CNG Retrofitment: Factory Fitted vs Dealer Fitted vs Aftermarket: Which One Is Better?

As fuel prices are skyrocketing daily, many car owners find it more feasible to switch to more economical alternatives, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Whether you're buying a new car or planning to convert your existing petrol ones, you're very likely to face this dilemma: Factory-fitted, dealer-fitted or aftermarket CNG kit? Well, each option has its pros and cons and if you're wondering which one gives you the best bang for your buck without compromising on reliability and warranty. In this article, we'll discuss about all three of them and figure out which is better. Before moving ahead, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.

Factory-Fitted CNG Kits

These are usually installed by the manufacturers before the vehicle rolls out of the manufacturing plant. You can think of it as a car being born with CNG DNA. Cars from Maruti and Tata are usually offered with factory-fitted CNG kits. Here are a few pros and cons of factory fitment:-

Pros

• Seamless Integration: Since manufacturers are fitting the kit at the plant, everything from suspension to engine is precisely calibrated to accommodate it.
• Warranty: Since it is factory fitted, you enjoy full warranty on the car and CNG kit.
• Safety and quality: The factory-fitted kits comply with safety standards and undergo rigorous testing to meet the standards.
• No Registration hassle: Since the car is factory-approved for CNG, RTO compliance and paperwork are already sorted.
• Better Resale Value: Buyers tend to trust factory-fitted options more, making it easier to sell down the road.

Cons

• Higher Purchase Price: Factory-fitted CNG kits usually cost Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh more than the petrol versions
• Limited model choices: When you opt for factory-fitted CNG, you get to choose from only selected models, small to mid-size hatchbacks or sedans, usually.
• Longer Waiting Period: These variants are usually high in demand and sometimes have a longer waiting period than the petrol and diesel variants.

Dealer Fitted CNG Kits

In this case, the CNG kits are fitted by authorised dealerships, usually when the customer's request. The kits they have are from manufacturer-approved brands and are usually installed by trained technicians. Cars like Honda Amaze, Elevate, Citroen C3, and Renault Kiger offer dealer-fitted CNG kits. Let's take a look at the pros and cons:-

Pros

• Authorised Installation: Though not factory-installed but many dealers use OEM-recommended kits and suppliers to install the CNG kit at the dealership level.
• Warranty: Some manufacturer allows you to retain your warranty if the kit is installed by an authorised dealership and proper recommended parts are used.
• Model Flexibility: Well, this is the best thing; you can choose any model of your choice and get it done by a dealership.
• Availability: Unlike the factory-fitted versions, which may take months to deliver, dealership-fitted kits are usually available.

Cons

• Partial or conditional warranty: Only certain components may remain under warranty; others (especially fuel and electrical systems) may be excluded.
• Installation Quality: The outcome depends on the skill and experience of the technician; one wrong move, and performance or safety might suffer.
• Less Precision: While it is better than aftermarket but the integration still won't be as smooth as with the factory-fitted kits.

Aftermarket CNG Kits

This method is more of a DIY style approach, where you get your CNG kit installed by a local mechanic, using the brand and setup of your choice.

Pros

• Affordable: It is the most budget-friendly option among the three, often costing you between Rs 40,000 - Rs 60,000, depending on the brand and the installer.
• Wider kit options: From sequential kits to venturi kits, brands like Lovato, Tomasetto, BRC, Mijo, Zavoli, and more, you can choose what fits your car and budget.
• Ideal for old models: It is usually retrofitting older petrol cars that dont have factory or dealer support for CNG.

Cons

• Warranty is Void: The moment you get an aftermarket kit installed on your new car, you risk losing your car's warranty.
• Quality Varies: The outcome solely depends on the expertise of the mechanic, while a poor installation can lead to engine knocking, misfires, fuel inefficiency, or worse.
• Higher Maintenance and Tuning: You may need more frequent tuning and service checks to keep things running smoothly.
• Re-register: Aftermarket CNG users are required to update their RC with the new fuel type, or they may face compliance issues.

Read More: Volkswagen Golf GTI To Be Available In These Colour Options - See Images!