How to Start an LPG Car Conversion Workshop

High-mileage drivers, taxi and private hire drivers, small fleet owners and owners of older petrol cars who want lower fuel bills.

A fixed price per conversion (kit plus labour), with extra income from LPG system servicing, repairs and re-tuning.

• Vehicle mechanics and engine diagnostics
• Careful, safety-minded fitting work
• Explaining costs and savings clearly to customers

• Installer training and approval: check what qualifications or scheme membership you and your customers' insurers will expect
• Garage liability insurance that explicitly covers LPG fitting; check with a specialist motor trade broker
• Fire safety, ventilation and gas handling rules for your unit; check with your landlord, the council and the fire authority
• Demand depends on LPG pumps being nearby and on how many petrol cars suit conversion, so test the local market first
• Some engines, such as certain direct-injection types, may not convert well; check compatibility before quoting
• Check how a conversion affects a vehicle's warranty, insurance and registration details

Estimated startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit and rent, fitting and testing equipment, training, and insurance. These are estimates, so get real quotes for your area before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many conversions and services you complete and how much LPG demand there is locally. This is revenue before costs, and demand should be tested first.

Check what installer training or scheme membership you and customers' insurers expect, and that your garage insurance covers LPG fitting. Also check fire safety, ventilation and gas handling rules for your unit, engine compatibility, and effects on warranty, insurance and registration.