One of the first questions I hear when someone is thinking about installing LPG is: "But is it safe?" I understand the concern. Gas sounds dangerous when you do not know how the system works. But once you understand the safety features built into modern LPG systems, you will see that the worries are mostly unnecessary.
Modern Systems Are Nothing Like What You Saw 20 Years Ago
People often picture the old setups from the nineties: a tank in the boot, a couple of hoses, and that was it. Today's fourth-generation systems and newer are a completely different story. Electronics control every aspect of operation, from injection to pressure monitoring. If anything goes wrong, the system automatically switches back to petrol.
Fourth-generation systems use sequential gas injection, meaning each cylinder receives a precisely measured amount of fuel at exactly the right moment. There is no uncontrolled gas distribution through the intake manifold like the older systems had.
The Tank Is the Safest Part of the Vehicle
This is something most people do not realise: the LPG tank is probably the strongest component in your car. It is made from 3-4 mm thick steel, tested at 30 bar of pressure (while operating pressure is around 6-8 bar), and must pass homologation under the ECE R67 standard.
Every tank has a multivalve with several safety mechanisms:
Excess pressure relief valve - if pressure rises above the allowed limit for any reason, the valve releases gas in a controlled manner. There is no "explosion."
Overfill prevention valve - does not allow the tank to be filled beyond 80% of its capacity. The remaining 20% is expansion space for temperature changes.
Electromagnetic shut-off valve - closes the gas flow as soon as the engine is turned off. No leaks while the car is parked.
What About Crashes?
Crash tests show that the LPG tank is one of the most resilient components in a vehicle. While the bodywork deforms and absorbs the impact, the tank remains intact. There are test videos where vehicles with LPG systems have been exposed to fire, side impacts, and rear impacts, and the tank survives it all.
Even in an extreme scenario, the safety valve releases gas in a controlled way. LPG gas is heavier than air, so it disperses downward and dissipates quickly. Petrol, by comparison, pools and burns much longer.
Myths Worth Forgetting
"LPG destroys the engine." No. A properly calibrated fourth-generation system treats the engine just as gently as petrol. In fact, LPG contaminates the oil less because it burns cleaner.
"The tank can explode in the sun." It cannot. The safety valve activates long before pressure reaches a dangerous level. Besides, the temperature inside a boot never reaches a level that would be problematic.
"It is dangerous to park in a garage." Modern systems are hermetically sealed. If the system is in good condition and regularly serviced, there is no leaking whatsoever. In Europe, LPG vehicles are allowed in all garages.
One Condition - Regular Maintenance
The only thing that can compromise safety is neglected maintenance. Hoses that have aged, seals that have dried out, valves that have not been checked in years: those are the things that can cause problems. Not because the system is poorly designed, but because every mechanical system needs upkeep.
A regular LPG service once a year, with an inspection of all connections and a filter change, and your system is completely safe for daily driving without any restrictions.
If you have doubts about the condition of your LPG system, bring the car in for an inspection. In half an hour we will tell you exactly what shape it is in and whether anything needs attention.