Sep 02, 2010 07:38 PM
72686 Views
I have a 1999 model Daewoo Matiz car since 18 months which used to run on petrol. It gave a good mileage of 14-15 Kmpl with AC Off/on as per the requirement.
One of my friend got his 1999 model Santro converted to LPG. I made some enquiries and decided to convert my Matiz for LPG Gas kit.
I was not in a mood to invest a heavy amount. Luckily I had a Lovato second hand Gas kit from a Daewoo Cialo car. I checked that it was just two months old. The car did not get sold but I managed to get the original kit for Rs 7000 on a bargain, from Sector 48, Motor market, in Chandigarh.
It took 5 hours to get the kit fitted and elaborate testing by the trained and the experienced mechanic for safety, security and efficiency of the kit. Luckily, I got some 8 Kg of LPG `free`. It was a good day for me, indeed.
The tank has a capacity of 32 Kg of LPG. But, I am adviced to fill 25 Kg only, unless going for a long run. The system is fitted with all kind of neccessary equipments like the LPG Vaccum Reducer, Petrol Solenoid, Emulator, Electronic Reducer, Changeover switch, Gas Solenoid etc.
A gas kit saves approximately 45% on the fuel cost. A simple mathematics is The LPG costs Rs 32 a kg and Petrol Rs 52 a litre. Per kg of gas gives more mileage than one litre of petrol.
There are other advantages too.
The Gas is cleaner and greener fuel. In compare to Petrol/Diesel there is less wear and tear. There is much less Carbon deposit in the Engine and the life of Engine oil is enhanced as it does not dilute it. The spark plug also remains clean. On an average, one can save 15% on the maintenance cost.
Besides economy, there is no compromise with the safety and performance of the car which is same as the petrol engine. As was evident, when I switched On the AC and there was no speed change and the acceleration too. Also there was no change in the noise and vibration. It`s a great difference as compared to the Diesel cars.
The Lovato Gas kit cylinder, though consumed almost all the space of my diggy but the Centre of Gravity seems to be well balanced even at high speed( above 80 Kmph). There is just a slight smell of gas burning, which the mechanic said was normal.
The best thing is that the Change over switch is very effective. The car starts on petrol, but within seconds, it automatically changes to Gas. The Gas level is also shown in a bar type indicator. Though an analogue indicator also exists on the cylinder itself.
The kit has `adjusted` itself well with the Engine compartment as if it was a standard fitment. I find the drive little more smooth than Petrol driven.
The kit is imported one from Italy. Here more than 80% vehicles are driven on Auto gas. That`s why Italy is considered a specialist country to produce highly reliable Gas kits.
My running cost is little below Rs 2.50 per KM. If I `adjust` 1 Rs running cost per Km of my bike then it is Rs 1.5 per Km for my car.
I feel within 6 months, I shall be able to recover My Gas Kit cost.
