LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an increasingly popular choice of fuel for drivers in the UK.

It is a cleaner-burning fuel, and the Government imposes considerably less tax on LPG in order to encourage its use. A litre of LPG currently costs around half the price of a litre of petrol.

Almost any petrol-engine vehicle can be converted to run on LPG. Vehicles will usually experience a slight decrease in maximum power output when using the gas but this is the only difference drivers are likely to notice on the move. In the long run, owners may notice less maintenance is required as the cleaner burning fuel causes fewer deposits in the engine.

The conversion itself should be undertaken by a professional. A high-pressure storage tank will be fitted to the car with a fuel line to feed the LPG to the engine’s modified injector system.

The tank will impinge on boot space, although specially-shaped tanks can fit in the spare wheel holder. The cost of the conversion can be anywhere from £1,500 to £2,500 depending on the vehicle and the equipment required.

Crucially, the LPG system does not replace the original petrol fuel system. A modified car can be switched between the two fuel sources. This means that the vehicle can still be run on petrol if an LPG filling station cannot be found, but it also allows the engine to be started from cold using petrol and switched to LPG once it has warmed up.

UKLPG and the Department for Transport have set up the LPGA Approved Installer Scheme. Approved garages will issue a certificate following an LPG conversion.

“LPG autogas is one of today’s most widely available alternative fuels,” says Mike Chapman, autogas manager for UKLPG.

“Running a car or van on LPG can save the motorist up to 40% on their fuel costs as well as offering them the reassurance that they are doing their bit for the environment as LPG produces 20% less carbon dioxide than petrol per kilometre and 99% less particulates than diesel per kilometre.“

There are more than 1,500 LPG filling stations in the UK but several types of nozzle are in use across Europe, so an adaptor may be required if going on holiday.

There are also some restrictions on LPG-equipped vehicles in tunnels or on ferries or trains. Some insurers may also charge extra for cover.

Key points

• The Government imposes less tax on LPG as it is considered a cleaner fuel
• Conversions should be performed by a professional; an approved installer scheme exists

Source: Yell Motoring Guides