An LPG conversion can seriously cut your fuel bills – by as much as 40%, according to industry sources. If you’ve been paying attention to the fuel prices at motorway services recently, you’ve probably already seen that low LPG price underneath the unleaded and diesel entries, and wondered how you can go about getting a conversion for your vehicle. It’s actually pretty simple – and in addition to saving yourself money (which, in this time of rocketing oil prices, we could all do with) is also better for the environment.

So what do you need for a successful autogas conversion? First you’ll need an LPG tank. This can come in pretty much any shape and size – when you go for a conversion you will be offered a range of LPG storage tanks according to the available spaces for holing one in your vehicle. Typically, your LPG storage tank is either bolted to the underside of your back seat (behind it, so you can neither see nor feel it) – or stored in the spare tyre wheel well.

The LPG storage tank is fitted with excellent safety limiters, which are there to deal with the heightened pressure and temperature of LPG. Your tank will not fill beyond 85% of capacity, which leaves plenty of room for expansion.

Your storage tank will be connected to an LPG filler point, which is usually fitted to your vehicle next to the petrol cap. The filler point works exactly like any Calor gas valve – that is, you can put the gas in but it won’t come out again.

The LPG conversion also requires some additional engine components: extra fuel lines (obviously you can’t pump LPG down an existing petrol line); a vaporiser; and an electronic control unit. All of these pieces can be fitted by any garage that is certified to carry out the work.

When you convert your vehicle for LPG use, it will normally remain dual fuelled – so you will retain your petrol tank as well as having the capacity to run on LPG. You will, then, need to be able to see how much fuel you have in both tanks. Your autogas conversion should include an extra fuel gauge (for your LPG) and also a switch that enables you to flick between the two fuel sources you now have on board.

It’s vital to have an approved LPGA converter do your installation for you. These individuals and companies have been trained to high standards and are inspected to a government approved level. LPG is no more dangerous than petrol (which, after all, is just another form of liquid gas): but you should treat its installation with the respect you would afford to the introduction of any potentially explosive substance.

LPG conversions can potentially save you a lot of money, are better for the environment and also raise the resale value of your vehicle. Individuals running large consumption vehicles like 4x4s may also find that their cost per mileage is significantly improved.