the use of CNG as an alternative fuel increases the engine’s life. CNG has no harmful effects on the engine, because, it has no lead contents, which can effect the life expectancy of a car engine. The carbon fouling of plugs is completely eliminated thus plugs existence is also extended. Similarly, the life expectancy of crankcases also increases because there is no sulfur production during combustion; so eventually, the lubricant’s longevity is increased. On the top of everything, there is no carbon produced while CNG is combusted, which also has a healthy effect on the engine.
Moreover, CNG is a clean burning fuel that reduces vehicle maintenance. Some fleet operators have reduced maintenance costs by as much as 40% by converting their vehicles to CNG. Intervals between tune-ups for natural gas vehicles are extended 30,000 to 50,000 miles and intervals between oil changes for natural gas vehicles are dramatically extended anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 additional miles depending on how the vehicle is used. Natural gas does not react to metals the way gasoline does, so pipes and mufflers last much longer.
Furthermore, CNG can increase the performance of a car too. Natural gas gives the same mileage as gasoline in a converted vehicle. Dedicated CNG engines are superior in performance to gasoline engines. CNG has an octane rating of 130 and has a slight efficiency advantage over gasoline because CNG is already in a gaseous state, NGVs have superior starting and driveability, even under severe hot and cold weather conditions and experience less knocking and no vapour locking.
In addition, the use of natural gas in vehicles also carries environmental benefits as it emits fewer quantities of pollutants in comparison to any other conventional fuel. For instance, NGV emissions of carbon monoxide, non-methane organic gas and oxides of nitrogen emissions are lower by 70%, 89% and 87% respectively. Meanwhile, tailpipe emissions from gasoline operated cars release carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming; this is greatly reduced with natural gas.