Aug 23, 2008 06:53 PM
10885 Views
(Updated Aug 31, 2008 01:34 PM)
In Aug, 2007 my Santro(2004 model) was giving me a hard time due to its high running cost. With a mileage of just 8 km/litre, I got my car checked for all possible faults but I couldn't stop my car from gulping those extra litres of petrol. Anyways, I decided to take a gamble of fitting a CNG kit with a 12 kg cylinder. I did some research because I was a layman back then. I went through several articles on mouthshut.com that made me familiar with the concept.
Finally, I went to an authorised shop in Janak Puri who insisted me to go for a lambda along with the CNG kit to improve the pick up capacity of car. The total expense as told was Rs 36, 000 but I struck a deal Rs 2, 000 lesser than that. Since its mandatory to register the CNG in the RC, all dealers provides an arrangement to get it done for their customers but only at Rs 4, 000/- extra.
Persoanlly, I didn't go for it as the actual fees was only Rs. 650/- and the rest was being over charged as their commision. It only took me 20 minutes in the Authority Office to submit my file. I had a whole bunch of documents with me along with the Government authorization letter for the cylinder. NOTE: THE GOVT APPROVAL IS ONLY GIVEN FOR THE CYLINDER AND NOT FOR THE KIT. Its mandatory to apply for a new RC within 45 days of converting the vehicle or else one can face a challan of Rs 10, 000!
Initially, I faced lot of technnical problems with the lambda which is an electronic component that has to synchoronized through a computer. It just wasn't responding to my car as it used to negate any acceleration. I spent hours and hours in their workshop with no luck. Eventually after few months, I decided to take it off as the pick up was much more without it. NOTE: ITS MANDATORY TO HAVE THE CNG KIT FITTED ALONG WITH A LAMBDA DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION.
Now, I have drove about 21, 000 in one year and I am very satisfied with what I have seen and saved. Instead of getting a mileage of Rs 5.50/km, I am getting Rs 1.10/km which is phenominal. I have already saved the double of what I spent on the CNG kit in a year. As far as the ride and the pick up is concerned, with the foot down on A: breaking 80 km just takes a second more now than what it took before(w/petrol). There is no difference in the cooling of AC, just that you'll have to clean/replace the air filter more oftenly. I was told not to go with a very heavy cylinder as it effects the acceleration of the car.
The Haryana government has taken an initiative to open CNG filling stations especially in the NCR region(Haryana Govt is selling CNG @ Rs 27.50/kg). Indraprastha Gas Limited is also due to expand their network within Delhi with more dedicated CNG stations. The Delhi Govt has slashed the CNG price by 50 paisa 3 months back. ironically, the same Govt plans to inflate the petrol price to Rs 65/litre in the next one year! Since its the purest form of fuel, it will leave behind a more green environment for our next generations and not to mention a healthier car engine as burning CNG doesn't leave any residue.
SO GUYS DON'T THINK ANYMORE AND GET YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTED, I PROMISE THAT ITS GONNA PAY OFF EVEN BEFORE YOU REALISE!
Thank you for your time, CHEERS!
Navjot Singh(Delhi)
