Natural Gas Vehicle Safety
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are few and far between, with the Honda Civic GX the only model produced by a major manufacturer. Other companies, including Toyota, have previously built CNG models, but a limited refueling network makes CNG vehicle production an afterthought.
That's too bad, too, because natural gas is one resource plentiful across the United States and Canada, which means that if more CNG cars were built, we'd reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Moreover, CNG vehicles produce virtually no emissions, making for truly environmentally friendly models.
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Accident Survival
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Worries that a CNG-powered car might explode on impact are unfounded. The same safety requirements for all cars built today apply to those that run on natural gas. Though more corrosive than straight gasoline, a regular inspection of the fuel-delivery system by a trained professional (mechanic) will ensure that your CNG vehicle provides many years of safe driving.
Tank Storage
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Because additional storage space is needed to house compressed natural gas, fuel tanks are typically placed in the trunk of the car or bed of a pickup truck. These tanks do not explode on impact, but they may need to be replaced from time to time if corrosion is detected.
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Home Filling Stations
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Because commercial fuel stations are few and far between, most CNG owners also have a home filling station where they can refuel. These stations, professionally installed, are designed to safely dispense fuel while meeting all government safety requirements.
Public Filling Stations
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Worries that a commercial filling station could explode due to its high concentration of compressed natural gas are unfounded. In Michigan, for example, the state's Department of Environmental Quality has strict guidelines for the placement and maintenance of CNG facilities. Permits are issued, fees assessed and routine inspections conducted to ensure that public tanks are safely operational.
Conversion Kits
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Converting to CNG is much easier these days thanks to a number of aftermarket suppliers who provide kits to help get the job done. Conversions are typically handled by trained professionals, though some companies offer "do it yourself" kits. Of course, following instructions completely can ensure that your conversion has been accomplished correctly.
Conclusions
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Though not yet in wide use, CNG passenger vehicles are likely to grow in importance as countries look for alternative fuel sources, particularly those that are cleaner. CNG cars carry a price premium, but federal (and in some cases state rebates) can reduce that extra cost. Finally, fueling costs are less than half of what you would pay for straight gasoline, making CNG an attractive and cost-saving alternative for car buyers.
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