LPG in Winter: Cold Start, Gas Switch, & Driving Tips

Estonian winters bring specific considerations for LPG drivers. While autogas offers significant year-round fuel savings, its operation adapts to colder temperatures. Understanding how your system works ensures efficient, smooth driving.

Petrol Start is Essential

Every LPG car starts on petrol, regardless of the season. This is a critical design feature, not a flaw, protecting both your engine and the LPG system. Liquid LPG requires heat to vaporise for efficient combustion. In cold conditions, a cold engine cannot provide this, leading to poor combustion, potential engine damage, and increased wear on components like injectors.

Automatic Switch to Gas

Once the engine warms, the system automatically switches from petrol to gas. This transition is seamless and often unnoticeable. The switch typically occurs when the engine coolant reaches 30-40°C, ensuring the gas reducer is warm enough to efficiently vaporise LPG. Modern 4th generation sequential injection systems manage this precisely. Even 6th generation liquid phase systems, designed for direct injection engines (GDI/TSI/FSI) and turbo, still use petrol for optimal cold starting. From the 4th generation onwards, systems include at least two safety levels, an automatic gas shut-off, and a multivalve.

Winter Driving & Maintenance Tips

For optimal performance in cold weather, consider these practical tips:

• Maintain Petrol Level: Always keep at least a quarter tank of petrol. Your car uses this fuel for every cold start and during the warm-up phase, so running low can cause issues.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your LPG system is in top condition. GBO Eesti offers comprehensive diagnostics and repairs at 40 €/h, covering all generations. We use certified parts from brands like Alex, AC Stag, Lovato, Landi Renzo, Digitronic, and Tomasetto.
• Check Coolant: The engine’s coolant heats the LPG reducer. Verify levels are correct for a quicker switch to gas.
• Gentle Warm-up: Avoid aggressive acceleration after a cold start. Allowing the engine to warm gradually helps the system reach operating temperature faster, facilitating a smoother transition.

Real Savings with Autogas

Despite the initial petrol phase, the fuel cost savings with LPG are substantial. Autogas typically costs half the price of petrol per litre. While consumption is about 10-15% higher by volume, your cost per kilometre remains 35-45% lower. This translates to payback periods usually between 10-18 months, even faster for high-mileage vehicles like taxis. Calculate your potential savings with our online calculator.

Your Trusted LPG Partner in Estonia

GBO Eesti OÜ has provided turnkey LPG/autogas (ГБО) installations, maintenance, repair, dismantling, and registration services since 2014. We work with all generations of LPG systems, from 1st to 6th, including the common 4th generation sequential injection and the advanced 6th generation for direct injection (GDI/TSI/FSI) and turbo engines. Our installations use certified parts from leading brands like Alex, AC Stag, Lovato, Landi Renzo, Digitronic, and Tomasetto.

Located at Magasini tn 31b, 10138 Tallinn, we handle all necessary documentation for mandatory conversion registration with Transpordiamet (Transport Administration), required in Estonia since 2023. Installation prices vary by cylinder count and system type: for 3-4 cylinder vehicles, options range from Econom 900€ to Premium 1600€. For 5-6 cylinders, Standart is 1300€ and Premium 1650€. For 8-cylinder engines, Standart is 1600€ and Premium 1900€. Explore all our installation options and prices online. For any questions or to discuss your vehicle’s specific needs, call us at +372 5619 8765.