Auto gas is the term used generally for Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), when it is used for propulsion of road vehicles. It is obtained as a by-product of distillation of oil from crude oil. When it is pressurized, it becomes a liquid and it is in the form that is pumped into the cylinder/bullet tank. LPG is a combination of of Propane- Pressure 12 bar at 37 degree Celsius and Butane- Pressure 2.6 bar at 37 degree Celsius. Compared to petrol has high-octane content [according to RON method]. LPG also has higher calorific value due to which the power generated is higher compared to petrol. So one litre of LPG will produce more energy than one litre of petrol. Using LPG instead of petrol will not create carbon deposit inside the engine by which engine life will be longer. This explains why there are no specifically designed cars for running on LPG. Only as a recent development, is the design of a special direct LPG injection system [same as petrol injection] is under development and testing. Also there is misconception about the life of the engine if run on LPG. The fact is that if engine lubrication system is proper, actually the life of the engine increases by use of LPG as automotive fuel. It is generally observed that in among the target customer group of car owners, many of them still also posses a fear appeal on gas conversions. They relate this with those of accidents happening with LPG cylinders used for domestic purposes. It is not true to say that the cooking cylinder is not safe. The cooking cylinders are designed with high safety factors to withstand dynamic load for transport and unloading from trucks. There was a wrong notion among the customers that the cylinder adapters used in car are same as the regulators used for the cooking purpose. Cooking regulator has diaphragm inside to reduce the pressure. LPG - ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER FUELS LPG certainly has certain competitive advantages over other commonly used automotive fuels. Some of them are as follows: The combustion of auto gas is smoother as a result of higher-octane content. Unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee. Autogas contains no lead and is therefore much cleaner. It is actually better than petrol in the sense that it reaches the engine in pure gas form, which in turn results in better combustion. The life of the engine is extended as a result of the absence of acids and carbon deposits. The engine oil does not become diluted and hence consequential reduction in servicing cost. Unlike diesel, no cold starting problems. Engine performance is almost same as like petrol. There is no pilfering. Even more safer than petrol because of the anti-detonating property.

L.P.G. (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a petroleum derivative consisting of Butane & Propane. Since L.P.G is a viable alternative to petrol it is very interesting to compare their characteristics with petrol.

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The R.O.N. (Research Octane Number) and M.O.N. (Motor Octane Number) figures show that butane and propane have an antiknock power which is highly superior to petrol’s one. Since 1950s Liquified Petroleum Gas has been recognized as a viable alternative fuel and is today the market leader in alternative fuels for the automotive sector and used by more than 4 million vehicles in over 38 countries. Automotive LP Gas is a clean-burning, high octane, abundant, environmentally friendly transportation fuel with proven success. Automotive LP Gas’ high octane means you don’t have to sacrifice power and it’s clean burning characteristics support environmental initiatives. It can be readily liquefied by either reducing the temperature or by applying moderate pressure so that it can be stored and transported easily. 

Petrol can easily be adulterated with kerosene and malpractice’s are possible in quantity, where as in L.P.G. adulteration is very difficult and difficult to tamper with a weight.  

In Europe L.P.G is used as alternative automobile fuel over 45 years. In 1950’s Europeans have gone through the phase of transition from petrol to L.P.G as it is happening now in India (India is 45 years late in this field). At those times they had no advance technologies for safety. However, now in India, good Gas conversion kits suppliers gives the latest equipment with all safety measures which are used in Europe where cars are driven at 120 to 150 kms speed. It is unfortunate to say that because of L.P.G. the accident happens. There are enough built in safety in a good Gas conversion kit which are tested for high road safety factors. If you really study the safety aspect, we would say use of L.P.G. for cooking purpose is more dangerous than use in cars. For cooking we expose gas to naked flame whereas in cars we allow L.P.G. burning inside the Engine and it is never exposed to naked flame. The chances of leakage of L.P.G. in a properly fitted good Gas conversion kit are very remote. Even petrol is dangerous if leaked and exposed to fire.

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