How to Convert a Vehicle to Natural Gas
Saving money while helping the environment are great reasons to consider converting your vehicle to natural gas. Natural gas has less harmful emissions because it burns cleaner, and it costs less than one dollar per gallon. Though this conversion may be expensive initially, you are improving the environment.
- Decide if it is financially feasible to convert to natural gas. You may be better off financially if you buy a new car that runs on alternative fuel.
- Talk with a specialist who has converted a vehicle. This professional will let you know if you car will be able to convert and an approximate cost. Professionals can be found by searching MerchantCircle.
- Find out if your car will run properly with the added 200 to 500 pounds of the CNG canisters. These canisters hold the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) until it is needed in your vehicle. It can be too heavy for some smaller cars.
- Check the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards before starting the conversion process.
- Consider installing a separate fuel system that will allow your car to run on CNG or regular gas, depending where you are driving.
- Install a home refueling device so you can refuel every time you come home. If installing a device is not permitted in your area, make sure you have a way of getting the gas before making the conversion.
- Purchase a conversion kit at your local automotive store or online. This kit will have everything needed to complete your conversion.
- Open the kit and follow the instructions for your particular vehicle.
- Adjust the screw on your car’s regulator. Watch the indicator lights to show successful adjustment.
- Install the mixer that came with your kit in the air intake hose.
- Install the controller on your dash to know how much CNG you have remaining. You may want to install a switch so you can turn off the natural gas at any time.
- Contact a professional if you have any problems following the instructions that came with your kit. You may also want to contact the manufacturer, as these kits usually come with free online or phone assistance and one year warranty.