CNG is everywhere in Indian cities — in taxis, family hatchbacks and 7-seaters — because it's cheap to run. But there's a side of CNG ownership few people think about until it's too late: rats.
What a CNG kit adds under the bonnet
A CNG system adds a pressure regulator, extra gas lines and additional wiring for the switching system. Much of that is flexible rubber and plastic — exactly the material rats chew. More soft material in the bay means more for a rat to find.
Why it matters more than ordinary rat damage
A chewed wire usually means a warning light and a repair bill. A chewed line in a gas system is a different category of problem — it is a safety issue. That is why CNG owners should take rats more seriously than most, not less.
What to check, and how often
- Every week or two — lift the bonnet and look for droppings or nesting material.
- The CNG lines and regulator area — look for bite marks on the flexible lines.
- The smell test — any smell of gas means stop and get it checked immediately.
- After long parks — especially if the car sat near drains, garbage or food stalls.
If you find damage
Don't drive on CNG. Switch to petrol if your car supports it, and have an authorised CNG technician inspect the system before using gas again. It's not a DIY fix.
Prevention
Park clean, check often, and make the engine bay a place rats avoid. The EchoRepel Car Rat Repellent runs while the car is parked. Mount it on a flat, secure surface in the bay, never on or against the CNG components. For your specific car, see our guides for the Swift, Dzire, Ertiga and Baleno.