How-to Guides » OLD GUIDE Beat the petrol price hikes

Switch to an eco-friendly fuel

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Be more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time by switching to either bio-diesel or LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas).

1) Switch to bio-diesel

Bio-disel emits 80% less CO2, only costs about 15p a litre to make and can be used in most diesel cars (but check the handbook to be on the safe side). Anyone can learn how to make it - it can even be made from convered chip fat! - but it’s much safer to buy it instead.

2) Switch to LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Autogas is another 'green' alternative to the traditional petrol or diesel engine.

By far the biggest benefit to converting your car is that fuel typically costs about half the price of standard petrol, and less than half the price of diesel. You either buy a new car which uses LPG, or convert your existing car.

In order to convert your car, you will need to take it to a professional who will fit a second, independent fuel system with its own tank to the car, often in the space where your spare tyre would sit.

Once the conversion has taken place, you need to inform both your insurer and the DVLA that you have made the changes (your insurance premiums should not increase, provided it is fitted by an LPGA approved installer). You are then free to drive round, paying around half the price of your petrol compatriots.

And, as LPG is considered a ‘green’ fuel, if you drive in the capital you will also be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

If you’re worried about the availability of LPG fuel, refuelling spots are becoming more common, though in some places they are still hard to come by.

Money saving site petrolprices.com will tell you the nearest stations supplying LPG fuel in your area. Simply register, tell it how far you’re willing to travel and it will inform you of the cheapest refuelling spots where you live.

In addition, The LPG association website has a list of authorised retailers approved to convert your car, together with some handy hints if you’re considering changing over to LPG. For a great introductory guide, click on ‘Contents’, ‘Consumer Information’ and the ‘Switch to LPG’ guide. Read more about LPG

Compare car insurance quotes via lovemoney.com