With high gas prices today, many drivers are looking to save money at the pump. One option is converting your vehicle to run on compressed natural gas(CNG). Here’s a look at some of the top benefits of a CNG conversion.

1. Save Money on Fuel

The main reason to switch to CNG is the fuel cost savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, CNG costs 20% to 50% less per gallon than gasoline. With a CNG conversion, you can cut your annual fuel costs significantly. CNG is also a domestic fuel, so it avoids the pricing fluctuations of imported oil. The fuel savings often offset the upfront conversion cost over time.

2. Enhance Vehicle Performance

Believe it or not, CNG can also boost horsepower and torque. The high octane rating resists engine knock better for a smoother drive. According to our experts, acceleration can improve by 2% to 3% with a CNG conversion. The lightweight tanks also reduce overall vehicle weight compared to gas tanks. This further enhances speed and handling. Overall, CNG offers a more powerful, responsive drive.

3. Reduce Car Emissions

CNG emits significantly fewer harmful emissions than gasoline. These emissions are far more safe for the environment and are great for reducing smog. By switching to CNG with a conversion, you can do your part to support cleaner air. CNG burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels.

4. Increase Road Safety

CNG tanks are specially designed to withstand extreme force and temperatures. They hold fuel at a stable pressure and won’t explode on impact. CNG is non-toxic and lighter than air. If a leak occurred, the gas would dissipate into the atmosphere rather than pool on the ground. Overall, CNG offers major safety advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel.

5. Gain Convenience

Once you get a CNG conversion, finding fuel is simple. There are thousands of CNG stations around the United States. Many stations are available 24/7 with self-service pumps. CNG doesn’t gum up like gasoline, so you avoid issues like bad fuel injectors. It’s a very low-maintenance fuel.

According to Zippia, in 2022, the total value of the US car and automobile manufacturing market was $100.9 billion. You can see why that number is growing with developments like CNG fuel. With advantages like lower costs, cleaner emissions, and enhanced performance, CNG conversions make sense for many drivers. Just be sure to work with a qualified technician for proper installation. Driving on CNG can benefit both your wallet and the planet. Call Melton Automotive to get an estimate for CNG conversion on your vehicle.

An internal combustion engine has thousands of moving parts and materials that enable it to run well. Those parts and materials need maintenance and occasional car repairs to keep them in good mechanical condition. According to Zippia, the nation’s auto parts manufacturing industry employs about 923,000 people. Many of them make the parts that are needed to fix your car’s engine. Here are some of the most common repairs that your car’s engine might need.

1. Replace Spark Plugs and Coils

An internal combustion engine won’t run if it doesn’t have any spark to cause the combustion. If your engine stalls or runs roughly, it might have one or more defective spark plugs or coils that won’t deliver the spark as they should. A technician can inspect the plugs and coils for fouling or damage and replace them. Many people have engine tune-ups done to prevent problems with the spark plugs and coils, so the engine runs like it should.

2. Install New Belts and Hoses

Engines have timing belts, serpentine belts, and alternator belts. They also have rubber hoses connecting the radiator to the motor and rubber-coated brake lines that enable the brakes to work. Belts and hoses can harden and develop cracks and other bad spots that weaken them. Checking your hoses and belts and replacing them before they break and require costlier car repairs is one of the most common types of engine work done on vehicles.

3. Repair Defective Water, Oil, and Fuel Pumps

Your car’s engine has a water pump that circulates the coolant, so the engine stays relatively cool. It also has an oil pump that circulates oil internally to lubricate parts and reduce friction. The engine also needs a fuel pump, which is mounted to the fuel tank and sends fuel to the engine. Those pumps can go bad over time and need to be replaced to prevent an engine failure.

4. Replace Gaskets, Seals, and Sensors

The many parts that make an engine work also have gaskets and seals to stop them from leaking oil, fluids, or compression. Gaskets and seals can dry out and become brittle over time, which might cause them to fail and need to be replaced. A head gasket is a good example and requires replacing to maintain compression and prevent oil leaks. Sensors also need to be replaced, such as oxygen sensors that sometimes go bad and affect engine performance.

If your engine hasn’t been running normally and you believe it may need a repair, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at Melton Automotive. We’re there for you when you need us!

Many cars, trucks, and vans are produced every year, some of which might need compressed natural gas(CNG). After all, according to Zippia, about 9.2 million US cars are produced every year. Converting them to cleaner gas might provide many unique benefits. Compressed natural gas burns much cleaner than regular gas, making it better for the environment. Here is what you need to know about this conversion.

Conversion Requires Work

Completely converting your vehicle isn’t an overnight process. Expect to change your fuel take, your engine, and even more! The benefits here are huge – decreased fuel costs, cleaner fuel burns, and lower maintenance bills – but it takes time and effort to complete conversion.

The price isn’t going to be cheap, but it is affordable considering the benefits. Expect conversion to take at least a week – potentially longer if the parts take a while to arrive. It’s worth it, though, when your engine runs smoothly and with minimal waste issues.

Experts Who Can Help

Don’t just contact your dealer to get a CNG conversion – they might look at you like you have something weird growing out of your forehead! Instead, you must contact a conversion specialist. We get it, they’re not exactly available everywhere. But working with one is worth the effort.

Just imagine trying to convert a vehicle yourself – removing the engine, its fuel lines, and other steps are rather complex, to put it mildly. Even expert dealer mechanics might balk at conversion and kindly ask you to leave their shop. Expertise is key here – your vehicle deserves it!

Fleet Vehicles for Conversion

Conversion isn’t right for every fleet vehicle – and that’s putting it mildly! Only vehicles suitable for natural gas conversion should be considered. We’re talking specialized trucks, hauling equipment, and mechanical equipment. Why shouldn’t you convert traditional cars, trucks, and vans?

It’s not that you can’t – it’s just a little pricey. Furthermore, the benefits aren’t as noticeable on these small vehicles. Put simply – only high-performing mechanical vehicles react well to this conversion.

CNG conversion remains a challenging topic, one that requires a careful approach. Don’t get discouraged! Our team understands this process and will work hard to help you! Contact Melton Automotive to learn more about conversion – we’ve worked on many fleet vehicles over the years and will understand yours.

The nation’s auto industry produces great vehicles that run very well when maintained properly. However, all cars eventually need repairs due to accidents, parts wearing out, and other causes. Most people have lots of options for choosing a maintenance and repair facility. In fact, according to Zippia, the U.S. auto industry employs about 923,000 workers. Here are four questions you should ask to find a good car repair shop to service your vehicles.

1. How Experienced Are Your Technicians?

You should make sure an automotive facility has experienced technicians and good diagnostic equipment. Experienced technicians will know how to use diagnostic computers and tools to determine what’s wrong with your vehicle and fix it when needed. They also should be able to provide routine maintenance and inspect your brakes, cooling system, and other mechanical systems to see if any need preventive maintenance.

2. Can You Work on My Make and Model?

Some automotive shops specialize in particular makes and models of vehicles. You should make sure yours is one that they can maintain and repair. The car repair shop should have diagnostic equipment, tools, and parts that will work on your vehicle. The shop also should have technicians who are experienced at working on the same vehicle for other people and are very familiar with its mechanical systems.

3. How Long Will Repairs Take?

Not having your everyday vehicle can be a nightmare. Carpooling with coworkers or getting a ride from family can be the worst part of the day. Asking your car repair shop how long the process will take should be one of your top priorities. Asking this allows you to make changes and adapt your schedule to the shop’s updates and progress.

4. Does Your Shop Have Up-to-Date Technology?

Cars and technology and constantly evolving. In the past, the latest digital technology was never needed with a new car. With modern vehicles having such a high level of software and tech, it’s required a good car repair shop has the highest level of software as well. Make sure you find a car repair shop that stays up to date with the latest technology trends and equipment fit for your vehicle.

Are you looking for a reliable, trustworthy auto repair shop? Choose Melton Automotive. You can call or visit our car repair shop to learn more about our services.

If you have any experience (no matter how small) with auto repair, you might be tempted to try it out on your current vehicle to save yourself time and money. That’s understandable, but it is a big mistake that you can’t afford to make. Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many people make this error and cost themselves serious money. Here’s what you need to know about this concern.

High Risk Mistakes

Did you know that, according to Zippia, the total value of the US and car manufacturing market was $100.9 billion? Or that the repair industry is worth a similar amount? That’s because professional auto manufacturing and repair are critical services that can’t be replaced by amateurs. After all, you wouldn’t build your own car when experts can do it for you, so why would you risk it with repairs?

Potential Vehicular Failure

People who try auto repair on their own often find out rather quickly that this process is far harder than they expected. That’s because DIY repairs are more likely to cause a higher risk of vehicular failure. For example, you might find that your engine quits on you unexpectedly or that new upgrades fall off your car as it runs. Getting expert help can reduce this risk.

Larger Repair Bills

Here’s the thing about trying out DIY repairs yourself: most cause bigger repair bills. How is that possible when you’re cutting out the expense of mechanic work hours? Well, when you make mistakes on your upgrades and damage your vehicle, you’ll have to hire someone else to do it for you. That’s an issue you can easily avoid by simply getting an expert to help you.

Warranty Issues

Here’s something you might not know: working on your car yourself might invalidate your warranty. If yours is still active and you try fixing it without the help of a licensed mechanic, any problems your car experiences after won’t be covered by the warranty. As a result, any of the damage caused by your repairs will require you to pay for them instead of your warranty.

So while it might be tempting to try to do auto repair yourself in an attempt to save money, it’s simply not a smart choice. You’re more likely to cause serious problems and affect the quality of your vehicle for years to come. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Call Melton Automotive to learn more about the different ways that our team can help keep your car running smoothly and effectively.