• Natural gas as an automobile fuel optionnatural gas meter image by Tijara Images from Fotolia.com
  
  As gasoline prices continue to increase, car owners are looking for new and cheaper fuel alternatives. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a viable option for some as car manufacturers are producing more and more of this type of vehicle. Before you decide to purchase a natural gas-powered automobile, do your homework to make sure it fits with what you are looking for as there are several advantages and disadvantages.
  
  

Environment

• One of the key advantages to a natural gas automobile is the reduction in harmful emissions. They can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by over 90 percent, about 50 percent reduction in hydrocarbons and about a 1/3 reduction in various nitrogen compared to gasoline vehicles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
  
  

Cost

• Natural gas costs about one-third the price of gasoline to travel the same distance. Besides the cost of the fuel, the operational costs tend to be cheaper as natural gas burns very clean. This means less stress on the engine and the need for tune-ups and oil changes. Also, some states offer tax incentives for people who purchase these types of vehicles. The actual cost of a natural-gas vehicle tends to be a few thousand dollars more than a comparable gas-powered auto.
  
  

Safety

• Natural gas vehicles are considered safer than gasoline-powered vehicles because the fuel cylinders are of thick, reinforced steel, designed to withstand severe impact, environmental exposure, and temperature. Natural gas is lighter than air, so if the fuel tanks puncture in a crash, it would evaporate rather than pool up under the car. If the natural gas were to leak out it is highly flammable but as soon as the gas has evaporated, danger of a fire in dramatically reduced. In comparison, a gas spill remains a danger until the fuel is physically removed.
  
  

Fuel Tank

• The fuel cylinders for a natural gas automobile tend to be fairly large and are usually placed in the trunk, which dramatically reduces storage space. If you are planning on using your vehicle to move things, this could be a significant problem.
  
  

Fuel Stations

• Finding a natural gas fueling station can be a challenge. Currently there are about 1,300 fueling stations scattered across the country. In comparison, there are more than 125,000 gas stations in the United States, according to the US Census. If you run low on natural gas you could have a problem finding a fueling station nearby.