The prospect of saving money at the pump is appealing to a lot of owners, and with LPG conversion seemingly being a no-brainer. It would be more environmentally friendly, less expensive, and easily obtainable. Well, here is the reality: LPG conversion only makes dollars and scents if you can drive the kilometres to recoup the cost to fit the tank. What if you are a light driver who only drives occasionally, drives mostly on weekends, or takes public transport on most days?
It allows you to work out at low-mileage use − whether an LPG conversion is viable with some easy maths − real-life examples − and common sense.
How an LPG Conversion Actually Works
An LPG conversion enables your car to operate in dual fuel mode, i.e., on petrol, as well as on LPG. You change fuels as required − flexibility. In addition, LPG combusts more cleanly and is generally much cheaper per litre than petrol.
However, the conversion isn’t a cheap one of course. What that means is the only way to profit is to churn 1,000s of kms to recoup the installation cost.
Understanding the Break-Even Point
The break-even point varies per driver depending on:
- Their car’s fuel efficiency
- The cost of conversion
- The margin between LPG and petrol in terms of cost
- Annual driving distance
Real cost savings are only clear at 20,000 to 30,000 km/year for most Australian drivers. The more you drive, the shorter your payback time − to the point that if you drive a fraction of the miles, you have to ask yourself whether that payback time is even worth it.
The actual numbers will differ depending on your specific vehicle, but a quick inspection by a qualified mechanic in Dandenong will be able to provide you with accurate numbers.
Real-Life Scenarios for Low-Mileage Drivers
- Scenario 1: Short City Commuter (8,000 km/year)
If you drive short distances throughout the week, and mainly use your vehicle for errands, your savings will be slow. It could take you a few years until you break even. In such cases, it often makes more sense financially to stick with petrol.
- Scenario #2: Part-Time Driver (5,000 km/year or less)
For the very low use LPG will never be economical. No amount of cheap fuel is going to have the car running enough for you to recoup the cost of the install.
- Scenario #3: Driving for Rideshare Part-Time (annual distance − 12,000 to 15,000 km)
This sits on the edge. You can save money, but only if you own the car for a long time or gas prices go up way more than they are now.
LPG Conversion When it Still Makes Sense
In some circumstances, even people donning fewer miles can see a benefit:
- You intend to drive more in the next twelve months
- You have a gas guzzling car
- For environmental reasons, you want a cleaner-burning fuel
- You are planning to hold onto your automobile long-term
A professional would help you assess these factors objectively.
When It’s Better to Skip LPG
Avoid LPG conversion if:
- You drive short distances daily
- Your car is already fuel-efficient
- This is if you want to sell your vehicle really soon
- You want quick financial returns
The maths just does not make investment in these cases feel sensible.
Get Professional Advice Before Deciding
You need a trusted technician − one such as the A1 Gas & Mechanical Services Pty Ltd. team − to look at your usage, fuel expenditure, and future intentions. This will also be able to see whether your engine type can handle LPG. A reputable mechanic in Dandenong will save you from paying for additional steps and bringing clarity to the choice.
Final Thoughts
An LPG conversion is one of the most powerful money-savers you can make − but only if it pays off for you. The only problem there is if you don’t rack up the miles that offset the upfront cost, then it’s not going to pay off for you at all. Taking your own usage patterns into account and doing the math to figure out if you should get an EV or not enables you to make a decision that works with your personal finances, lifestyle choices, and future goals.
