Q: Is it possible to convert my 53-plate Honda Civic to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)?
Salim Virani A: Your Civic is fitted with a V-TEC engine that has softer valve seats than those used in other cars. Unfortunately this means that it is unsuitable for conversion to LPG without major mechanical modification.
The cost of such a modification is likely to be very expensive, and would make it harder for you to save any money by converting to LPG, unless you have a very high annual mileage.
On average, a litre of LPG costs half that of diesel, and you can expect to reduce your fuel costs by roughly 40%, due to the lower fuel duty paid on LPG. The Government has made a commitment to keep the tax on LPG consistently lower than the tax on petrol and diesel. Currently, the fuel duty on LPG stands at 4.5p per litre, compared to 47.1p per litre on petrol and diesel.
Those looking to convert their cars to run on LPG, can check the list of registered installers by visiting www.boostlpg.co.uk. Typically, an installation can cost between £1500 and £2000 depending on the car and the exact components used.