Dual fuel - running costs

When you say duel fuel, I assume the second fuel you are talking about is LPG, correct?

The LPG system is fitted in addition to the existing petrol gear and comprises of an additional tank, fuel lines, vaporiser etc. Normally all this stuff does not affect any work that would be done on the petrol system i.e. servicing, MOT etc. You should have the LPG system serviced separately every couple of years which can cost a few hundred. Main dealers often know absolutely nothing about the dual fuel aspect of the car, so it's sometimes better to take it to an independant LPGA approved specialist.

Makes no difference whatsoever to insurance with most big insurance companies. If anything they view it as a modification which would add extra loading to your premium, but most won't charge extra if you have the installation certificate which should come with the car.

Nice Vecra is an oxymoron ;)

If it was factory fit, a Vauxhall dealer should be just fine. Failing that, an approved LPG specialist will probably charge less. Honestly though, how often does the fuelling system go wrong on cars?

Again, if it was factory fit, the car is classed as a standard car. If the LPG equipment was fitted aftermarket then you'd need to declare it as a modification and it's down to the individual insurer as to whether they load your premium based on this. It's not your average "boy racer" modification so assuming it's fitted by an approved specialist with the relevant paperwork I can't imagine they'd load the premium much, if at all. If they do, find a different quote!

Out of interest, is it still a problem taking LPG converted cars abroad? ISTR reading that you can't take them through the tunnel or on some ferries.

From the Eurotunnel website:

"We regret that LPG and dual powered vehicles cannot be transported by Eurotunnel for safety reasons."

You can transport a caravan or motor caravan equipped with an LPG container of 47 litres or less, providing it is less than 80% full. You have to be prepared to demonstrate this... I'd love to know how!

Chris

Annother reason to buy one! ;)

Define full. I suspect that even "full" gas bottles are only 80% full, IYSWIM.

Ooops - didnt even consider that there may be others ;)

Talking of MOTs - does the emission part of it relate to it when on petrol and / or LPG? Does a CAT last longer when used mostly on LPG?

Pah - worth a thought though ;)

Thanks Tom;

Richard Parkin

Nah - I have had Vectras and they are fine - for my value of fine! A to B, some speed if required, quite comfortable, big boot ;)

Fuel pump on my diesel Astra ruptured once - that wasnt cheap ;)

It's factory fitted and doesnt seem to have reduced boot space by much - although someone in the office this morning has pointed out that the petrol tank may be smaller in a factory fitted version. Will go back and look after work ;)

Thanks Fishman;

Richard Parkin

Dont they have an void anyway filled with some inert gas? Or is that just liquid gasses they do with?

A colleague has a dual fuel Astra estate (factory fitted). It doesn't come with a spare tyre (as that's where the tank is fitted) so he has to use the horrible tyre weld stuff in his tyres in case he gets a flat.

LOL!

Chris

Tested on whatever fuel it's running on when presented. It should start and run on that fuel and not switch over during testing.

-- Peter Hill Spamtrap reply domain as per NNTP-Posting-Host in header Can of worms - what every fisherman wants. Can of worms - what every PC owner gets!

It can start on whatever you like and switch over before the test starts (my fathers starts on petrol and switches to gas within 3 seconds) and passes emissions with flying colours every time.

Both caravan gas bottles and dual fuel car cyls are never 100% full, they always have 10-20% 'empty' space, though its just filled with vapour, not any inert gas.

Most start on unleaded and switch across to LPG when it's up to temperature. If started from hot, it'll start on petrol for a few seconds...

I seem to recall that the petrol tank is smaller in the Vectra, but, since you only use petrol if you absolutely have to, this isn't a big issue.

The range on LPG isn't great, but, you're still saving money (right until the Government change the duty on it of course)...

As well though you can remove the cat and when tested on LPG it will pass as they basically just test for smoke from the exhaust and dont bother with the emmissions in my experience :o)