Pioneer Gas - LPG Conversions UK Frequently Asked Questions

What is LPG?

LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a natural gas resource and is also a by-product of oil production and is an alternative to petrol or diesel. You can read more about LPG in the "About LPG" section. 

Can my diesel vehicle be converted to run on LPG?

Most four-stroke spark ignition engines can be converted to bi-fuel (LPG and petrol), including fuel-injected, turbo-charged engines. 
We are aware that systems are being developed to convert diesel engines to run on a mixture of LPG and Diesel (called Duel Fuel or LPG diesel blend) but we have not yet been provided with satisfactory test results for engine durability or emissions. Accordingly we are not able to recommend such conversions at the present time. 

Will I save money by converting to LPG?

You will save up to 40% of your current fuel costs compared with petrol and over 20% compared to the equivalent diesel. Due to its low fuel duty, LPG retails at about half the price of unleaded petrol and diesel.

What are the environmental benefits of LPG?

Environmentally friendly fuels are high on the political agenda as the Government looks at ways to reduce the impact of traffic on the environment, and LPG is one solution. Running on LPG reduces your carbon footprint by on average 20% compared with petrol and has a small advantage over diesels which is predicted to increase to 10% by 2010. Clean, efficient combustion means that LPG vehicles also produce fewer harmful pollutants and less noise. 

What is involved in an LPG conversion?

An LPG conversion results in a bi-fuel car, ie one that can run on either LPG or petrol. A second independent fuel system is added to the car, for which a dedicated tank is needed. The tank is usually fitted in the spare wheel well, but can sometimes be installed underneath the car. As with petrol and diesel, liquid LPG is bought by the litre and pumped into the tank via a hose and a filling point. It becomes a gas just before entering the combustion cylinder. 

Will I lose boot space?

Gas tanks are available in a vast array of sizes. Loss of boot space can be kept to a minimum by using a doughnut-shaped tank fitted into the spare wheel well. 

How do I get my car converted?

You are strongly recommended to use an LPGA-approved installer to do the work to ensure a safe and satisfactory conversion and get the strength of the Association behind you. 

Does it matter what LPG system is installed in my car?

It certainly does. The system used depends on the vehicle being converted; an older carburettor vehicle will have a different system to a modern fuel-injected vehicle with a catalytic converter. It is vital that the most suitable, efficient and safe system for your car is fitted by an LPGA-approved installer. 

How much does an LPG conversion cost?

Conversion costs are from about £900, depending on the vehicle being converted and the system being installed. This initial capital outlay can be recouped via lower running costs.

How long does it take?

Most standard conversions take around three working days. 

Can I buy an LPG-ready car from new?

Yes, some manufactures provide LPG options or manufacturer approved conversions. 

What about the vehicle warranty?

You should expect at least 12 months / 10,000 miles labour and parts warranty on the conversion equipment. If your vehicle has a manufacturer's warranty applying, then this will almost certainly be affected by the conversion. Vehicle manufacturers can only void their warranty in respect of the parts affected by the conversion, and LPGA Approved Installers can provide additional warranties to cover these areas. Establish with the installer the cover that he will provide and whether it is included in the price quoted. 

Where can I fill up with LPG?

There are more than 1,400 LPG refuelling stations in the UK. 

What happens if I run out of LPG or petrol?

Bi-fuel vehicles can run on petrol or gas. Most will change automatically but will also let you change from one to the other at the flick of a switch on the dashboard, without having to slow down or turn off the ignition. 

Is there an LPG fuel indicator?

Built into the changeover switch is an LED gauge that indicates how much LPG is left in the tank. 

What would happen if I accidentally added petrol or diesel to the gas tank?

You can't do this because the car's LPG filling point only accepts LPG hose nozzles. 

Can I over-fill the tank?

No, because the LPG tank is fitted with an automatic shut-off valve.

Will converting my car affect its performance?

Converting to LPG can increase the power and performance of your car, especially if a turbo model. However generally there is a small loss in performance, but so small you won't notice it while driving. What you will notice, compared with a diesel vehicle, is the smoother and quieter ride. 

What mpg can I expect from LPG?

About 20% less than you would normally get from petrol. However, as LPG costs approximately 50% less, the price difference means that you can save around 40% on your fuel costs. 

Can an LPG Conversion damage my engine?

Most engines can be converted without causing damage. Make sure you always use and LPG Certified installer with a certificate of approval. 

How safe is LPG?

LPG is renowned for its excellent safety record; it is used in hundreds of household appliances such as cigarette lighters and patio heaters. Research and testing conducted by Dutch research institute TNO concluded that the safety of modern autogas vehicles is in fact better than for petrol vehicles.

What happens if an LPG vehicle is involved in an accident?

The tank and gas pipes are fitted with numerous safety devices. The gas flow will automatically stop if the pipes are damaged or the engine is not running. If the vehicle catches fire, the gas tank pressure is controlled via cylinder venting, which will prevent the tank from rupturing and causing further damage. 

What happens if I get a puncture?

Depending on where the LPG tank is fitted, you may not be carrying a spare wheel. By carrying a can of tyre foam, you can re-inflate the tyre and seal the puncture until you can get it properly repaired. 

Are there any special servicing requirements?

Your usual garage can continue to carry out routine servicing on your car. An LPG system should receive an inspection at least annually and this should be by an LPGA approved installer. 

Will an LPG Conversion affect my insurance?

You must notify your insurance company if your car has been converted, or your cover could be invalidated. You should have no problems with increased insurance premiums, provided an LPGA-approved installer carried out the conversion. 

Do I need to inform the DVLA?

Yes - you must inform the DVLA and qualifying LPG vehicles will obtain a discount on the road fund tax. 

Will I be exempt from the London congestion charge?

Only if your vehicle is listed on the Transport for London Powershift Register. 

Will the conversion affect the resale value of my car?

A healthy used-car market depends on public interest. A quality LPG system fitted by an approved installer is a good selling point and may increase the resale value of your car. In 2008 British Car Auctions reported that LPG vehicles were obtaining 115% of book value.

Can the LPG Conversion system be transferred to another car?

Possibly, but not all systems are generic and suitable for moving. An LPGA approved installer can advise and where possible provide the new vehicle with an LPG conversion certificate for your insurance company. 

Can I take my car through the Channel Tunnel?

Currently, LPG vehicles are not permitted in the Channel Tunnel. Whilst the Association has lobbied for a change in policy, we are advised that as installation standards are not as high in some parts of Europe as in the UK, and that the operators are unable to ensure systems are fitted to a proper standard the decision has been made not to allow any LPG vehicles through the tunnel. However, LPG vehicles are allowed on cross-channel ferries. Contact the cross-channel carriers for further information. 

Is LPG Conversions here to stay?

LPG is currently the most viable option as an alternative vehicle fuel in the UK. The LPG industry, together with the Government and drivers using LPG, has invested around £1/4 billion in creating a healthy market for vehicle LPG. The industry has a total annual turnover in excess of £500 million and employs around 15,000 people. In June 2003, the 100,000th LPG car took to the road. Globally, there are now more than 12 million vehicles powered by LPG. 

Can I have my vehicle converted abroad?

A legal requirement for the UK is fitting in compliance with the UK Construction and Use Regulations (available from HMSO). To meet this, the equipment fitted will need to be to EC/67/01. Whilst in Europe all equipment should be EC/67/01 approved, the fitting requirements are different.
The fitting requirements are contained in the LPGA Code of Practice 11 (available for purchase on www.uklpg.org )
You will also need to check with your insurance company to establish whether they will accept a conversion undertaken outside the UK. This is likely to be a problem / expensive – see insurance. If the conversion is undertaken outside of the UK then you may have difficulties with any warranty claims. We are aware that some companies produce different specification equipment for such as central and east European countries and Turkey. Also if the equipment does have a manufacturer's warranty this would not cover labour charges for any work undertaken.
Also, servicing and repair in the UK is normally undertaken by the installer and you may find it difficult to get this work done on a system which has not been fitted in the UK, especially if the make, of equipment is not commonly used in the UK.

PIONEER GAS CO LTD, REGENT STREET, ROCHDALE, LANCASHIRE, OL12 0HQ, TEL: 0800 612 0326