14 Precautions That Every CNG Car Driver Must Take
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles are an environmentally-Read more
The Emergence of CNG as an Alternative Fuel
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is an odourless, clear, and non-corrosive natural gas, mostly composed of methane. CNG has a high ignition temperature, is lighter than air, and disperses rapidly in the event of a leak. Thus, there is a lower risk of fire with CNG compared to liquid fuels.
With growing concerns about air pollution and environmental sustainability, there has been an increased interest among individuals in alternative fuels, with CNG gaining significant popularity. As a result, many commuters, particularly in metropolitan areas, have started using CNG cars or have installed external CNG kits in their existing petrol cars, which is a cleaner and more cost-effective option.
Are CNG Cars Safe?
Many drivers question: Is a CNG car safe? While CNG cars are generally safe, their safety majorly depends on proper usage, maintenance, and awareness of specific precautions unique to CNG systems. Let's understand how CNG works as a fuel. Manufacturer-fitted CNG cars undergo rigorous crash and safety tests, while properly installed aftermarket kits approved by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) are also considered safe.
So, is a CNG car safe in India? Yes. CNG cars are safe to drive, provided the installation kit is certified and well-maintained. In most reported incidents, the issue is not the CNG kit itself but improper installation, expired cylinders, or neglected maintenance, which makes it crucial for CNG car drivers to take precautionary measures.
Essential Precautions for CNG Car Owners
CNG is no doubt a safer fuel than petrol or diesel. They are both environment-friendly and cost-effective. Nonetheless, a car owner must exercise some precautions while using a CNG in his/her car to ensure the safety of the car, its passengers and the surroundings.
Take a look at these 14 precautions that every CNG car owner must take while using a CNG car:
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Do not use Unauthorized CNG Kits
Although people are advised to buy a CNG car with a factory-fitted CNG kit, many opt to convert their petrol cars into CNG by having the fuel kit installed in their vehicle. Additionally, they opt for installation by a roadside mechanic or dealer rather than an authorised dealer to save money. This not only compromises the car's mechanics but can also result in leakage, potentially leading to a fire. Thus, a car owner must avoid installing an unauthorised CNG kit in their car.
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Avoid Using Mismatched/ Substandard Accessories
While installing a CNG kit in the car, a car owner must ensure that the fuel kit and cylinder being installed match the make and model of the car. The CNG kit and cylinder must be compatible with the original wiring and fixtures of the car.
Moreover, the CNG cylinder to be installed should be of an approved brand and manufactured as per relevant standards. If a mismatched or substandard CNG kit is fitted in the car, the chances of a fire or damage increase due to differences in voltage and current ratings.
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Replace Spark Plugs
While converting a petrol car into CNG, the car owner should ensure that the spark plug of the vehicle is compatible with the CNG kit. This is important as spark plugs tend to wear out faster when used on CNG. If the special CNG-compatible spark plug is not available, the gap between the source of the spark and the metallic tip of the plug should be reduced.
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Get CNG Cylinder Test Certificate
Once the CNG kit has been installed, the car owner must obtain a CNG Cylinder Test Certificate from the CNG Retro-fitter or licensee. The certificate acts as proof of installing an approved CNG cylinder in the car.
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Park the Vehicle in Shade or Covered Area
Ensure there is proper ventilation in your parking area to avoid direct sunlight exposure on your CNG car. Try parking it in a shade or covered space to prevent the build up of CNG fumes.
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Start With Petrol First
A CNG car driver should always start his car on petrol and switch to CNG only once the engine warms up. Doing so helps the car engine to stay lubricated and reduces its wear and tear.
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Regular Leak Test of the CNG Cylinder
A car owner must regularly check the CNG fuel cylinder for leakage. Improper fitting of the CNG kit or overfilling the fuel cylinder often leads to gas leakage, resulting in a fire and bursting of the cylinder. To avoid such a situation, the gas cylinder should be regularly tested for any signs of leakage and should be immediately taken to an authorized service centre in case a leakage is detected.
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Regular Car Servicing
A car owner must regularly get his vehicle serviced if he is planning to get a CNG kit installed or has converted his petrol car into CNG. Short circuits in cars mostly happen because old wires are unable to provide necessary insulation.
Regular check-ups can help to maintain the car and detect any wear and tear. Moreover, a car with a pre-installed CNG kit or an additionally installed kit should be checked for regular wear and tear of the CNG kit and cylinder at least once every five years at an authorized service centre.
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No Smoking Inside the Car
The owner of a CNG car should not smoke inside his car. This is because smoking can lead to a fire in the CNG car which can have devastating consequences.
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Follow CNG Car Usage Rules
CNG car owners must adhere to all vehicle usage rules as per the motor vehicles laws. They should not use a car heater for a prolonged period, transport flammable materials or burst crackers near the car. Defying these rules can be extremely dangerous as a CNG car can easily reach its ignition temperature of 540 degrees Celsius while being used and can catch fire. Since the car damage would be a result of the car owner's carelessness, even the right car insurance companies may reject the claims.
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Turn Off the Car Before Refilling CNG
Before the gas station technician begins to refill CNG in the car, the driver must ensure that the vehicle engine is turned off and the key is turned to the 'Off' position. This ensures that there are no sparks in the car's engine and thus, no fire.
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Don't use Mobile Phones/ Electronics While Refilling
While getting CNG refilled in the car, the vehicle owner must ensure that he or any of his co-passengers are not using their mobile phones or any electronics as it can lead to a fire.
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Keep an Eye on the Cylinder Pressure
While refilling a CNG cylinder at a gas station, the car owner must ensure that the CNG cylinder pressure is not more than 200 bars. Doing so avoids overfilling of the CNG cylinder and subsequent leakage. The cylinder pressure can be checked by monitoring the gauge fitted to the gas filling machine.
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Refill CNG Up to Two-Third of Cylinder Capacity
During the summer months, a CNG cylinder should not be refilled more than two-thirds of its total capacity. This is because the temperatures are soaring high in summers and thus, a full fuel tank can be dangerous.
Are CNG Cars Better than Petrol?
Over the last decade, there has been a surge in the purchase of CNG cars as well as the installation of CNG fuel kits in petrol cars. This is because using CNG in cars comes with several benefits. To understand why is it better to use CNG than petrol in cars, here are some of the benefits of using CNG:
- CNG is a safer fuel than petrol. With a narrow flammability range of 5%-15% and a higher auto-ignition temperature, CNG does not catch fire easily on hot surfaces, thereby reducing the probability of a mishap.
- It is more affordable to buy CNG fuel for cars as it costs almost half the price of petrol. For instance, the price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 96.72 per litre and the price of CNG in Delhi is Rs. 75.61 per (as of 17 August 2022.).
- CNG is a greener fuel and thus, is more environment-friendly as compared to other fuels. This is because CNG produces up to 95% less harmful emissions or greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. For instance, CNG emits 44% carbon monoxide as compared to 80% emission from burning petrol.
- It reduces noise pollution as a car engine running on CNG moves silently due to the higher octane rating of CNG.
- It is more cost-effective and easy to maintain a CNG car. This is because CNG does not contain additives and burns cleanly without contaminating the spark plugs of the car by not leaving any by-products of combustion.
- CNG easily mixes evenly in the air due to its gaseous form.
- It is a non-toxic gas and therefore, does not contaminate or pose a threat to the nearby environment, such as groundwater, in case of a leakage.
- Since CNG burns cleanly, it does not contaminate the engine oil and increases the life of the lubricating oils.
How Proper Car Insurance Enhances Safety for CNG Car Owners?
While taking safety precautions is critical, the overall protection of CNG-powered vehicles remains incomplete without adequate car insurance coverage. Since a CNG car has pressurised gas cylinders, it carries a higher risk of fire, leakage, or accident-related damage than in petrol/diesel cars. Hence, it needs to be secured with a comprehensive car insurance policy that financially protects vehicle owners against repair costs, third-party liabilities, and legal obligations after an accident.
Remember when installing a CNG kit in your car, you must declare it to your insurer and get it endorsed in your car insurance policy. This ensures coverage for damages caused by gas leakage, fire, or explosion, which may not be covered under standard policies.
Additionally, insurers assess CNG systems differently during claims, especially after accidents or fire-related incidents. A valid car insurance policy will protect the vehicle owner from unexpected repair costs, claim rejections, and regulatory complications, ensuring overall CNG car safety beyond the precautions mentioned above.
Read More: Things to Know Before Installing CNG Kit in Your Car
In a Nutshell
Driving responsibly and taking the necessary precautions is sure to let a person have a seamless CNG car experience. Every CNG car owner must take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of his car and its passengers. Moreover, one must make a car insurance comparison to choose the right car insurance policy with preferably a comprehensive cover so that any unforeseen loss or damages to the car is taken care of.
