Autogas is the term generally used for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), when it is used for the propulsion of road vehicles. It is obtained as a by-product of the distillation of oil from crude oil. When it is pressurised it becomes a liquid and it is in this form that it is pumped into your tank.

It is often used as a bottled gas for cooking and heating where there is no natural gas pipeline nearby. LPG vehicles can be set up to run either as 'Dedicated' vehicles which have LPG as their only fuel and are spark ignited - like petrol or 'Bi-fuel' (sometimes known as 'dual-fuel') vehicles. These are vehicles with petrol engines converted so that they can operate on LPG or petrol; the change from one fuel to the other taking place at the flick of a switch. Some UK manufacturers are now offering bi-fuel vehicles as standard products.

In all cases, gas is stored on the vehicle in special fuel tanks manufactured to stringent British and European standards. The safety of these tanks is much higher than your existing petrol tank. The fuel is then fed to the engine and introduced into the engine intake tract, controlled by a regulator.

LPG Benefits & Savings

Save up to 50% on your fuel costs.

• The average motorist can save up to 50% off their fuel bills.
• The system is easily installed alongside your existing fuel system. This offers you the option to run on either petrol or gas, simply by flicking a switch.
• A litre of autogas will cost approximately half the price of petrol and diesel.
  
  

• The engine oil does not become diluted with a consequential reduction in servicing costs.
• The life of the engine is extended as a result of the absence of acids and carbon deposits.
• LPG reaches the engine in pure gas form, resulting in improved combustion.
• With a move towards tougher emission laws, LPG is becoming an increasingly popular alternative fuel for cars and vans. Also, the government is keeping autogas fuel down in price and offering grants in particular cases up to 50%.
• Engine performance is almost exactly the same as with petrol.
• There is no spilling when filling your tank and no possibility of theft or pilfering.
• LPG offers significant emission reductions ranging from 50-80%. · Environmentally friendly, very low emissions.
• More and more service stations provide LPG as an alternative fuel. Currently one new station per day on major retail sites.
• The initial cost of installation can be quickly recouped for average and high mileage users.

The Environment

Currently there are two types of gaseous fuel being used to power vehicles

• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and
• CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).

With environmental issues now becoming the forefront of every day life, using alternatives fuels to petrol and diesel are rapidly becoming a popular choice. Why? Because these alternative fuels - LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) more than just save you money on vehicle running costs. The environment can be improved too!

Comparison of harmful pollutants emitted by road fuels -
pollutants expressed as percentages

The graphs show comparisons between the harmful pollutants emitted after combustion of 3 commonly used road fuels - petrol, diesel and LPG. It is apparent that LPG clearly reduces the emissions of harmful pollutants.

Carbon monoxide released into the atmosphere is one of the main causes of global warming, research shows that vehicles running on LPG release up to 30-35% less carbon monoxide.

The government has become more aware of the positive results of using LPG, especially when it comes to reducing the pollution in major cities.