler is also fitted usually in the rear wing or on the tow bar bracket. Under the bonnet the fuel control system and associated electronics are fitted. On a modern car this is usually a Sequential Vapour Injection System. On older vehicles there the traditional venturi system is still fitted. Apart from physically fitting the components , various connection have to be made: these are into the water pipes and petrol injector wiring. Inside the car a switch is fitted, usually on the dashboard. This switch enables the driver to change between LPG and Petrol manually, although the change over procedure is automatic. Incorporated into the switch is a LPG level indicator. The final part of the conversion is a thorough test drive. Then a check using an LPGA check list and then final certification in accordance insurance companies requirements.
Q Is it true that when I drive my car out of the fitting centre I will immediately start saving up to 50% on my fuel cost?
A Yes, most definitely, apart from the huge environmental advantages, most people have their car adapted to run on LPG to save money
Q Recently there has been some reports in newspapers that the government might put the tax up very high on LPG?
A There was a lobby from the bio-diesel industry that LPG was receiving huge tax concessions, as opposed to their fuel. However the LPGA proved to the government the enormous environmental saving that we are enjoying from LPG. Consequently in the latest budget the chancellor gave huge thumbs up to the future of Autogas in the UK.
Q What if I run out of LPG
(Autogas)?
A What happens if you run out of petrol you go to a filling station before your tank is empty, you do exactly the same thing with LPG there are over 1400 recorded filling stations in the UK and many more not recorded all you have to do is look for the sign Autogas or get a list of stations from the web. There is a very useful Autogas/LPG refuelling station map recently produced
Q How many cars run on LPG
(Autogas)?
A There are over 100,000 vehicles in the UK currently running on LPG.
Q We have heard some bad reports about some vehicles that have had LPG (Autogas) fitted. Is this true?
A Most of the problems can be attributed to bad fitting and putting the wrong system on a vehicle. This can no longer happen as leading brand sequential injection systems are designed for all modern petrol vehicles.
Q How many cars are currently successfully running on the new sequential injection system? A We estimate that from Jan 2007 there are over six thousand vehicles running on this very exciting new system in the UK and 20,000 in Italy.
Q Will running on LPG (Autogas) effect my engine?
A Providing a suitable system is correctly fitted the life of the engine will be extended this is due to the nature of the cleaner fuel
Q Can I fit the system onto the vehicle myself without any training?
A With the old type systems there were quite a number of people fitting the system themselves. The new system fortunately doesn’t allow this to happen as the injection system has to be programmed into the vehicles diagnostics by a qualified Autogas technicians
Q Will LPG affect my insurance on the vehicle?
A Not usually providing you have your vehicle adapted by a certified installer ( which we are ! )
Q How long will it take to adapt the average saloon car
A Usually two to three days and about four days for a 4x4 with the space saver petrol tank
Q Do I have to have the big cylinder tank in the back of my car?
A No, these days you can have a doughnut shape tank fitted into your spare wheel well.
Q Will it affect the warranty on my vehicle?
A Usually no, as LPG improves the longevity of the engine, however there are additional warranties available if required. You will automatically get a 12mths parts and labour warranty on the Autogas system
Q Does it taker longer to fill than petrol
A Yes it does take a little longer, but you have a great big smile when you come to pay