Mercedes Mullins
CNG cars are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional petrol or diesel cars. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cheaper, more efficient, and eco-friendly fuel option. However, there are ways to further increase the fuel efficiency of your CNG car. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your car's air filter is clean and free from contaminants. Secondly, CNG cars require a strong spark plug to ignite, so investing in a good quality spark plug will ensure the gas fuel-air mixture ignites completely. Additionally, regular servicing, proper tyre pressure, and a well-maintained clutch can also improve the fuel efficiency of your CNG car.
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What You'll Learn
Regularly clean and replace air filters
Regular maintenance of your car's air filter is essential for keeping your CNG car running smoothly and efficiently. CNG is lighter than air, and a dirty air filter clogged with contaminants will hinder its smooth passage, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your car's air filter clean and replace it when necessary.
Locate the Air Filter
Consult your vehicle's manual to find the air filter's housing, typically located near the top of the engine. Once you have located it, carefully remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt and debris.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
If the air filter is lightly soiled, you can opt to clean it. Use a quality air filter cleaner or an all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and debris. Spray the cleaner onto the filter, let it soak, and then rinse it off with low-pressure water. Ensure that you rinse the filter from the inside out to prevent pushing dirt further into the filter. Avoid wringing or stretching the filter, as they can tear easily. Repeat the process if necessary. Finally, shake off any excess water and let the filter air dry completely before reinstalling it.
For oiled filters, once the filter is completely dry, use fresh filter oil to saturate the entire filter, including the sealing flange and lip. Modern vehicles with a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor require special care when re-oiling to avoid over-oiling and damaging sensitive wires. Apply the oil spray evenly along the crown of each pleat on the filter.
If the air filter is heavily contaminated, it is recommended to replace it entirely. Air filters are not very expensive, and regular replacement is a good investment in maintaining your car's performance and fuel efficiency.
Regular Maintenance
It is important to get your air filter checked regularly by a professional. For CNG cars, it is recommended to replace the air filter every 5,000 kilometres. Additionally, ensure that your car receives timely servicing, which can help ensure its smooth running and better fuel efficiency. During servicing, have an expert inspect and replace the spark plugs if necessary.
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Use high-quality transmission fluid
To increase the fuel efficiency of your CNG car, it is important to use high-quality transmission fluid. This is because the transmission fluid has a direct impact on the overall efficiency of the vehicle. It is responsible for lubrication, cooling, and clutch application. By reducing friction, the motor is freed up, improving fuel economy.
When selecting a transmission fluid, it is important to consider the type of transmission your car has, manual or automatic. Manual transmissions often have better acceleration and can improve gas mileage by 2 to 5 mpg compared to an automatic. However, the latest automatic transmission designs, such as six-speed automatics, can surpass manual transmissions in terms of efficiency. It is also worth noting that continuously variable transmissions (CVT) offer better fuel efficiency by utilizing an infinite number of engine-to-wheel speed ratios.
To identify the proper transmission fluid for your car, refer to your owner's manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer. There are many different types of automatic transmission fluids available, and choosing the right one is crucial for optimal performance. Additionally, it is important to change your transmission fluid at regular intervals to maintain its effectiveness.
Using high-quality transmission fluid is essential for protecting your transmission system and improving fuel efficiency. By selecting the right fluid for your car and maintaining it properly, you can ensure smoother gear shifts, better lubrication, and improved cooling, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency for your CNG vehicle.
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Check for gas leaks
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a much more efficient, cheaper, and environmentally friendly fuel than petrol or diesel. CNG car owners can increase mileage and, therefore, savings, by regularly servicing their vehicles and taking other measures. One important way to ensure your CNG car is operating efficiently is to check for gas leaks.
Gas leaks, even minor ones, can significantly reduce your car's mileage and pose a safety hazard. CNG has a distinctive, pungent odour, similar to rotten eggs, which makes it detectable by smell. You may also be able to hear a gas leak, as it can produce a range of sounds from a slight hissing to the sound of rushing air or even roaring. Another sign of a gas leak is a white cloud, mist, fog, or bubbles in standing water.
To ensure your CNG kit is 100% leak-free, you can install a gas detector. If you suspect a gas leak, get up, get out, and call your gas company immediately from a neighbour's phone. Only a qualified professional should check and replace connectors. Do not move your appliance to check the connector—it can easily break if moved even slightly. For your safety, have a qualified professional perform an inspection and immediately replace any uncoated brass connectors with stainless steel or plastic-coated connectors.
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Get quality spark plugs
Spark plugs are vital for engine performance. They are the heart of your vehicle's ignition system, channeling electric current from the ignition into the engine's combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The ignition temperature of a CNG vehicle is higher than that of a petrol car, so CNG cars need a strong spark plug to ignite.
A good quality spark plug will ensure the gas fuel-air mixture ignites completely, and the fuel is not left unburned. It results in higher CNG kit mileage. Along with the quality, ensure that the spark plug has the same code and heat range as prescribed by the carmaker. The spark plugs should be replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 km. Always get them inspected by an expert when you go to service your car. With regular maintenance, the use of the best engine oil, and good care, your CNG car will perform better and run longer.
Worn spark plugs can drastically reduce fuel economy and increase driver costs. Over time, spark plugs become less efficient due to the intense heat and pressure in the combustion engine. As the spark plugs wear, the spark plug gap widens, weakening MPG. This is because the wider the spark plug gap, the more voltage is required to arch between the electrodes. The smoother the combustion process, the lower the demand for engine power and fuel.
To avoid this situation, engine and ignition manufacturers publish recommended gap measurements for spark plugs. The recommendation for the gap in the spark plugs used in Cummins engines is .013 to .015 in. The recommended gap varies widely for light-duty engines due to variables, although most gasoline engines start out with the plugs set anywhere from .035 to .045 in. or higher. For light-duty natural gas vehicles, technicians should check with the fuel system manufacturer or upfitter for the recommended spark plug gap. It is important to always check the gaps of the plugs when installing new ones. If the gaps are not all the same, combustion in the cylinders will be uneven or incomplete, which over time will cause undue wear on various components.
Additionally, if you have a factory-fitted CNG car, consider replacing the spark plugs meant for a petrol engine with CNG-specific spark plugs. Not only will these last longer, but they will also keep your car running efficiently.
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$299.99
Keep tyres inflated
Tyre pressure is an important factor in fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can increase a vehicle's drag, causing the engine to work harder and increasing fuel consumption. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found a direct correlation between tyre pressure and fuel economy: for every 1% decrease in tyre pressure, there is a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. Tyre pressure can decrease by 1-2 PSI per month and is also affected by temperature changes, so it is important to check your tyre pressure regularly.
To keep your tyres inflated, you should check the pressure at least once a month and adjust it if necessary. It is best to check the pressure when your tyres are cold, as heat can cause the pressure to rise. You can check the pressure with a tyre pressure gauge, which measures the PSI of your tyres. The ideal tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or glove box door.
If your tyres are under-inflated, you can use a tyre inflator to fill them up to the recommended PSI. Some tyre inflators have a built-in gauge that provides precise readings. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will ensure optimal fuel efficiency, reduce unnecessary wear on your tyres, and improve your vehicle's performance.
In addition to keeping your tyres inflated, there are other ways to increase the fuel efficiency of your CNG car. It is important to keep your engine tuned and to use the recommended grade of motor oil. You should also avoid running your car on an empty CNG tank, as the pressure inside falls when the tank is close to empty. A simple trick to increase mileage is to start your car on petrol and then switch to CNG after a kilometre or two, as the petrol will warm up and lubricate the engine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to increase the fuel efficiency of a CNG car. Firstly, ensure that your car's air filter is clean and replace it every 5,000 km. Secondly, get a quality spark plug with the same code and heat range as prescribed by the carmaker. Replace the spark plugs every 15,000 to 20,000 km. Thirdly, avoid running your car on an empty CNG tank as the pressure inside falls, reducing efficiency. Finally, ensure your clutch is in good condition and use transmission fluid to make transmission smoother.
It is recommended to get your CNG car serviced regularly to ensure smooth running and better mileage. Spark plugs should be cleaned and checked every 12 months or 20,000 km. It is also important to get the filter checked regularly by a professional.
CNG cars are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than petrol cars. They are also cheaper to run due to lower fuel prices. CNG cars produce significantly fewer carbon emissions, making them a popular choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
A simple trick to increase mileage is to start your car on petrol, drive for a kilometre or two, and then switch to CNG. This allows the petrol to warm up the engine and lubricate the moving parts, resulting in a smoother ride and better mileage.
