1. Home
2. Blogs

CNG Car Safety and Maintenance Tips You Should Know

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Published on February 25, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Soaring petrol and diesel prices have forced many to turn to CNG cars. CNG as a fuel is affordable and environment-friendly. CNG cars give better mileage compared to petrol and diesel cars. CNG powered cars are hybrid cars that can run on both petrol and CNG. In fact, a CNG car needs petrol to start the engine and switches to CNG once the engine is on.

As these cars are fuel-efficient and less polluting, their demand increases, and most car manufacturers make CNG cars. However, many people get a CNG kit fitted to their existing petrol car as well. Considering the fact that a CNG car requires good maintenance, inform your insurer about the installation of a CNG kit in your car. Upgrade your insurance policy to cover the CNG kit and get the best car insurance for your CNG car.

Tips for CNG Auto Safety and Maintenance

CNG is a highly combustible gas and a single spark is enough to cause a fire. A CNG fuel system is different from a conventional fuel system, hence it requires different maintenance. A regular safety inspection of CNG kits is required to check the structural integrity of the CNG cylinder, and for the maintenance of the CNG fuel system.

Safety Rules for CNG run Cars in India

All CNG vehicles are required to comply with CMVR safety rules and must undergo periodic inspection to ensure safety and control events of cylinder explosion. Following these rules is important for getting the best car insurance also.

● As per Motor Vehicle Act 1988, all CNG vehicles should have the endorsement of the CNG kit in the RC book. Without RC book endorsement and insurance, a compliance certificate is not issued.

● All Cylinders must have a compliance plate fixed near the CNG refilling nozzle. A compliance plate should have the details like vehicle no, chassis number, CNG cylinder identification no, kit type, installation date, installation centre, unique compliance certificate number, and last testing date punched.

● It is mandatory for all vehicles running on CNG to get their cylinders tested for hydro once every three years.

● All CNG vehicles must have a compliance plate and a valid hydro test certificate at the time of refilling, otherwise, the filling station will refuse to refill the gas.

Maintenance Tips for CNG Cars

1. Regular Inspection

Get your CNG kit inspected and serviced every year by an authorized service facility. Check for any leakages or damage due to wear and tear. Get the air filter, filter cartridge, and low-pressure filter cleaned or replaced if needed. Keep the throttle body clean and other parts of your CNG system in good condition. Let us understand how to maintain and safely use a CNG car.

2. Check Spark Plug

Regularly check, clean, and replace the spark plug for a CNG car, as it wears out fast. In case you get a CNG kit installed on your existing car, replace the spark plug with a CNG compatible spark plug.

3. Check CNG Tank

Get your CNG tank inspected regularly at an authorized service facility. Check for any damages, corrosion, or cracking. Change the valves regularly. Avoid overfilling of the tank and fill up to two-thirds of capacity only during summer. Do not use the tank beyond its expiry date.

4. Use Auto Mode

Using in Auto mode means that you let your car’s Electronic Control Module decide when to switch to CNG. Running on petrol when you start the car and gradually switching to CNG improves engine life.

5. Renew your Compliance Plate regularly

Having a valid compliance plate is a legal requirement to avoid penalties. It is also a critical safety requirement. Get your CNG car tested periodically by an authorized agency, which will issue a test certificate and a compliance plate.

6. Park your Car in Shade

The gas stored in CNG evaporates faster in heat. Therefore, always park your car under shade so that your cylinder lasts longer.

Follow these tips for the long life of your CNG fuel system and to get comprehensive car insurance for your CNG car.

Top CNG Car Precautions

● Never Smoke sitting in the car.

● Never start your car in CNG mode.

● Before refilling of CNG, turn off the car, remove the keys and ask all passengers including the driver, to get down from the vehicle.

● Never use mobile phones, matchboxes, or smoke in a CNG station.

● Never run your CNG car on low fuel as it may increase the pressure on the valves.

● During a leakage, keep the engine off, close the cylinder valve and push the vehicle to a safe location.

● Always get an authorized CNG kit installed in your car. Installation should also be done by an authorized dealer only.

● Always ensure that the kit and accessories installed are compatible with your car.

To get a more in-depth understanding of CNG kit installation and key considerations, check out CNG Kit Installation Guide

Conclusion

Before you plan to switch to a CNG car or install a CNG kit in your car, understand the safety norms and maintenance requirements for a CNG fuel system. A CNG car requires a little extra care than your petrol car and has a high maintenance cost. However, the high maintenance cost is balanced with the super mileage it gives if you use it to drive long distances and take all precautions.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

CNG Kit Installation – Things to Know!

How CNG Impacts Your Car Insurance Premium

A Quick Guide to Choosing Between Petrol/Diesel and CNG

5 Things to know before opting for a CNG kit

When Not To Claim Car Insurance

---

• 
• 
• 
•