• By Divanshi Sharma
  • Sat, 04 Nov 2023 11:34 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Conventional fuels like petrol and diesel are becoming expensive day by day. Moreover, these conventional fuels are a major contributing factor in increasing air pollution and degrading AQI. CNG and eco-friendly fuels have been a better alternative than conventional fuels for years. People get their cars fitted with CNG and LPG cylinders to reduce the environmental impact of driving a car and also because CNG is available at a lower cost than conventional fuels like petrol or diesel. However, getting a CNG kit fitted in your car is a hassle in itself and various factors need to be taken into consideration. If you’re also looking to convert your diesel or petrol car into CNG, make sure you’re aware of all these factors before you decide. 

Check If Your Car Is Compatible 

Before installing a CNG kit in your car make sure it's compatible for fuel conversion as most older cars are not suitable. To know if it’s compatible or not, contact your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for a list of approved CNG-compatible car models in your area. Proceed only if your car is on the RTO's list.

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Fake CNG Kits 

There are a lot of fake CNG kits also available in the market, so before you make the purchase it’s essential to make sure that you’re buying an authentic CNG kit. Authentic CNG kits are available at authorised dealers. Avoid getting your CNG kits installed from local dealers who might sell fake kits. 

Getting A Licence 

After determining that your car is compatible for CNG conversion and you have installed a genuine CNG kit. It is essential to seek approval from your local RTO to use it legally. You will be required to update your car’s Registration Certificate (RC) to change the fuel type from petrol to CNG. After getting RTO’s approval and the 'fuel change' seal on your RC, you can legally use your CNG-converted car.

Installing A CNG Kit Is Expensive 

CNG is cost-effective compared to petrol or diesel but buying an authorised CNG kit can be expensive, typically around Rs. 50,000 to 60,000, depending on your car's make and model. However, this cost can be recovered in a few years due to cheaper CNG costs. Installing a CNG kit is a one-time investment but ongoing maintenance required for a CNG car is expensive in comparison to a petrol or diesel car.  

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Declining Performance

Using a CNG-fitted car can lead to declining performance over time due to the change in fuel type. CNG lacks the lubricating properties of petrol, which can lead to engine corrosion and decreased performance. This results in more frequent servicing and higher maintenance costs.