Q. On this website and elsewhere, I have seen the word "Autogas" used. What is it?
A. Autogas is simply the common name for liquified petroleum gas (LPG) when it is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines in vehicles. Cars and other vehicles (including light commercial vehicles) can be adapted to run on this LPG autogas as an alternative to petrol or diesel.

Q. Is it safe? What about in a crash?
A. Autogas has an excellent safety record all over the world, and over the course of many stringent crash and fire tests it has been proved that, due in large part to the great strength of the fuel tank, it is safer than petrol and easily as safe as diesel. The pressurised fuel tanks used to store Autogas in vehicles are built to such a high standard  that they can withstand even extremely high impact damage.

Q. Why is Autogas so cheap compared to petrol and diesel?
A. The amount of duty that the government levies on Autogas is considerably less than the duty on petrol, in order to encourage its use. The 2008 budget was good news for Autogas - the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed the continuation of the existing differential arrangement in fuel duty between Autogas and petrol through to 2011, meaning that the price of autogas to the consumer will continue at around half the price of petrol and diesel for the foreseeable future.

Q. What are the advantages of Autogas?
A. Autogas is widely used as a "green" fuel as it decreases exhaust emissions. In particular, it reduces CO2 emissions by around 20% compared to petrol. Due to the fact that it is already a gas and not a liquid, engine combustion is smoother and quieter. Also, it is non-toxic, non-corrosive and free of tetra-ethyl lead or any additives (unlike petrol or diesel), and is especially free of the particulates found in diesel, so it burns cleaner- which is better for the environment and can help prolong engine and component life.

Q. Are there any disadvantages of Autogas?
A. In fairness, there are two downsides. Firstly, it has a lower energy density than either petrol or diesel, so the equivalent fuel consumption is higher- but since the cost of Autogas is so much lower, it is still much more cost effective. Secondly, some designs of internal combustion engine require the lubrication of petrol or diesel with lead or lead substitute, and the absence of it in Autogas can damage valves or shorten their life. Engines designed for unleaded fuel, equipped with hardened valve seats, are suitable for use with Autogas without added upper cylinder lubrication.

Q. How long will it take me to recover the cost of the conversion?
A. On average, the cost of conversion should normally be recovered in the first year by the reduction in fuel costs. Obviously, the greater your mileage the quicker you will recoup your initial outlay- at the moment, Autogas is available on forecourts from approximately 55p per litre, compared to approximately £1.15+ for standard unleaded. Conversion prices start at £795 plus VAT.

Q. Will the conversion mean my engine has less power?
A. There is little to no difference in either fuel efficiency or performance on modern cars fitted with catalytic converters and using modem sequential LPG systems.

Q. Where can I buy Autogas after the conversion?
A. At the present time in the UK, there are over 1200 Autogas-ready refuelling stations- and the number is growing all the time. Remember, after conversion your vehicle will be dual-fuel, meaning that you will always have petrol to fall back on if you need to. A list of stations can be found at www.lpga.co.uk.

Q. Can I buy Autogas overseas?
A. Yes, Autogas is widely available in most European countries. It is most commonly known as “LPG”, “GPL” and “Autogas”, amongst other names. You may find that there are different types of filling nozzle, but an adaptor fitting will always be available.

Q. Where does the tank go?
A. The tank is normally installed as either a cylinder in the boot, or a doughnut-shaped tank in the spare wheel compartment. Your vehicle's tyres can be filled with a special compound which will make them virtually puncture proof, thus eliminating the need for a spare tyre.

Q. How long will the conversion take?
A. The time taken to install an Autogas system varies depending on a number of factors- including tank options, the number of cylinders, the age of the vehicle and so on. A typical family hatchback with a single boot-mounted tank should take two to three days, whilst a large four-wheel drive with multiple tanks might take three to four days. Of course, we will happily provide you with a free courtesy car while yours is being converted.

Q. Will the conversion affect my car's warranty - or its resale value?
A. Under European law, manufacturers cannot invalidate the warranty of your vehicle if it is converted to LPG. In the unlikely event that the LPG unit is at fault, all our conversions are fully guaranteed. As long as your system has been installed by an approved installer, the resale value will not decrease and may even increase depending on the condition of the rest of your car.