Planning to Buy CNG Fitted Car or Install Sequential Kit in Petrol Car. CNG Car Maintenance Cost, Schedule with Safety Measures for Best Power, Performance
CNG Car Maintenance
One of the biggest drawback of CNG Fitted Car is Lesser Power. CNG definite leads to loss of some power vis a vis Petrol Cars .
But if maintained and serviced well on time - the power loss will not become substantial to take away fun of driving
Its best to choose Sequential rather than Conventional (Closed Loop, Open Loop) for best output and performance of vehicle. Sequential CNG Kit if retor fit costs around Rs. 40,000 and can easily be fitted in any Petrol Car. The Price of Factory Fitted CNG Kits or Hyundai Certified CEV Sequential Kits although is priced higher and cost almost Rs 60000 over and above the price of there counter-part Petrol Car Model
Break Even : If you drive 1000 Kms a month (35 Kms daily) - the initial cost will be recovered within 3 yrs at best - thanks to better mileage also been a cleaner fuel (AutoGas) than Petrol.
Below are estimated additional checks which can help maintain a CNG Car
Checks for Using CNG Car
» Keep Fuel Mode in Auto - In this Mode Engine starts in Petrol and automatically changes to CNG after reaching warming up condition.It enhances the Engine Life. Generally - after initial 1.5 Km - 2 Km - it automatically switches to CNG Mode.
Its always advisable to run your car on Petrol for initial 2 Kms atleast when car is driven after a long halt
» Park Under Shades - If you Stay in Hot Climate like North India - its better to park car under shades - been CNG has faster evaporation due to gasoline nature than Liquid Fuel like Petrol or Diesel. Parking Car under Shades can prevent evaporation of gas due to heat
» CNG Compliance Plate Renewal :- Get Compliance Plate renewed every 3 yrs. It basically involves inspection of CNG Cylinder for leakage, fitment and is a legal requirement.
Maintenance of CNG Car
Apart from regular servicing of Car with Change of Oils & Filters, Periodic Inspection - its important to have CNG Car Serviced as per recommended service schedule and have below items replaced or cleaned on regular basis.
1. Air Filter Cleaning & Replacement - Its advisable to clean Air Filter cleaned every 6 month and get Air Filter replaced every 12 month. Though in Petrol cars - replacement seeked at 20,000 Kms but been low cost - its advisable to replace every 10,000 Kms in CNG Car (Rs. 350)
2. Throttle Body Cleaning - Basically, Throttle body is a valve which connect between air filter and Intake. Highly recommended to get Throttle Body Cleaned once every 10000 Kms if you driving on CNG
3. Spark Plug Cleaning & Replacement - Spark Plug needs to be cleaned periodically. Though - its recommended to be replaced at 40,000 Kms - but cleaning every 12 months and preponing the replacement at 20,000 Kms in CNG Car are best suited for car performance and pickup
4. CNG Reducer Filter Cartridge - To be replaced every 20,000 Kms (Rs. 1600). Its of utmost importance to replace CNG Filter for continuing life of Engine and Pickup in the car.The Cartridge if remain unchanged can lead to substantial loss of Power in Car
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5. CNG Low Pressure Filter Cartridge - To be replaced every 40,000 Kms (Rs. 1500). Its also important to change low pressure cartridge filter in CNG Car.
One additional cost is also due to higher Insurance Premium - generally is Rs. 2500 - 3000 (1st Year) and Rs. 2200 - 2500 (2nd & 3rd Year) on a car with Sequential Fitted CNG Kit
6. Additional Maintenance: Do not miss on CNG Leak test in every Service, Additionally - if the car RPM goes high - can also go in for Tapet Adjustment.
7. Loss of Power: As what known as Booster in Conventional Kit, if your Sequential CNG Kit is delivering low power pickup despite replacing Air Filter, Spark Plug and cleaning Throttle Body. You can go in for CKP which is like Timing Advancer to address in Engine Power Loss and improve acceleration of Car.
Factory Fitted CNG Kit Cars are :- Maruti Alto 800 CNG, Wagon R CNG, Celerio CNG, Ertiga CNG. Hyundai Xcent CNG in Tourist Version.
Company Recommended CNG Kits :- Hyundai Grand i10 CNG, Xcent
Rest - all other cars have dealer fitted CNG Kit
Once Maintenance and Basic Checks are correctly carried out - you will by sure enjoy higher fuel savings without any major gap in power loss
