How to Convert a Car to Natural Gas

The continued increase in fuel prices has prompted people into thinking of using natural gas for their vehicles. Costs of natural gases are 50 percent less than regular fuel, which is more than enough reason for people to have their car converted to run on natural gas. In addition, using natural gas will have a positive impact on our environment because natural gas burns clean; therefore, less air pollution.

Things You'll Need

• Conversion kit

Instructions

1. Analyze the costs of converting your car to run on natural gas. Conversion can be heavy on the wallet; it might even be cheaper to buy a car that already runs on natural gas.

2. See an EPA-qualified and trained specialist/mechanic. Switching your car to run on natural gas is not a simple process. It requires a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will also be able to tell you whether it is feasible for your car to be converted.

3. Check whether your vehicle can handle the added weight of the compressed natural gas tanks, which can weigh up to 500 pounds.

4. Read up on the Environmental Protection Agency's standards and requirements for converting vehicles to run on natural gas. Ensure you have a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA to certify your car has been approved for conversion.

5. Buy a conversion kit. Conversion kits will come with everything you will need to convert your vehicle to run on natural gas. Depending on the size of your tank, a conversion kit can cost from $2,000 to $3,500. This excludes installation costs, which can run up to $2,000 or more.

6. Have an EPA-qualified mechanic install the kit to your vehicle. Non-qualified installers are illegal and could damage your engine and conversion kit.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not cost-effective if you convert an older car to run on natural gas unless it has a lot of mileage left. Remember the cost to convert is expensive, so you need to be able to use your converted car longer to get back the cost of conversion.

• Natural gas conversions should not be done by unqualified technicians. It can be dangerous for you if the conversion is not properly done. Your conversion kit cylinders should be checked for safety by a qualified inspector every three years or 36,000 miles, whichever will come first.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Information on how you can convert your car to natural gas.
• More information on how to convert your car to natural gas.
• Information on government bodies to aid in your conversion to natural gas.