A quick summary.

An Alternative Fuel.

Although Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) sometimes referred to as Autogas when used as a road fuel is a fossil fuel, it is much cheaper to buy than either Petrol or Diesel. The cost of LPG is less than petrol and LPG prices flucuate less than petrol. This is because of less tax and the UK Government want to encourage the use of LPG because of its environmental reasons. As a result only small amount of tax is levied on LPG compared to Petrol and Diesel. This gives us an alternative road fuel which can be half price compared with petrol. The benefit of LPG, is that it will save you at least 40% of the money you used to spend on petrol.

Locating a LPG UK filling station is easy these days, there are at least 1500 LPG stations selling autogas lpg across the UK. Information is readily available on the internet and there are various maps available.

The History.....

Gas conversion of vehicles in the UK started because of the Petrol shortages of World War 2. Cars, Vans and essential vehicles such as Ambulances were converted to run on Town Gas. The Gas was carried in very large bags mounted on the roof. Whilst the UK returned to using Petrol when the War ended and supplies were restored, Holland and Italy continued to develop alternatives. This is why most LPG equipment used in UK is made and imported from both of those Countries.

The LPG Conversion. ...

Almost every LPG Conversion for cars or Autogas Conversion is of the 'dual fuel', that is petrol operation is retained giving you the choice of which fuel to use. An LPG tank is added usually in the spare wheel well or in the boot space. This loss of space is the only downside to LPG conversions. MOTs and servicing are not affected by the changes. Insurance premiums remain unchanged although your insurance company will probably require that your vehicle is placed on the UKLPG register.

The majority of Petrol engines can be converted, including Turbocharged or Supercharged engines and LPG conversion kits for some direct injection cars have been developed. There are a very small number of cars that we advise against converting. Kits are becoming available for Diesel engines. These days 99% of vehicles are converted using Sequential Vapour Injection Systems, this eliminates all the old problems like backfires. Only very old carburetor engines are converted with the old 'Mixer' systems.

LPG Safety.

LPG is safer than petrol because it is stored in sealed steel tanks compared to the plastic tanks of petrol. LPG bulk tanks are allowed above ground while all Petrol bulk tanks must be under ground!!! All LPG conversion kits and components must conform to the European 67R01 standards. If LPG was the normal fuel and Petrol the new alternative fuel petrol might be considered dangerous!!

Convert to LPG

mintLPG has all the expertise to convert to LPG your car with the most appropriate components. All work is done in accordance with the UKLPG Code of Practice and the vehicle details are entered onto the online register to satisfy your insurance company. A standard 2 years warranty applies to all our conversions.

The mileage your car has covered prior to Autogas conversion is no problem if it is high, provided that the engine is in good working order. Emissions and compression will be checked before and after conversion. The ignition system must be in top condition, LPG puts extra stress on ignition components and some times these parts may need changing. Because some of the components have a bedding in period we like to see the vehicle after about a 1000 miles for a free LPG service.

In normal driving no loss of performance should be experienced. Although a small power loss does occur at very high revs, this is only noticeable when driven very hard. Convert to LPG has successfully been applied to high performance and rally cars. If your vehicle has cruise control it will work just the same on gas as will most of the functions of the cars computers.

LPG Conversion Grants

Several years ago there was a government grant available for LPG conversions. This is no longer the case although there are other benefits. The main benefit is felt at the pumps. At the moment LPG cars are exempt from the London Congestion charges - they must be registered for it with TFL. This exemption is due to change so check with TFL. There is a reduction in excise duty for LPG vehicle check with the DVLA. Some councils also offer parking benefits.

DIY conversion lpg

Keen DIYer might be interested in doing there own LPG conversions. This is not encouraged although we can offer a modified LPG Training course where you can fit your own at our premises.

Fuel Economy on LPG

LPG fuel has slightly less energy (15%) than a similar volume of Petrol. As result, with your LPG conversion you will get slightly less (15 - 20%) miles per Gallon or Litre. This combined with the low LPG prices will mean motoring with at least 40% savings on LPG fuel. Please note that lpg prices at the pumps varies quite a lot, if you shop around for a good price the savings can be 50%. Your LPG conversion will save you lots.

Day to Day Operation ....

When the fuel change over switch is in the gas position the engine is starts from cold on Petrol, and only switched over to gas when it reaches a preset temperature and engine speed. When the engine is already hot there is a change over delay of about 30 seconds. If you run out of LPG fuel the engine automatically switches back to Petrol and issues a audible warning. It is advisable to keep the petrol at least a quarter full, running out of petrol and running on gas can damage the petrol pump.

Filling at a LPG station or Autogas station is slightly slower than petrol although it can bring a smile to your face when you go to pay because of the LPG cost!! The pump will automatically stop when the tank has reached the full level. (Tanks are never filled more than 80% full). Download User Manual.

Going abroad........

LPG (GPL or Autogaz) is more widely available in the rest of Europe although the filling guns vary. The cost of LPG on the continent is simular to LPG uk. You will need 2 addition adapter ( we have them in stock) to fill up your LPG conversion abroad. Because of confusion over licensing the Channel Tunnel does not take LPG converted cars unlike all ferries. Some continental underground car parks have a ban on vehicles that have LPG conversions.