What are the damages of converting a car to run on gas?
4 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.
From a technical perspective, converting to gas has significant negative impacts on vehicles. The combustion of gas generates extremely high temperatures, exceeding 1500°C, which accelerates the aging of engine components such as valves and bearings. Improper pipeline connections during conversion can lead to gas leakage risks, compromising safety. Moreover, incomplete gas combustion results in more severe carbon buildup issues, affecting the exhaust system. Through my research, I've found that spark plugs and ignition coils require more frequent replacement, increasing maintenance costs. The power output also becomes noticeably weaker, with the engine struggling during uphill climbs, causing substantial overall damage.
I tried converting to gas to save money, but it caused significant damage to my car. After installing the gas tank, the vehicle weight increased, causing tires to wear out twice as fast, leading to extra expenses on tire replacements. The engine lost its smoothness, with sluggish cold starts, especially in winter when multiple ignition attempts were needed. Although gas prices were lower, maintenance costs soared, frequently requiring repairs to the ignition system. The gas tank occupied most of the trunk space, making cargo loading inconvenient. Safety-wise, I constantly worried about gas leaks or potential explosions in case of an accident. Crunching the numbers, sticking with gasoline proved more economical and hassle-free.
