FAQ – Autogas South Africa

What is autogas ?

LPG autogas is an energy source that is recovered from natural gas deposits or from the refining process of crude oil. It is supplied and stored under relatively low pressure and at ambient temperature in liquid form. It changes from a liquid state to gas as it passes through the converter on its way to the engine in your car.

Is LPG safe for my car ?

Yes. The regulations that apply to the installation and operating of vehicles fuelled by LPG autogas are very strict. LPG fuel tanks are constructed from heavy duty steel plates and are many times stronger than regular petrol tanks. Evidence has proven that in a collision, you are far less likely to incur a leak from a LPG gas tank than a petrol tank or suffer from a gas related injury during a motor vehicle accident.

The LPG Conversion Kit have large number of inherent safety features and is also manufactured, tested and installed as per highest international standards. It is thus safe in all the ways to convert the vehicle using LPG Conversion kit.

Will I save money using LPG Autogas ?

Yes. Yes. Yes. You will save up to 45% of your current fuel costs.

If you use diesel engine you will save from 15 to 25% dependent on driving habits

Will I still be able to use petrol or Diesel ?

Yes, you can change back from LPG to petrol simply at the flick of a switch!

How long does an LPG Autogas conversion usually take ?

Petrol engine usually just a day or two. Diesel engine 2-3 days.

Why is LPG better for the environment ?

Two reasons. Firstly the simple chemical nature of the fuel ensures that it burns cleaner producing less pollution. LPG has the potential to make a huge difference to local air quality, particularly in urban areas, see table. Secondly, it is produced as a by-product of oil extraction and refining operations. The UK produces a surplus of millions of tonnes each year LPG is by far the most valuable use for it.

How will it affect my car’s performance ?

Modern LPG conversions suffer no noticeable loss of performance. Engines will run smoother and be slightly quieter.

Diesel engine :

10 to 20 % more power
10 to 20% increased torque
due to a more efficient over 95% complete burn of diesel fuel

What happens if I run out of LPG ?

All modern gas injection systems are dual fuel so when the car runs out of LPG it will automatically switch to petrol or diesel. This is quite normal, hardly noticeable and causes no damage to your engine. The car will cold start on petrol and then quickly switch over when the engine is warm.

Can I still drive on petrol or Diesel ?

The conversion adds a second fuel system, leaving the original petrol or diesel system in place. Therefore the car drives as before on petrol (diesel) and will normally cold start on petrol or diesel. You can switch to petrol (diesel) at the push of a button on the dashboard. When you’re used to the low cost of driving on autogas there really isn’t any need to use other fuel unless of course you are out of autogas.

Can an LPG autogas system be removed ?

The system can be taken out and put on another car but there are some important issues to consider.

Removing and Transferring LPG autogas systems

Your LPG system can be removed from your vehicle should you wish. This is a much simpler exercise than the installation however it must be carried out by a properly qualified technician so that all systems are properly isolated and the vehicle returned to its original specification. It involves the following:

Removal of the LPG filling point, fuel tank, injectors, vaporiser fuel switch and gauge
Isolation and/or removal of the LPG wiring loom, connections and ECU
Making good to the dashboard, bodywork and inlet manifold.
Systems can generally be transferred from one vehicle to another, so long as the number of cylinders are the same and the tank will fit the new vehicle.

Will the conversion improve the resale value of my car ?

This depends on the quality of the system fitted and the type of car. A good quality, reliable system is like to having a half price fuel button on the dashboard and will be a good selling point. Unreliable equipment without proper certification will lower the value of the car.

Is LPG autogas refueling equipment affordable?

YES. Installing LPG autogas dispensing equipment is far less expensive to install compared to other alternative fuels such as CNG. Depending on fuel demand, the dispensing equipment can be included with a LPG autogas supply agreement. LPG autogas dispensers are available from the simple pump and motor to a state-of-the-art dispenser with card reader and fuel management technologies. LPG autogas tanks are available in both above ground and underground applications in sizes ranging from 5000 liters up to 12000 liters.