There are brands like Renault, Dacia, Subaru… that already offer models adapted to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). But you should know that, if you want your car to have this propulsion, an LPG Conversion Kit can be installed.

The LPG conversion kit can be installed in very current manufactured vehicles, both in a new and used car, although it must be considered that the current regulations allow the approval of the project and reform of those vehicles of the Euro 3 standard onwards , being able to change the DGT environmental labeling required for Euro4, Euro 5 or Euro 6 vehicles from its original “C” to “ ECO ”. Know more about BMW seri 1 ne shitje.

The transformation procedure is nothing new since it has been in operation for decades, so it is very common to find gas-powered cars in Spanish cities, with an infrastructure of more than 700 refueling points in Spain (normally called “autogas”) .

Conversion kit from a gasoline or diesel engine to LPG

The truth is that the procedure is quite simple and fast, since it does not require many elements and consists only in the installation of a secondary fuel system, using the following components :

• Deposit for the “autogas”
• Connection pipes to the filler inlet and to the engine
• New engine injectors
• Own LPG combustion management control unit
• Switch that activates the change between one type of fuel and another

A switch is also added on the dashboard of the car to activate the switch in order to be able to alternate the fuel used to suit the driver, and in addition the mechanism that makes the change automatically depending on the level that is left in each tank is installed. of fuel without the need for user intervention.

In turn, the system installed guarantees that the start-up is always carried out with traditional fuel when the ambient temperature is low , being able to switch between one fuel and another when the ideal temperature of the engine is reached.

Once the conversion kit is installed, it is mandatory to carry out the homologation to add its new quality as a gas-powered vehicle to the car’s technical sheet. Said homologation is executed in an ITV station that will certify the conversion to LPG as well as its correct operation with respect to the standards required as safety in an LPG vehicle.

Regarding the periodic ITV , it is worth mentioning that the procedure is identical to the one the car would undergo before the conversion , evaluating the same points and adding the revision of some new elements such as the gas tank and its pipes to ensure the absence of toxic gas emissions.

How is the change to gas perceived?

As far as the sound of the engine is concerned, the difference is practically imperceptible , although the power provided by the engine is not the same as with traditional fuels, nor is it the average consumption, since the gas is compressed and with higher density, so its volume is greater.

In general, it can be stated that between 10 and 20% of power is lost when running on gas, with a similar increase in consumption.

Advantages of using LPG

• The price of gas is much lower than that of gasoline and diesel, allowing savings of close to 50%.
• The amortization of the cost of the installation of the LPG conversion kit is expected to be around 50,000 km
• It represents a 40% lower emission of polluting gases.
• The mechanical failures that the vehicle may have are the same as those to which it is exposed with the original engine , provided that the maintenance is precise and exquisite in the times set by the manufacturers.

How much do you have to spend to convert a vehicle to LPG?

It is true that each car needs a different kit that adapts to its engine and space, although on average the conversion of a gasoline or diesel vehicle to a bi-fuel one can be established at more or less 1,800 to 2,000 euros , which can be cheaper or larger depending on the tank chosen and some other characteristics of the kit and the original car.

There are many companies that have specialized in this type of conversion , providing a prior evaluation of the vehicle and advising on the cost and time required. Many of them offer some extras such as a free replacement car for the duration of the conversion, a free LPG fill-up, etc.

For this type of car, or for the one you have, we recommend  MAPFRE Car Insurance tailored to you, which provides the best coverage according to your driving.