What are the damages of converting a car to run on gas?
2 Answers
Converting a car to run on gas can lead to a decrease in power. The specific explanation for the power decrease and other drawbacks are as follows: Specific explanation for the power decrease: Due to the low energy density of gaseous fuel itself, the fuel capacity that a car can carry is reduced, resulting in a shorter driving range. Moreover, most natural gas engines available in the market are modified from gasoline engines, so after the "gasoline-to-gas conversion," the car's power usually decreases by about 10% to 20%. Other drawbacks of the power decrease: As a gaseous fuel, the nature of natural gas makes it extremely difficult to store and carry. Therefore, maintenance becomes very important after converting a car to run on natural gas.
As a former owner who converted to LPG, I believe the main damage lies in premature engine wear. LPG burns at a much higher temperature than gasoline, causing cylinders and pistons to overheat and deform with long-term use. I had to change spark plugs every three months—the fuel savings were entirely spent on maintenance. After the conversion, the vehicle became heavier, accelerating tire wear, and I had to buy an additional spare gas tank that took up space. Once, the LPG system leaked, nearly causing an accident. The dealership also refused to cover the modified parts, leading to severe depreciation when reselling. Considering all this, I believe it negatively impacts the car's overall lifespan and daily usability.
