Your car is such an important part of your life and most of us take our cars for granted.  When our cars are in for a service, it almost feels like someone has taken our independence from us.  Converting to LPG is a good move for you and a good move for your car.  What must you know before you make the decision to convert?

1.)               How much will I save?

LPG offers huge cost savings when compared with petrol, there is denying this fact.  However, LPG as fuel is not as efficient as petrol in miles per gallon, so the best way to calculate savings is to estimate the cost of driving 1000miles on petrol compared with 1000miles on LGP.

Assumptions:          LPG in general has 20% less fuel efficiency than petrol.

The typical cost of an LPG Conversion is around £2000, based on the scenario above and an annual mileage of 15,000miles it would take almost 2 years to pay off the initial cost of the LPG conversion.
 

3.)               How long do I intend on keeping this car?

The next question you need to ask is how long you intend to keep your car. Again based on the example above, if you intend on keeping the car for more than 2 years, you will benefit from the savings.

4.)               Can my car run on LPG?

Although LPG is now extremely widespread not all cars can be converted to LPG.  It is difficult to convert Diesel to LPG, although technology is improving to cover diesel vehicles.  Currently, the diesel engine would have to be replaced with a petrol engine before an LPG Conversion could be carried out – expensive process!
 

5.)               Will my valves suffer?

Certain car makes suffer valve recession as the result of an LPG Conversion.  A good LPG company will be honest with you if your car could have value problems.
 

6.)               Will my warranty be affected?

An LPG Conversion will affect your manufacturer’s warranty.  Having an LPG Conversion will void the manufacturer’s warranty with respect to the engine, and any modifications made to install the LPG tank and other equipment associated with the system. 

Most LPGA Approved companies will offer you a new warranty to cover the LPG system.  However, make sure you ask about the extent of coverage that the warranty will offer you.
 

7.)               What impact will it have on my car?

LPG Conversions do not cause any noticeable difference in the running of your car.  Technology has improved and there is no loss to performance (unless you are driving in an excess of 130mph, which is not legal anyway!).  LPG Cars tend to run more smoothly than petrol engine cars.
 

8.)               Will there be a loss of room to my boot space?

Only if you choose to have a cylinder tank.  There is a doughnut tank option available, which is fitted in the spare wheel space.  This option does mean loosing your spare wheel; however you can choose to have a puncture repair kit just in case you do get a flat.
 

9.)               Ask for references and talk to other car owners about their experience

If you are still unsure, why not ask your LPG conversion company to speak with their past customers that have the same car as you.  A good company will not have any issues referring you onto an existing customer.
 

10.)           Only convert using an LPGA Approved Installer

Cheaper is not better!!!  Only have an LPG Conversion with an LPGA Approved Installer.  The LPGA have set industry standards and if you choose to use an unapproved installer you will have no back up and potentially have to spend a lot of money repairing the damage originally caused, so make sure you see the stamp of approval!

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