ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF ENGINES RUN ON LPG AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of the study was to assess liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) performance and maintenance of motor vehicles in Ghana with particular reference to Sunyani Municipality. This study adopted the case study design. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches because quantitative approach helped to gather information that could be easily analysed using statistical means whiles qualitative information can be easily evaluated using thematic analysis. The population for the study was three hundred and forty (340). The population of the study was made up of motor vehicle drivers and car owners in the Sunyani Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The study used purposive and stratified random sampling methods to select a sample size of two hundred and twenty respondents for the study. The main instrument that was used to collect information for the study were questionnaires. The SPSS version 18 was used to analyse the primary data. The study findings concluded that the use of LPG in internal combustion engines enhances fuel economy compared to unleaded gasoline. Majority of the respondents used liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) because it is widely used in commercial vehicles, and promising results were obtained in terms of fuel economy and exhaust emissions. The emissions from LPG vehicles are significantly lower than conventionally fueled vehicles. It is important to maintain LPG vehicles to sustain the engine of the vehicle with annual budget for vehicle maintenance below GH₵ 15,000. The study recommended that the use of LPG to fuel internal combustion engines in vehicles must be highly promoted in the Sunyani Metropolis and Mechanics and drivers must maintain LPG vehicles to sustain the engine of the vehicle.