Buyer's Guide
The Buyer's Guide has been complied to give you, the customer, information that you need to make an informed decision on purchasing an LPG conversion. You will need to consider the following points:
The right system for your car
There are a variety of systems on the market. They range considerably in quality and price. If your car has a complex engine management and sequential multi-point injection system then it is important to ensure that the LPG equipment can work in harmony with this. A system that is not well suited to the car is a recipe for disaster. It will probably break down and will almost certainly not be a green as it could and should be.
Emissions
Converting your car to LPG is not only about saving money it is also about reducing pollution. LPG is a very clean burning fuel, which is good both for your engine and the environment. It is half the price of petrol or diesel because the government charge far less duty as part of its commitment to the environment. However, some poorly carried out conversions offer no benefit to air quality whatsoever whilst benefiting from the lower duty. The Government is not unnaturally trying to come up with a way of closing this loophole. This should be given very careful consideration when purchasing an LPG conversion.
Savings
One of the big attractions of converting a car to run on LPG is the potential fuel saving. Be sure to know what this means for you. This depends on three factors, the number of miles that you drive, the fuel economy of your vehicle when running on different fuels and the difference in price in the fuel. If you drive a small economical car for only short distances this fuel saving will probably not justify the cost of the conversion in itself.
The right installer for your car
Converting a car to use LPG is both a time intensive and specialised job. It is essential that the installer chosen is both a competent mechanic and also fully trained and certified as an LPGA fitter. It is also desirable that he or she is trained specifically to fit the system that is going on your car by the maker of that equipment. It is NOT a good idea to attempt to fit the equipment yourself.
The right conversion company for your car
If the right equipment is to be fitted by an appropriate fitter then you should be well on the way to trouble free motoring with your new LPG system. However, the system will require an annual service and problems can arise with the most reliable of equipment. This raises the issue of after sales care. What is the company's position on this? How big is the company and how certain can you be that it will still be around in a couple of years? What service coverage does it offer across the country?
The Congestion Charge
Not all LPG conversions are eligible for London Congestion Charge exemption. If this is of primary importance you need to ensure that your car will meet Band 4 emissions tests. For more information see the Congestion Charge section.
Warranty
Any existing manufacturers warranty on your car will remain in place. However, this will not cover the LPG system or any other part whose failure can be attributed to the LPG fitting. It is very important therefore that the fitter is competent both in the installation of LPG equipment and to carry out work on your car. Further, a warranty or guarantee should be supplied to cover this work.
The Quotation
Be sure that you know what is and is not included in the price quoted. Does the price include the most appropriate LPG tank for your car? Is a warranty included? Is the price inclusive or exclusive of VAT? If the tank is to be put in the spare wheel well what are you given in the event of a flat?
Insurance
You must inform your insurance company of the conversion. Most of the large insurance companies will not increase the premium provided that the work has been carried out by LPGA qualified mechanics.
Vehicle Excise Duty
By converting your car to run on LPG you will qualify for a small reduction in VED, provided the car was registered in or after 2001. You will need to inform the DVLA of the conversion.
Selling your converted car
If your car has been properly converted and serviced with a high quality system it will be trouble free. In this instance you can explain to any potential buyer that the there is a button on the dashboard that amounts to half price fuel and that the vehicle is an environmentally responsible car. This should add significantly to the value, especially as LPG vehicles are becoming far more popular (the number has risen from 3,500 in 1998 to over 100,000 in 2003). However, if the system has been poorly fitted, either mechanically or cosmetically, or is an inappropriate system for the vehicle then the car will be far more difficult to dispose of. The system can be removed.
