CNG Kit Installation – Things to Know!

Posted on: Jan 20, 2022 | | Written by:

CNG Kit Installation – Things to Know!

Published on January 19, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

CNG has been steadily gaining a lot of popularity in the car market for the last few years because it is eco-friendly, can be installed in a very large number of cars that are already operational in the market, and because in terms of running cost, it can win over buying and running a new electric car. However, if you are looking to get a CNG kit installed in your car, here are a few basic questions you must answer first before taking the plunge.

1. Have you calculated if the cost of fitting and running a CNG kit will be justified based on the distance you drive?

This is the most fundamental question that you must ask before you get a CNG kit installed in your car. CNG kits are recommended for people who cover a very high average number of kilometres in a year. If you are running 100+ kms per day, you will be easily able to break-even the cost of CNG kit installation in a matter of 2-3 years. On the other hand, if you are just running your car a few hundred kilometres in an entire year, you will not be able break-even the cost of CNG kit over the lifetime of your car.

2. Is your car compatible with CNG?

Not many people realise this but not every car may be compatible with a CNG kit. It is not just the mechanical aspects, but also the way your vehicle hood is designed, that can impact if your car is compatible with CNG. Installing a CNG kit will also mean that you will lose all the boot space because that is where the CNG cylinder goes. One good way to find out if your car is compatible with CNG is to check if the car manufacturer is also selling a variant of the car with CNG kit preinstalled.

3. Are you buying a genuine CNG kit for your car?

The increase in demand for CNG kits has also created a situation where many unscrupulous sellers have started to flood the market with non-genuine CNG kits. It is best to buy kits from authorised dealers and ensure that you get a proper bill and warranty. Check for holograms etc. and check on the company website using serial numbers if the option is available. One good way to ensure you are getting a genuine kit is to buy and install it from a car manufacturer authorised service centre. This can be done if the car maker sells a CNG variant of the car but the prices will be on the higher side.

4. Have you identified CNG filling pumps near your home, office and frequently travelled roads?

Even though a large number of CNG pumps have started to pop up across the country, particularly on a number of highways, the penetration of CNG pumps in most of the parts of the country outside of the main metro cities is still sparse. You can find a petrol or diesel pump more easily compared to a CNG pump. This means that unless you live in a very large city with many CNG pumps, you might have to travel a lot for getting CNG filled.

5. Have you analysed the impact of CNG kit on your car’s performance?

It is important to understand that the CNG kit will impact the performance of your car in terms of both acceleration and top speed as it brings down the power and torque of the engine. Only install CNG if you are ready to accept a 10 to 25% decline in both.

6. Are you aware that CNG fitment needs to be endorsed in your RC and insurance?

When you get a CNG kit installed in your car, you will need to get it endorsed in the car registration and insurance policy. While third party insurance can have CNG endorsement without extra change, a comprehensive policy will require you to pay extra premium.

7. Have you accounted for the hike in car insurance premium with a CNG kit?

If you get a CNG kit installed in the car, you will need to pay a higher premium for a comprehensive car insurance policy. Third party insurance prices are regulated by the government and they are not impacted in most cases as they are based on engine cc which is not changed when a CNG kit is installed.

8. Are you aware of the impact on claims if your car insurance does not have CNG endorsement?

Finally, also keep in mind that both third party insurance and comprehensive car insurance claims will be impacted if you have a CNG kit installed in the car but didn’t get it endorsed in the insurance policy. Installation of CNG is a material change to the vehicle, which the insurance company must know about, for continuing the coverage.

All in all, getting a CNG kit installed in your car can be highly beneficial if you are running your car enough to break-even and if you are fully compliant with all the applicable rules and regulations.

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

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