Propane Autogas: Debunking the Maintenance Myths – Fuel

Editor’s note: The next article was submitted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and reflects its perspective on propane autogas as a fleet fuel solution. The views and claims presented are those of the writer and don’t necessarily reflect those of Automotive Fleet.

Have you ever heard that alternative fuel vehicles are difficult and expensive to keep up? Which may be true for some energy sources, but not all of them are created equal. For a lot of fleet owners, making the switch from traditional fuels to propane autogas leads to lower fuel and maintenance costs.

While outdated myths like this still flow into in regards to the complexity or serviceability of different fuel vehicles, the fact is that propane autogas is straightforward to keep up, easy to learn, and it could save fleet owners money. Listed below are the highest misconceptions and the facts that prove why propane autogas continues to achieve traction amongst fleet owners.

Myth #1: Propane Autogas Maintenance is Complicated 

The reality is, propane autogas maintenance isn’t much different from gasoline and is far simpler than diesel. 

Gasoline can degrade over time and create buildup that may contribute to premature wear of engine parts. It also leaves behind more carbon deposits, which might affect performance and longevity. Meanwhile, diesel engines have develop into increasingly complex attributable to emissions regulations and sophisticated aftermarket treatment systems. These vehicles depend on diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to stay compliant. Each components are costly to keep up and might contribute to significant downtime when issues arise.

Propane autogas eliminates each concerns. It’s a clean energy source that doesn’t degrade engine components or require additional fluids or filters, exhaust after-treatment, particulate trap systems, turbochargers, intercoolers, or regeneration. For this reason, propane autogas engines experience less carbon buildup on valves and fewer residual contaminants within the oil, leading to cleaner operation and, in some cases, longer engine life.

With a less complex engine system and a cleaner emissions profile, propane autogas vehicles offer lower maintenance costs. It’s one in every of the explanations propane autogas consistently delivers the bottom total cost-of-ownership of any fuel. 

Myth #2: Special Facilities Are Required for Maintenance

One other common misconception is that propane autogas vehicles require special modifications to service garages. While that’s true for some alternative fuels like CNG, if existing buildings are code compliant for diesel and gasoline, typically there aren’t any major modifications required for the upkeep and repairs of propane autogas vehicles. Ventilation could also be required if the ability is supplied with a pit used for maintenance, under vehicle inspections, and repairs.

Facility managers should all the time confirm requirements with their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), but normally, there’s no need for costly facility upgrades. AHJ’s can assist fleets and define the code requirements, if any, for ventilation, gas detection, sources of ignition, and electrical requirements.

Myth #3: It’s Hard to Find Trained Technicians or Learn Propane Maintenance

One other persistent myth is that it’s difficult to search out qualified technicians or train in-house teams to work on propane autogas vehicles. The reality is, propane autogas is one of the vital approachable alternative fuels for fleet maintenance, and repair technicians will be trained in only a number of hours.

Modern propane autogas engines are designed to mirror gasoline engines, using most of the same diagnostic tools, service equipment, and repair protocols. For technicians already experienced with internal combustion engines, the transition is straightforward and intuitive. Fleet owners curious about training in-house technicians can access in-person or online training resources — lots of them free or low-cost — through propane autogas engine manufacturers or the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Trade schools and technical programs can even take part in PERC’s Vehicle Inspection Grant Program which provides curriculum resources to assist train the subsequent generation of expert propane autogas technicians. 

There’s also a large and growing service network of trained technicians from coast to coast able to service propane autogas vehicles in local shops. OEMs and fuel system providers offer lots of of certified service locations across North America. 

Whether outsourcing or keeping service in-house, fleet owners have easy accessibility to the tools, training, and support needed to maintain their propane vehicles running easily.

Real-World Results: McAbee Trucking

McAbee Trucking, Inc., a mail carrier serving the USPS, operates a fleet of propane-powered box trucks across North and South Carolina. Prior to propane autogas, the corporate operated several diesel vehicles that racked up high maintenance costs to repair expensive regeneration issues tied to diesel emission systems. By replacing diesel with propane autogas, McAbee eliminated those extra maintenance costs and now saves 1000’s of dollars annually. In truth, the regeneration issues were so costly that owner, Lisa McAbee, estimates she could have purchased three propane vehicles with the cash spent on diesel engine repairs over just 18 months. 

Along with lowering maintenance costs, the corporate has also maintained its 99 percent on-time dispatch rate. McAbee said she’s found the propane vehicles usually are not only reliable, but easier to administer from a maintenance standpoint.

“One thing I’m grateful for with propane — I’ve had a pair breakdowns with the diesel regen systems. Sometimes the truck had to sit down there for an hour. And an hour on a schedule shouldn’t be good. With propane, I don’t have that issue,” she said. 

The Bottom Line

The parable that propane autogas is difficult to keep up doesn’t match the fact. As more fleet owners make the switch, they’re finding fewer breakdowns, simpler service routines, and lower overall operating costs. It’s all backed by a nationwide network of support and opportunities for technicians to learn more. For fleet managers seeking to streamline maintenance and boost efficiency, propane autogas is a proven solution. To learn more about technician training, service options, and the way propane autogas can support your fleet, visit Propane.com/Fleet-Vehicles.

Joel Stutheit is the senior manager of autogas business development on the Propane Education & Research Council. He will be reached at [email protected]. For more information, visit Propane.com.