Nowadays many people are preferring CNG cars due to rising prices of petrol and diesel. Although CNG saves money, the maintenance of these cars requires extreme safety. The most important term to the safety of CNG trains is ‘hydro-testing’. But unfortunately, many motorists are not seriously aware of this process.
What exactly is hydro-testing?
In short, hydro-testing is a scientific method to check the capacity and strength of CNG cylinders. In this process, the CNG cylinder in the car is taken out and emptied completely. It is then filled with water under high pressure, and the cylinder is checked for any leaks, cracks or deformation. According to government norms, hydro-testing of every CNG car cylinder every 3 years is mandatory.
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Disadvantages of not checking:
- Major threat to life: CNG cylinders are filled with gas under high pressure (about 200 bar). A cylinder may weaken within 3 years due to continuous use or weather changes. If the same usage is continued without hydro-testing, the cylinder may explode during refueling or in hot sun, which can directly kill the passengers.
- Legal Actions and Financial Penalties: Using non-tested certified cylinders is a legal offense in India. If there is no valid certificate of hydro-testing, the police can take heavy penal action. Also, in case of an accident, the insurance companies reject the claim, which leads to a huge financial burden.
- Difficulty in getting gas: Many modern CNG pumps do not dispense gas without an inspection certificate.
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How to Check Official Certificate (Compliance Plate)?
When you successfully complete hydro-testing, an aluminum ‘compliance plate’ is affixed by the testing center to your car’s engine bay or near the CNG fill wall.
The following should be observed while examining this plate:
1. Cylinder number: Check if the number written on the plate matches with your RC book or original bill.
2. Test Date: The month and year of the last test is clearly written on it.
3. Next Test Date: Pay special attention to this date. Further hydro-testing is mandatory by law before the expiry of that date.
In short, hydro-testing is not a waste of money but a guarantee of a safe journey for you and your family.
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