Many people convert petrol cars to LPG as an alternative fuel source and to reduce emissions.
When your automotive LPG Gas cylinder is more than 10 years old, it must be retested and certified by an Authorised Gas Cylinder Test Station. New South Wales requires LPG tanks to be stamped indicating the expiry date and the re certification of the last internal inspection along with contact details. This abides with the dangerous goods act, which the WorkCover Authority administers. The cost of getting your tank-tested for 10 years ranges from $500 to $800.
As for automotive LPG cylinder testing, the technician will remove the valve threads and check for damages. They will also check the body of the cylinder for dents, gouges or other damage. The technician will then perform periodic inspections to test the cylinder burst pressure and check for leaks in the LPG system. Finally, they will reinstall the valve and seal the high-pressure vessel with a tamper-evident seal. The pressure relief valve is usually fitted with a safety device to prevent it from opening accidentally.
LPG gas cylinders work by storing liquid Propane in a compressed state. A valve opens when the engine is running and allows the Propane to flow into the engine. The Propane is then vaporised and burned as fuel. An automotive LPG tank is lightweight and smaller than a traditional fuel tank. This makes it an ideal alternative to petrol.
Yes. Many people convert petrol cars to LPG as an alternative fuel source and to reduce emissions. The conversion process is different for all types of vehicle. Still, it usually involves installing an LPG tank and several modifications to the car engine, computer and fuel line. Converting a car to run on LPG has several advantages, including:
Reduces the adverse environmental impact of petrol cars
Saves money and is cheaper than using petrol
May increase the car's fuel economy
Can extend the life of the car's engine
It is easy to convert a car to run on LPG
However, there are some disadvantages to converting a car to LPG, including:
The initial conversion cost can be expensive
Some cars are not designed to run on LPG and may require extensive modifications to do so
There may be a reduction in performance and fuel economy when running a car on LPG
The nearest service station is your best option. You can find stop shop LPG service stations throughout Australia.
No. Installing an LPG home refilling system in your home or small garage is illegal as per the standards Australia has set as control measures. Home refilling systems are only approved for home use, such as heating appliances and barbecues.
There are many factors that affect how long an automotive LPG tank lasts, including the environment in which it is used, the power of the engine and driving conditions. That said, most modern tanks are designed to last 15 years or more.
No. Propane is not compatible with your car's system and must never be used as fuel for your car. If you try to use propane as a fuel source, there is a high risk of damaging your engine irreparably or causing an explosion within the engine bay. You should never attempt to do this yourself, but should always seek the advice of a qualified mechanic.
Yes, many cars can run on both LPG and petrol, commonly known as a dual fuel system. When the car runs on LPG, the engine will automatically switch over to petrol if the LPG runs out. Some cars have a switch on the dashboard that allows you to choose which fuel you want to use. Dual fuel systems offer several advantages, including the below.
The ability to choose between different fuels, depending on price and availability
Increased fuel economy when running on LPG
Reduced emissions when running on LPG
Reduced wear and tear on the engine, as it doesn't have to run as long on LPG
However, there are also disadvantages to using a dual fuel system. These include the below.
The need for two separate tanks, which takes up extra space in the car and adds weight
May require extensive modifications