The ever-increasing fuel prices have led to newer and greener fuel alternatives. One such alternative that has gained popularity in the recent past is CNG. CNG can be lighter on your pocket while offering a higher mileage per gallon. Also, CNG is a cleaner fuel than its conventional counterparts, diesel and petrol. Manufacturers have started providing vehicle owners with optional CNG kits, although you can fit them aftermarket. A factory-fitted CNG kit is safer since it undergoes standard checks to avoid safety concerns.
That being said, CNG fuel also has its share of drawbacks. Since it is a cleaner form of energy, it is highly combustible. Even more when compared to petrol or diesel. For comparison, it is equally explosive as compared to the gas cylinder at your home. This makes it a potential safety hazard. Look at the safeguards when adding a CNG kit to your car.
#1 Not all cars are compatible with CNG kits
Before buying a CNG kit for your car, check for your car’s compatibility with this fuel type. Not every vehicle manufactured with a petrol or diesel engine is compatible with a CNG kit. Would you please ask your car manufacturer to check its compatibility with your car? Make sure to amend your car’s registration certificate to include CNG as a fuel type. Vehicles with factory-fitted CNG kits need not undertake all these hassles.
#2 Amendment in your insurance policy
Whether you buy car insurance online or offline, you must inform your insurance company of your vehicle’s changes. Your car’s premium is based on various factors like the model and makes, engine capacity, ex-showroom price, and more. Fuel type is also one of them. Since there is an amendment in the fuel type, inform the insurer as the earliest. Do not wait for the car insurance renewal date. Any claims during this period can get rejected due to non-intimation.
#3 CNG is not commonly available at every fuel station
Plan your travels when you opt for a CNG car since not all fuel stations have CNG facilities. You will require fewer stops at the fuel station, but bear in mind this factor too.
#4 Change in fuel type may affect car insurance claims
If you skip informing your insurance company, fearing a premium increase, your application may not get honored at the time of claim. The insurer generally inspects the vehicle when a claim is filed. If any discrepancy is found between the documents and the actual fuel type, it can lead to outright rejection.
#5 Compromising your car’s performance
Adding a CNG kit to your car can hamper the car’s power figures. However slight, it can get significant over time. For those who retrofit CNG kits, the performance of their car slowly begins to decline. The manufacturer doesn’t tune your engine’s primary reason to handle compression of a different fuel type.
These are the top five safeguards to remember when opting for cleaner fuel like CNG. The insurance premiums may also differ for such cars and can be compared using a car insurance premium calculator. Opt for a suitable insurance cover to shield yourself from these concerns of a CNG kit.
