Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to convert a car to LPG?

The time it takes to convert a car all depends on the type of car, the components that need to go into it, and the installer's work load. For example, a common Australian car like a 6 cylinder Holden Commodore would only take a maximum of two days to convert, simply because many have been converted before, and the mechanic components are not overly complex. 

See our Car Gallery to get an idea on what an LPG system looks like on your car, contact us or your nearest installer for a better idea of how long it would take to convert your car. 


Is there a government rebate?

Yes. For the past few years a government rebate has been in place to help Australian motorists convert to the cheaper and greener fuel for their cars. Please visit this link to see the current status of the LPG Government Rebate Scheme. 


What is the cost recovery on installing LPG on my car?

The cost recovery on an LPG installation entirely depends on how often you drive. As a general rule of thumb, you will slash 50% of your petrol running costs. That is - if you spend $100 a week on petrol, you will spend $50 a week on LPG - which is a saving of $200 a month - which is a saving of $2,400 a year!

Once you install LPG on your vehicle and claim the Australian Government Rebate, your system will have fully paid itself off within the first year of running it. After that, its just more money in your pocket for the more important things in life.


What does an LPG system look like on my car?

An LPG system on a car has 4 main components - under bonnet mechanics, LPG tank, LPG filler and an interior switch. IMPCO has managed to engineer our LPG kits in majority of cars to be as discreet as possible, so the installation of LPG on your car will not have a huge impact on your motoring.

Here at IMPCO, we engineer our systems so the LPG filler is placed next to the petrol filler behind the existing filler flap wherever possible.

The LPG tank is always placed in the most conveniently possible location in the vehicle. Some sedans can have the LPG tank placed in the spare-wheel well, so you can still have all of your boot space. Alternative needs could be met in terms of LPG tank location - talk to IMPCO or your nearest installer for more information.

Under the bonnet, the LPG components are in the most efficient but effective places. All cars will still work and run in the same manner as the original manufacturer intended, and all LPG cars can still be serviced by your favourite mechanic. In most cases - there will not be a notable difference between running on Petrol or LPG.

The interior LPG/Petrol switch is crucial to the operation of LPG on a vehicle. Majority of the times, it is also a gauge of how much LPG is left in the tank. This switch is always placed in a location that still looks neat in the interior, but is always easy to view and reach for the driver to switch between fuels.

For a more detailed overview on what an LPG system looks like on your own specific make and model car - visit the "Our LPG Systems" page in our website. 


Is LPG safe?

There is a lot of misconception regarding the safety of LPG within a vehicle. Millions of dollars is spent annually ensuring that any LPG system that is sold by IMPCO and/or BRC is completely safe from any accidents, fires, or other damage that may occur to a vehicle.

An LPG tank is made of solid steel which is approximately 6mm thick. Every tank, before being placed into a vehicle, is tested at an extremely high pressure by professionals to ensure that it is not dangerous. Tanks have been tested in all types of real-world situations, for example, when a car was set on fire, components melted around the engine bay, the petrol tank ruptured, however the LPG tank stayed in-tact, and safely let off the LPG in small bursts to remove any more risks.

All LPG systems have safety 'lock-off' components, that seal the tank and the flow of LPG when the motor is not running. If there is no 'pulse' from engine revs, the LPG system is completely locked down.

LPG is naturally odourless. Before LPG is distributed to service stations around the world, it is given a distinct odour, so you can tell if there is a gas leak of any kind.

Summed up, yes, LPG is safe in any vehicle. In a lot of cases, LPG systems are safer than Petrol systems in cars. If you still have any doubts, please give us (or your nearest Installer) a call.


Can my car be converted to LPG, and if so, what system is suited to my car?

The type of system that is placed on a car is entirely dependent on what mechanics are found in your car (eg. motor, transmission, number of cylinders, injection/carburettor). There are certain types of engines that are developed that simply do not suit LPG, other vehicles rebel against the LPG system by lighting up 'Check Engine' warnings on the dash. As a general rule of thumb, vehicles that were developed prior to 2003 have our air-valve system, and vehicles that were developed after 2003 have injection kits. There are, of course, exceptions to this statement, so it is wise to contact us, or your nearest installer, for more advice. 


Where can I get LPG put onto my car?

IMPCO have hundreds of recommended installers, Australia wide, ready to put your car onto LPG. For your convenience, we have placed all of our installers on an interactive map on our "Installers" page of our website. Here, you can see where they are located in relation to where you are - and see all of their contact details.
 

Alternatively, you can contact IMPCO directly, where we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

 
What questions should I ask my installer, before I get LPG placed on my car?

Your installer will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the LPG process. Here are some questions we recommend you ask:

• How much will the complete installation cost?
• How, when and where do I service my LPG system?
• Is the system certified for my vehicle?
• What size and capacity (in usable litres) is the tank going to be, and where will it be placed?
• How many litres per 100km will I get out of this system?
• How much is the government grant?

Does IMPCO BRC have a dedicated LPG system, for my car? Or can IMPCO custom build a kit for my car?

IMPCO BRC do special configurations for dedicated LPG cars. Dedicated LPG is more suited to older cars that are being restored, or pace cars. However, if you contact IMPCO, or your local installer regarding a dedicated LPG car, or a customised LPG system, we can let you know.


Do you sell LPG kits and components direct to the public?

No. Due to government regulations, and safety reasons, IMPCO only sells LPG kits and components to authorised mechanics with a current LPG fitting license. This is mainly implemented due to safety reasons. LPG systems are very complicated, and if not built correctly, could prove dangerous.

If you would like your LPG system looked at, or would like an LPG kit placed onto your car, contact IMPCO direct, or your nearest installer.