How to Maintain Your CNG Car and What are its Tips?

With the rise in petrol and diesel prices, more people are switching to CNG cars, driven by the growing need for eco-friendliness and economical options. CNG cars offer not only superior fuel economy but also high environmental emission standards. However, one must know all the CNG car maintenance and safety tips to avoid any mishap.

Whether a factory-fitted CNG vehicle or one fitted with a kit in a petrol vehicle, the maintenance of the car is crucial for the vehicle's safety, longevity, and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll provide you with essential tips and safety precautions on how to maintain your CNG car.

It's important to follow regular maintenance practices tailored to its unique fuel system to keep your CNG car running efficiently and safely. Here are some essential tips:

1. Say No to Unauthorised CNG Kits

Contemporary CNG vehicles are outfitted with factory-installed CNG kits. Purchasing a CNG vehicle with a manufacturer-installed CNG kit is always preferable. However, most people convert their gasoline-powered vehicles to CNG vehicles, and in the process, they have a local mechanic install a CNG kit. When installing CNG kits, avoid local dealers.

2. Choose Proper Accessories

When installing a CNG kit, avoid using inferior accessories that may cause trouble. Ensure that the fuel lines and cylinders are of high quality and meet industry standards. Ensure that the CNG kit you purchase is compatible with your vehicle. If the kit was intended to fit a certain vehicle, it could cause a fire or damage to the vehicle’s components.

3. Installing CNG-Compatible Spark Plugs

Since they ignite the fuel to produce power, spark plugs are among the most important components in an engine. When a CNG kit is installed, Spark plugs suitable for CNG use must be used. If CNG-compatible plugs cannot be located, the distance between the spark's source and the metal tip of the plug can be decreased.

4. Get a CNG Kit Test Certificate

Once you have installed a CNG kit in your vehicle, your next step is to obtain the CNG Cylinder Test Certificate from an authorised dealer. This is an essential certificate, proving you installed a branded, authorised CNG Kit and cylinder in your vehicle. This is yet another document that you can submit when you file for insurance.

5. Start on Petrol

This is the fundamental method for maintaining a CNG vehicle; start it in petrol mode until it is warm. You can put the system into CNG mode when the grounds are raised. CNG use doesn't begin until the vehicle's lubrication has been utilised to warm it. This also ensures better working for the CNG kit.

6. Check and Replace the Spark Plugs

Owners of CNG vehicles should routinely inspect the fuel lines and cylinders for damage or leakage. Do not overfill the cylinder, as it may result in a gas leak. CNG leaks can be hazardous because they can cause an explosion. Inspect the cylinder for damage or leaks. In the event of any issue, repair the CNG kit.

7. Clean/Replace your Air Filter

One of an automobile's most important parts is the air filter. The engine runs more efficiently when the air filter is clean. Periodically clean the air filter and, if necessary, replace it with a new one. Because air filters are cheap, you can clean or replace them often, especially if you live in a dusty area.

8. Clean the Throttle Body

The throttle body is the valve that connects the intake manifold and air filter. For smooth acceleration, the throttle body must be kept clean and free of debris. The throttle body should be replaced annually and cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance. Carbon buildup in the throttle body causes poor acceleration and can damage the engine.

9. Follow the Rules

When operating a CNG vehicle, always abide by the guidelines established by the Motor Vehicles Act. Avoid prolonged use of the car heater and transporting highly flammable materials in a CNG vehicle. It can also be risky to burst crackers close to a CNG vehicle. The insurer may deny your claim if your carelessness damages the CNG vehicle.

10 Park the Vehicle in the Shade

CNG vehicles must always be parked in covered or shaded areas far from the sunlight. Long exposure to sunlight may heat the vehicle enough to cause an explosion. A CNG cylinder must never be exposed to excessive heat, such as by being placed in direct sunlight, since it could expand and explode.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars often have many myths surrounding their performance, safety, and environmental impact. Here are some common myths:

CNG is as Harmful to the Environment as Other Fossil Fuels

The environmental impact of CNG is one of its most significant benefits. When burned, CNG emits roughly 25–30% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than petrol and diesel. CNG is a more environmentally friendly option due to its significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

CNG Vehicles Have Poor Performance Compared to Gasoline Vehicles

Compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, CNG vehicles are generally considered to have inferior performance. Technological advancements have improved the performance of CNG cars. The speed and acceleration of contemporary CNG cars are comparable to those of gasoline cars.

CNG Stations are Hard to Find

Owning a CNG vehicle was less feasible in the past due to the scarcity of CNG refuelling facilities. CNG refuelling infrastructure is proliferating. More than 6,200 CNG stations have been installed nationwide, mostly along main routes and in urban areas. Finding a filling station is easy.

CNG Conversion Kits are Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

Although switching from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG) can be expensive initially, the long-term savings often outweigh this initial outlay. The decrease in fuel expenses is one of the most significant benefits of CNG conversion.

CNG Vehicles are Unsafe

Misconceptions regarding fuel composition are the source of safety issues for CNG cars. High-strength steel or composite cylinders, which undergo extensive testing to withstand harsh environments, are used to store CNG. CNG cars must adhere to stringent safety regulations and undergo thorough inspections.

CNG Vehicles Cannot Be Used for Long-Distance Travel

Although CNG vehicles have a shorter range than gasoline-powered vehicles, they are suitable for long-distance driving due to their lower energy density. The range of many CNG vehicles is increased by larger fuel tanks or dual-fuel systems (combining CNG and petrol).