12 Precautions to Take if You Use CNG in Your Car

Cars are one of the most convenient forms of transportation today. But they also lead to environmental degradation and can result in global warming. Petrol and diesel cars release greenhouse gases, which are the biggest contributors to global warming. Moreover, petrol and diesel are extremely expensive in India with petrol price touching Rs 100 per litre in some cities. This is why a lot of people have shifted to using CNG in their cars.

CNG or compressed natural gas are clear and non-corrosive gas that are greener for the environment. It emits up to 95% lower greenhouse gases as compared to petrol and diesel. It is much safer to use, non-toxic and burns more cleanly. Moreover, CNG is much more affordable than petrol and diesel, which makes it even more attractive.

CNG cars are widely available in the Indian market. You can also get a CNG kit installed in your petrol car. Besides, motor insurers in India provide coverage for CNG cars as well as CNG fuel kit installed additionally in CNG cars.

Precautions That You Must Take If You Use CNG in Your Car

While using CNG in your car, you must remember to take the following precautions:

1. Use Authorized CNG Kits Only

If you are getting a CNG kit installed in your petrol car, make sure to get it installed by an authorized dealer only. Roadside mechanics can install an unauthorized CNG kit in your car that can upset the vehicle’s functioning and lead to fuel leakage.

2. Do Not Use Substandard/ Mismatched Accessories

Make sure to install a CNG cylinder from an approved brand in your car, which has been manufactured as per the set safety standards. You also need to ensure that the installed CNG kit is compatible with the make and model of your car. Installing a substandard or mismatched CNG kit in your car can lead to disparity in voltage & current ratings and can also result in a fire.

3. Keep a Check on Spark Plug

If you are installing a CNG kit in your petrol car, make sure that it is compatible with the spark plug of your car. In case the spark plug is not compatible with the CNG kit, make sure to get the gap between the metallic tip of the plug and the source of the spark reduced. Besides, you should check the spark plug regularly as they wear out faster on CNG.

4. Obtain a CNG Cylinder Test Certificate

When the CNG kit installed in your car, remember to get the CNG Cylinder Test Certificate from the CNG licensee or Retrofitter. The certificate is your evidence for installing an approved CNG cylinder in your car.

5. First Use Petrol, Then CNG

If a CNG kit is installed in your petrol car, always remember to start the vehicle on petrol. Only after your car has run for at least a kilometre, switch the fuel to CNG. If you practice this, your car’s engine will stay lubricated for longer and slow down its wear and tear.

6. Do Not Smoke Inside the Car

Never smoke inside your car if it runs on CNG. Smoking inside your CNG car can result in a fire that can have fatal consequences.

7. Turn Off Engine Before Refilling CNG

When you are at a fuel station to get CNG refilled in your car, make sure to turn off your car’s engine before the refilling begins. Turning off your car’s ignition before refilling CNG will ensure that there are no sparks in the engine and eliminate any chances of a fire.

8. Do Not Use Mobile Phone/ Electronics at a CNG Station

While getting CNG refilled in your car, make sure that neither you nor your co-passengers are using mobile phones or electronic devices. Doing so will ensure that your car does not catch fire and no untoward incident occurs.

9. Don’t Fill CNG Over Two-Third Capacity of the Cylinder

Never refill your CNG cylinder more than two-thirds of its total capacity in the summer season. This is necessary as the temperature in the summer season can get quite high and a full CNG tank makes it prone to catching fire.

10. Park the Car in Shade

Always remember to park your CNG car in a covered space or shade. Do not expose your car to direct sunlight for a long time as it can heat your car and make it vulnerable to catching fire.

11. Conduct Regular CNG Cylinder Leak Test

Remember to check the CNG cylinder of your car regularly for any signs of leakage. This is essential as leakage can result in the bursting of the cylinder or a fire. Take your car to an authorized service centre as soon as you detect a leakage.

12. Regular Servicing is a Must

If you use CNG in your petrol car, get the vehicle serviced regularly. Doing so ensures that any wear and tear are detected on time and no untoward incident takes place. It is recommended to get a CNG car serviced at an authorized centre at least once every five years.

Summing It Up

Using a CNG car is anyday more beneficial than using a petrol car. But you need to look out for any sign of leakage while using CNG in your car. Therefore, remember to take the above-mentioned precautions to avoid a mishap with your CNG car.