How Safe Is Autogas?

Today, there are hundreds of thousands of propane-autogas-powered vehicles on the road in our country. And that number keeps growing.

Businesses, municipalities and school districts that are just getting familiar with propane autogas understandably want to know how it stacks up with other motor fuels in terms of safety.

The fact is, autogas is a safe alternative fuel that is nontoxic, non-corrosive and insoluble in water. Fueling your vehicle with autogas is as safe and simple as filling up with gasoline or diesel.

It’s an ideal fuel for vehicles of all types as well as a range of off-road equipment like forklifts and commercial lawn mowers.

Should a rare accidental release of autogas occur, the fuel would dissipate into the atmosphere with no harmful contaminants released into the air, soil or water.

In terms of the autogas fuel tank for your vehicle, autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks.

As far as flammability goes, the ignition temperature of autogas is a minimum of 920˚. Conventional gasoline has a much lower ignition point: 430 ˚-500˚. Diesel fuel can ignite at 410˚.

Safe rides to and from school

Safely transporting students to and from school while navigating through all types of traffic, weather and terrain is a major—and sometimes daunting—task for school bus drivers. Naturally, this job requires focus, so the fact that propane autogas engines are 50% quieter than diesel engines not only makes for a more pleasant ride, but a safer one.

Additionally, buses fueled with propane autogas are crash-tested for impact in the side and rear, meeting rigorous motor vehicle safety standards.

Propane school buses also get high marks as far as emissions standards. When compared with the diesel buses they have replaced, buses fueled by propane autogas produce far fewer toxic emissions.

If you’re interested in powering your fleet with propane, your local propane company can help.

Ask about converting your vehicles, setting up a propane fueling station at your property or arranging for on-site fueling on a regular schedule. Your propane company may even be able to help you qualify for alternative fuel incentives to help you save even more!