Frequently Asked Questions

What is LPG?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, often called Autogas when used as a vehicle fuel, is made up of propane and butane. It is a by-product of oil extraction and refining operations, particularly when using North Sea ‘wet’ crude.

Where does it come from?

40% of LPG comes from the refining of crude oil and 60% straight from field production. At atmospheric pressure it is a vapour, under modest pressure it becomes liquid.

How does an LPG conversion work?

The conversion adds a second independent fuel system, making the car bi-fuel or capable of running on either petrol or LPG. This requires a second tank, usually installed in the spare wheel well.

Can I convert my diesel to use LPG?

At this point in time the combination of diesel and LPG usually results in increases of power output (rather than extra efficiency), it could also lead to mechanical problems. We therefore do not convert diesel run vehicles. We are aware of companies that are developing such systems. If in future, a system becomes available that combines capability, reliability and ecology, then we will carry out our own stringent checks before changing our advice to customers.

Can LPG damage my engine?

No. In fact, LPG is a cleaner burning fuel so engine life is extended and less maintenance is required. The one exception is engines using leaded petrol. These are not suitable and LPG may damage the engine. Remember LPG burns cleaner than petrol. This means less emissions out of the exhaust and less carbon deposits in the engine. These deposits are very abrasive and can contribute to engine breakdowns. The oil and spark plugs will also last longer.

Is LPG safe?

Crash and fire tests have proved that the strength and integrity of tanks fitted to LPGA safety guidelines (CoP11) make the LPG fuel system safer than petrol. Indeed if you were to try and make a direct comparison then you would be surprised by the thick walls and weight. Remember that there are now over eight million LPG vehicles around the world and some highly prominent people own them. For example the President of the United States limousine and the Queen’s Rolls Royce. In conclusion, although there is no statistical evidence from accidents, we believe that in an accident LPG will be more durable than petrol.  View the video on our home page to see fire tests carried out by the TV programme 5th gear.

Will converting affect the performance?

Modern LPG conversions experience no noticeable loss of performance with an intelligent liquid injection system (which we provide), owners have reported increased drivability. Additionally, engines will run smoother and will be significantly quieter especially for anyone used to driving on diesel.

Does it matter what system I put on my car?

Absolutely it does, this is the most important decision you will make and will either provide you miles of trouble free motoring or plague you with niggling faults which need constant attention. We suggest you consider two grounds for your decision:

What system to install

The right system for your car is dependent on many different factors. We have done our homework and can guide you through the complexities.

Who will install it

It is crucial to have it fitted by a mechanic trained to LPGA standards and authorised by the manufacturer.

What system do you install?

We in the main recommend a system manufactured by Landi Renzo. One of the main reasons we selected this above others is because this company manufactures all their own components to exacting quality standards and have been designed to work with each other. They have an excellent after sales service and first class technical knowledge. Although other systems may have individual components of similar quality, once these are put together we have found compatibility problems in the long term running of the engine. So we have chosen on the basis of highest quality system and long term reliability.  We also recommend the Highest spec Stag and Zenit kits

Why is there a need for an independent technical service?

With the rapid growth in the demand for LPG dual fueled vehicles, there has been a surge in the number of companies offering conversions. Sadly many of which have been less than particular about the standard of equipment used and/or have paid little attention to regulations and standards. There is a growing demand for vehicle inspections and claims in line with current statutory requirements.

How will converting my car to LPG save me money?

Autogas is half the price of diesel or petrol. This is because the Government have fixed the tax far lower in recognition of its environmental benefits. There are also benefits such reduced engine wear and lower emissions.

How much will the conversion cost?

This depends on the vehicle to be converted. We offer a comprehensive conversion starting at €799. We show some general prices for you to make a comparison but please ask us for a quote to find out the actual cost of converting your car.

What about the running cost?

Autogas retails at around half the price per litre of unleaded petrol and diesel. In practice this means that an Autogas vehicle is about 40-50% cheaper to run than a conventional petrol equivalent, so depending on your mileage, the payback period of the Autogas conversion could be less than a year.

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. 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.

Will the conversion improve the resale value of my car?

This depends entirely on the quality of the system fitted. A good quality, reliable system is akin 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. We have found that the purchase price of LPG cars (with appropriate certification) are higher, but don’t just take our word for it, take a look at resale values on sites such as E-Bay.

I am looking on behalf of a business, my fleet is mostly diesel powered?

This is not uncommon, so make the switch when your vehicles come up for replacement. Let us carry out a cost saving analysis now so you can see the benefits of changing your fleet to run on Autogas.

How much cleaner is Autogas than petrol?

Carbon dioxide is widely regarded as a main contributor to the greenhouse effect, which is making our planet warmer. Autogas reduces CO2 emissions from vehicles previously powered by petrol by 33%. Autogas also emits 97% less Benzene than unleaded petrol.

How much cleaner is Autogas than diesel?

The black smoke that we see coming from diesel vehicles cause over 20,000 premature deaths a year. By replacing a diesel engine with an Autogas equivalent, emissions of particulate matter would reduce by over 90%.

About the conversion

What system will you fit?

There are a variety of systems on the market and they range considerably in price. We only fit the most reliable system that is suited to your type of vehicle. A system that is not compatible can be a recipe for disaster. If the correct system is fitted then you should be on the right road for trouble free motoring. Use the contact us facility to find out the right system for your vehicle.

Having said this we have done extensive tests on the Landi Renzo Sequential systems and have found that the versatility and quality of these systems is superior to any other in most circumstances. So we would recommend this system as the first option in most conditions.

Will I get a warranty?

All systems fitted by us are provided with a full parts and labour warranty.

How much space does the tank take up?

For a range of about 300km most tanks take up less space than a spare wheel

Where will the LPG tank be fitted?

Generally most tanks are fitted in the spare wheel well, however during inspection of your vehicle, you can discuss the possibilities of other locations with our designer during the consultation.

How long will the conversion take?

Generally 2-5 working days depending on the conversion. We can on most occasions offer you a courtesy car for the duration of your conversion subject to status and availability. Please ask for details.

Can an LPG system be removed?

The system can be taken out and put on another car but there are some important issues to consider. please contact us to discuss your particular requirements.

Can you commission my self- fit conversion?

No sorry. Whilst self-fit conversions are possible and it is acknowledged that there are many very capable engineers and motor mechanics who have the ability to fit LPG conversions. Due to the nature of working with LPG, our paramount concern is safety (of our staff and the general public). The dangers involved if components are fitted wrongly are immense and so we can not compromise on safety.

About running LPG in everyday use

Will I have to have my LPG system serviced ?

Yes, it is crucial that your LPG system is serviced annually or every 12000 kilometres.

Can I sill drive on petrol?

Yes you can, LPG adds a second fuel system leaving the original petrol system in place. The vehicle normally cold starts on petrol and then automatically converts to run on LPG when the engine is warm. Whilst very few would want to forego the lower fuel running costs of LPG, it does provide an instant back up if you inadvertently run out of LPG “What happens if I run out of gas?” Your vehicle will be fitted with an LPG gauge (which is not always accurate) so it is advisable to zero the trip odometer counter when you fill up with LPG allowing you to keep track of the actual tank level. But should your vehicle run out of gas, it will automatically switch to petrol allowing you time to locate your nearest LPG supplier. Remember, the car will normally cold start on petrol and then quickly switch over when the engine is warm. It is therefore important to have some petrol in your vehicle at all times

Do I have to inform my insurance company?

Yes, but major insurance companies will not increase your premiums as there is no change in performance.

Will it affect my insurance?

You will have to notify your insurance company. The major companies will not increase your premium provided that the work has been properly carried out.

What happens if an Autogas vehicle is involved in an accident?

All LPG tanks are rigorously tested and all are considerably stronger than conventional fuel tanks. And by selecting a reputable equipment manufacturer and/or converter approved by the ILPGA you are assured peace of mind.

What about servicing?

The LPG system should be inspected annually by a specialist LPG technician. This normally takes about half an hour and is consequently not expensive.

What about the vehicle warranty?

All OEM bi-fuel vehicles carry full manufacturer’s warranty. Most retrofit conversion specialists will cover the LPG systems; however this needs to be checked and we will advise you of the warranties in our discussions.

What happens if I get a puncture?

Most conversions put the LPG tank in the spare wheel well of the car so as not to reduce boot space. If you are unlucky enough to get a puncture we can supply you with fully approved tyre foam. This reflates the tyre and seals the puncture until you can get it properly repaired.

If you have any further questions that are not answered in this section then please contact us at:

info@braygas.ie