It was a busy and rewarding day at GreenGas CNG. We partnered with Car & General — the official distributor of TVS three-wheelers across East Africa — to run a collaboration service camp built specifically for the bajaji drivers who power Dar es Salaam’s daily commute. The headline benefit? A completely free oil change for every CNG TVS rickshaw that rolled in. But the day was about much more than fresh engine oil.

A Service Camp Built Around the Driver

From early morning, the GreenGas CNG forecourt filled up with green-and-yellow TVS bajajis. Car & General set up branded service tents on either side of our station, mechanics laid out their tools, and more than 100 drivers settled in for a free, professional oil change carried out by trained technicians using genuine TVS lubricants.

For a bajaji driver, an oil change is not just routine maintenance — it is the single biggest factor in how long the engine lasts and how reliably it earns. By making this service free for the day, we wanted to remove every excuse to skip it.

Why CNG Vehicles Need a Different Kind of Care

Alongside the oil change service, our team spent time talking with drivers about something often overlooked: CNG bajajis are not the same as petrol bajajis when it comes to maintenance. The fuel burns cleaner, but the engine works under different conditions, and that changes what your vehicle needs from you.

Here is what we shared with the drivers who joined us:

  • Cleaner burn, hotter combustion. CNG produces less carbon residue than petrol, but it burns at a higher temperature. That means engine components like valves and spark plugs experience more thermal stress over time.
  • Oil still matters — a lot. Some drivers assume that because CNG is “clean,” they can stretch their oil change interval. The opposite is closer to the truth. Heat and oxidation degrade engine oil faster, so sticking to the recommended interval is critical.
  • Spark plugs wear faster. CNG engines are harder on spark plugs than petrol engines. Using the right heat range — and replacing them on schedule — prevents misfires and protects the rest of the engine.
  • Air filter cleanliness is non-negotiable. Dust and dirt are everywhere in Dar es Salaam’s bajaji routes. A dirty air filter strangles the engine, hurts fuel efficiency, and shortens lifespan.

Why Genuine Spare Parts Matter — Especially for CNG Bajajis

One of the most important messages we shared with drivers is this: the spare parts you fit to your bajaji are not all the same. Cheap aftermarket parts may look identical and cost less at the counter — but on a CNG engine, the difference shows up fast.

Genuine TVS parts, distributed through Car & General, are designed and tested specifically for the engine you are running. Counterfeit or low-grade parts often fail early — and when a single spark plug or filter fails on a CNG bajaji, the consequences are not minor. Misfires, premature engine wear, poor fuel economy, and even safety risks can follow.

The maths is simple. A genuine spark plug or oil filter may cost a little more up front, but it lasts longer, protects the engine, and keeps the bajaji on the road earning income. A cheap part that fails after a few weeks ends up costing the driver in repairs, downtime, and lost fares.

Quick rule of thumb shared at the camp:

If a spare part has any contact with the combustion process — spark plugs, air filters, oil filters, gaskets, fuel system components — buy the genuine version. Your engine, your wallet, and your day’s earnings will all thank you.

Eight Tips to Make Your TVS Bajaji Last Longer

Throughout the day, drivers also asked a simple question: “What can I actually do, day to day, to keep my bajaji running for more years?” Here are the practical tips our team shared on the ground.

  1. Never skip the service schedule. Mark oil change dates on your phone. Treat them like fares you cannot cancel.
  2. Warm the engine for one to two minutes before driving off. CNG engines especially benefit from a brief warm-up. Cold starts under load are one of the biggest causes of long-term wear.
  3. Use only genuine TVS spare parts. Available through Car & General authorised channels and at GreenGas CNG.
  4. Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A clogged filter quietly destroys fuel efficiency.
  5. Inspect your CNG cylinder and fittings. Safety first, performance second. Have it checked periodically by a qualified technician.
  6. Keep tyres at the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres make the engine work harder and burn more fuel.
  7. Refuel at trusted CNG stations. Quality and pressure consistency protect your engine and your fuel economy.
  8. Listen to your bajaji. New rattles, vibrations, or hesitations are your engine’s early warning system. Address them early, before they become expensive.

Big Shoutout to the Team and the Drivers

A service camp like this does not run itself. Massive thanks to the Car & General team for the partnership, the mechanics and technicians who turned up early and worked through the day, and the GreenGas CNG crew who kept the operation moving smoothly.

But the biggest shoutout goes to the bajaji drivers themselves. You are the reason this city moves. You showed up, asked great questions, and took the maintenance advice seriously — and that is what makes the bajaji community in Dar es Salaam genuinely special.

Get Your CNG Bajaji Cared For at GreenGas CNG

This service camp was a one-day event, but the support continues every day at our station. GreenGas CNG offers fast, affordable Compressed Natural Gas refuelling — and our partnership with Car & General means drivers can access genuine TVS parts and trusted guidance whenever they need it.