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Is LPG is a healthy option for your car?

Q: I recently bought a Cielo 98. It gives me around 10 kpl, and I intend to convert it and run it on LPG. However, I haven't been able to come to a final decision because I have been told that in the long run, LPG 'consumes' the bore and the head of the engine. Please help me decide by giving me the ill effects (if any) of LPG on the car in general.

Srimanth, Hyderabad

LPG use in you Cielo is okay, unless you are loading the vehicle beyond its capacity. The problem is this "� though LPG is cheap to use, it results in a considerable loss of power and torque vis-à-vis petrol (about 5-8 per cent on an average), and this means that you'll be stressing the engine a lot more on a daily basis.

And that means that engine life will drop by a bit, depending on the kind of usage you put your car to. If your driving involves steady, sensible speeds without too many passengers or cargo, and if your route does not involve hilly roads, there should be no problems at all.

Remember, auto LPG is safe and legal in your car, household cylinders are not.

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