LPG or liquefied petroleum gas is primarily a blend of butane and propane with an octane rating in the range of 105 to 115 RON, giving it better anti-knock properties than regular petrol. At the gas stations that offer LPG, the mixing ratio is varied depending on the season. The network of gas stations is dense and there are many ways to fill up with LPG.
How can LPG be used?
The use of LPG is basically the same as that of a normal combustion engine. The liquid gas has to be filled up, whereby the tank volume required is a little larger than with petrol or diesel. As a rule, the liquid gas systems with their tanks are integrated into the trunk or in the recess for the spare wheel, which technically does not pose a major challenge. In other words, LPG can almost always be retrofitted, so the way to an LPG car is not far.
It is also possible to use petrol and LPG in parallel and to switch at any time while driving. Accordingly, the already existing petrol tank also acts as a backup and is used when the gas tank has been run empty.
Advantages of LPG:
LPG offers advantages, especially in terms of environmental protection.
- Cheaper than petrol
What makes LPG so appealing? It is less expensive and burns much cleaner than petrol or diesel. Because the price of LPG is lower than that of petrol and the vehicles are very economical, the conversion costs are amortised in almost all cases. It should also be pointed out that the range of LPG-powered vehicles can be around 1,000 kilometres.
- Since it evaporates easily, it is safer than petrol during an accident
It contains more safety precautions than petrol-powered engines. It ensures that only such a small amount of the gas mixture can escape that it would immediately dilute in the air. In addition, a valve is attached to the converted car, which directs the gas to the outside in a controlled manner in the event of excess pressure. According to all the best mechanics, these are all safety mechanisms that do not exist in petrol engines.
- Reduced carbon emissions
Statistics show that emissions of nitrogen oxides are reduced by 80 per cent compared to a petrol engine, unburned hydrocarbons by around half and CO2 emissions by 16.4 per cent. In other words, LPG is a "green" alternative to traditional engines.
- Less noise
Petrol engines with vaporization and injection tend to be noisier due to the ticking of the injectors. However, with LPG this is not the case.
In other countries where LPG is used a lot, the number of accidents has not increased. The high level of security is underlined by a wealth of independent practical tests. Finally, in almost all vehicle segments, some vehicles are already equipped with LPG and do not require any additional costs for later conversion. A switch can be worthwhile.
Autogas (liquefied petroleum gas/LPG) is an alternative to conventional petrol or diesel drives. The advantages and disadvantages must be carefully weighed before making the switch. You have to decide whether to buy a new or used vehicle with an LPG system or to have an LPG system installed in an existing vehicle with a petrol engine. With proper car service, your LPG vehicle can go a long way.
