Is CNG Conversion an Economic Masterstroke or a Risk?

Faced with rising fuel prices, the promise of converting a trusted older car to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can seem like an economic masterstroke. Advertisements tout savings of "50-70%" on fuel costs, positioning CNG as a clean, cheap, and patriotic alternative. For fleet operators and budget-conscious individuals, the math appears irresistible. However, the decision to convert is a complex financial and mechanical equation riddled with oversimplifications and dangerous misconceptions. Believing the sales pitch without critical analysis can transform a reliable vehicle into an unreliable money pit, erasing any theoretical fuel savings and compromising safety.