Tips for Buying and Using Quality AdBlue®

Operate a fleet of diesel engine vehicles, such as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV)? Learn more about AdBlue®

With all modern diesel engine vehicles such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) now required to use a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR), finding a reliable supplier of AdBlue® for your business is of utmost importance.

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What is AdBlue®?

AdBlue® is an exhaust fluid, not to be confused with a fuel additive, and is the most recognised form of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), although it’s a trade name registered by the German car manufacturer’s association.

The most recent emissions legislation (Euro 6) introduced in saw the use of AdBlue® becoming mandatory to help minimise nitrogen oxide emissions released from diesel engines. In order to be used in diesel engines, AUS32 diesel exhaust fluid needs to meet ISO specifications.

What is AdBlue® made of?

AdBlue® is a non-toxic, odourless mixture made up of deionised water (67.5%) and urea (32.5%), which is where it gets its official name from (AUS32, Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%).

Many people think AdBlue® is made of pig urine – but we can assure you it is not! Urea is a compound in nitrogen that turns into ammonia when heated. It’s technically derived from a by-product of urine but it is synthetically made for mass production.

Although its name insinuates that AdBlue® is blue, it is in fact colourless.

What does AdBlue® do?

AdBlue® is needed to meet legal emission standards to improve public health and reduce the UK’s overall emissions footprint. Beyond the legal requirements of its usage, AdBlue® also helps to reduce the number of harmful pollutants released from diesel-engine vehicles. This, of course, is beneficial for any business aiming to reduce its own carbon footprint, as well as helping to protect the environment. Here at Crown Oil, we’re doing all we can to reduce our own carbon footprint.

As the UK’s largest sole contributor of greenhouse gases, it’s no surprise that the transport sector is under increasing pressure to reduce pollution levels.

Where does AdBlue® go?

Our AdBlue® diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) comes in secure packaging with clear instructions on how to use it. There should be a specified tank on your vehicle for topping up the DEF tank with the AdBlue® solution.

AdBlue® is stored in a separate container and is topped up using a blue filter cap located either next to your fuel filler, under the bonnet or in the boot. Your vehicle’s handbook will include any fitted AdBlue® technology and how to add it safely.

The SCR system in your vehicle is very sensitive, so care must be taken because if anything other than diesel exhaust fluid in that tank, you risk damaging the vehicle.

Even water can damage the SCR system on your vehicle, so it’s not advisable to water down your AdBlue® additive if you find you’re running low. If your SCR system is damaged, it can be very expensive to repair it, so it is important to be cautious when handling your AdBlue® and top-up your vehicles.

How does AdBlue® work?

AdBlue® reduces harmful emissions through a process called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Diesel never actually comes into contact with AdBlue® as both fluids are stored separately, which is also known as after-treatment technology, allowing the manufacturer to build as much power as they want.

Before emissions are released, AdBlue® is sprayed on the exhaust fumes after combustion, where the aqueous urea is converted into ammonia and CO2. This breaks down harmful mono-nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, leaving nitrogen and water which are released into the atmosphere through the exhaust system.

What happens if I run out of AdBlue®?

Vehicles give plenty of warning when AdBlue® is running low in the tank, usually via an alert on the dashboard. If your tank runs dry while you’re driving, the engine’s power and performance will drop to limit emissions.

Once the engine has stopped, it won’t restart until the tank has been topped up.

Which vehicles use AdBlue®?

If you have a diesel vehicle from Land Rover, Jaguar or any German or French manufacturer and it was registered after September , it will use AdBlue®. Engines with over 1.6-litre capacity will in almost all instances feature AdBlue® technology. Without this, many diesel cars would not meet new strict emission regulations.

However, some older vehicles also use AdBlue®, so it’s always best to check:

• The vehicle handbook
• If there’s an AdBlue® filler cap
• If the model name contains SCR or Blue
• With your dealer

How long does AdBlue® last?

Only a small amount of AdBlue® is used every journey and a full tank is likely to last you several thousand miles. However, AdBlue consumption depends on the engine and how economically you drive. It is usually around 1 litre every 600 miles, but some vehicles use as much as 1 litre every 350 miles.

Most drivers will fill up their AdBlue tank at least once between services. Our guide to AdBlue gives a more in-depth estimate of how much diesel engine fluid vehicles will use.

What is the shelf life of AdBlue®?

If AdBlue® is stored at ambient temperatures of around 24 degrees Celsius, it will last around two years. But if it’s subject to temperature fluctuations, its lifespan will decrease to around 1 year.

Is AdBlue® dangerous?

No, it’s completely harmless to humans, but it can corrode bodywork if spilt, so it’s important to take care when transporting and topping up your tank.

Will AdBlue® freeze?

The standard 32.5% solution will begin to crystallise and freeze at -11.111oC. When mixed, urea and water free at the same rate, so when the fluid thaws, it does not become diluted or overly concentrated, therefore having no impact on the grade of the product.

Can I add antifreeze to AdBlue® to prevent it freezing?

DEF is a specific formulate of 32.5% urea and water, but it also contains other compounds in minute quantities to stabilise it. Adding additives would affect the precise chemical makeup and therefore reduce the NOx-reducing properties. Any additional blending will compromise its ability to work properly and potentially harm the SCR system.

Are AdBlue® emulators illegal?

Yes, AdBlue® emulators effectively allow a vehicle to run without a working SCR system, tricking the engine and therefore breaking the law. These devices deactivate the warning light on a vehicle’s dashboard that alerts the driver that the diesel exhaust system is not working.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Autolin sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

AUS32 is an effective way to help the industry in its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, so it’s alarming that an increasing number of transport operators are illegally using these cheat devices to disable pollution control systems.

During random roadside tests carried out between August and February , the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) found that of the 10,237 trucks checked, 293 contained a cheat device that switches off the use of AdBlue®.

Why are transport operators using AdBlue® emulators?

Using the diesel exhaust fluid is an added running cost for operators – especially those who travel long distances. Disabling AdBlue® could save companies around 5% of costs but would increase emissions by almost 2.5 times the safe level. There are legal implications around modifying your vehicle’s emissions, which could result in potential penalties of £1,000 for a car and £2,500 for a van, lorry or bus.

Tips for safely using and handling AdBlue®

• The diesel exhaust fluid tank on your vehicle is clearly marked
• You can never be certain of the quality of a product with a similar name. So make sure you always buy AdBlue® from a reputable supplier
• When you need to refill, only use equipment that’s designed for diesel exhaust fluid
• Always close the AdBlue® tank cover firmly after refilling
• Diesel exhaust fluid will start to freeze at -10°C but it can be used when it has thawed.
• If you need to clean your AdBlue® container, use demineralised water
• Use water to clean any AdBlue® that has spilt on surfaces, inside your vehicle or even on the ground
• Storing AdBlue in direct sunlight will damage the quality of it
• Your tank which holds white diesel fuel is not designed for AdBlue® so make sure you don’t mix the tanks up
• Putting anything other than AdBlue® in the AdBlue® tank can be damaging and expensive to repair
• Other fluids cannot be mixed with AdBlue® – not even water, as it will damage the SCR.
• If you think water or any other fluid has got into your AdBlue®, do not use it and call us on 123 for advice.

Where can you buy AdBlue®?

Buying cheaper AdBlue® may help to reduce costs initially, but it can actually leave you with expensive problems in the future, including:

• Higher pollution levels
• Pressure build-up
• Decreased fuel economy

You can buy DEF at most petrol stations and from Crown Oil. As a nationwide AdBlue® supplier with vast buying power, we can offer huge savings on your AdBlue®, and deliver it directly to your site – simply call us for the latest AdBlue® prices. Alternatively, if you’re in the area, you can pick it up from one of our oil depots.

We also have a vast range of ancillary products and dispensing equipment on hand, such as hand pumps, IBC dispensers and drip trays to avoid contamination and spills.

If you have any further questions about AdBlue® that we haven’t answered here, you can call 123 to get further advice as well as request a quote.

What should you consider when choosing AdBlue®?

Modern diesel engines are equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system which requires the use of AdBlue®. Why is AdBlue® necessary and what you need to consider if you want to find the best one… You will find the answers to these and other questions in this article.

AdBlue® as the rescue for diesel engines

The selective catalytic system has been the domain of heavy duty vehicles for years. With time, though, changing exhaust emission standards made passenger cars’ manufacturers more interested in this system as well. SCR has become one of the most frequently chosen methods used to achieve the required emission levels for vehicles. It has become the necessity for SCR car owners to regularly add AdBlue® to a special tank in their cars.

How does SCR system work?

How does the system with AdBlue® addition help to reduce harmful vehicle emissions? Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are one of the most environmentally harmful compounds produced in combustion processes in engines. The use of  AdBlue® triggers chemical reaction that transforms NOx particles into environmentally neutral nitrogen particles and water vapour.

How is this possible?

AdBlue® is a mixture of urea (32.5%) and demineralized water (67.5%). SCR system is responsible for injecting this fluid directly to the exhaust system. Exhaust fumes produced by a diesel engine go a long way and are cleaned at every stage. First, hydrocarbons unburned in the combustion process are oxidized in the catalytic converter. Then, particulate filter stops all unwanted particles. The next step is the injection of AdBlue® fluid which takes place just before the catalytic converter. The above-mentioned reaction occurs in the catalytic converter and results in harmful NOx being converted into environmentally neutral water (in gaseous state) and nitrogen.

The efficiency of SCR system in terms of nitrogen oxides reduction is estimated at 80%. The latest generation diesel engines which obtained Euro 6d-TEMP approval in , achieved results significantly below the required NOx threshold during emission tests and emit on average 85% less NOx (nitrogen oxides) than cars meeting Euro 5 standard.

Fluid consumption

AdBlue® is dosed in small quantities by the selective catalytic reduction system so that it is not necessary to refill it too often – usually once every several thousand kilometres. It is estimated that the level of AdBlue® consumption translates into an average of 5% of fuel consumption value. Fortunately, an appropriate message on the dashboard reminds you to top up AdBlue® well in advance (usually more than 2,000 km before you run out of AdBlue®).

What happens, if despite warnings, we fail to add AdBlue® to the tank?

AdBlue® system may switch to emergency mode and if the engine is stopped you will not be able to restart it.

AdBlue®  filler cap is usually located next to the diesel filler cap. It is much smaller so that you do not accidentally add diesel to AdBlue® tank.

It is worth remembering that AdBlue® is not resistant to extreme temperature conditions. At temperatures below -5°C it may crystallize (it will return to its previous state when warmed up). Exposure to high temperature (above 25°C) accelerates its decomposition, shortening  its shelf-life at the same time. The best idea is to buy the fluid just when you need to refill.

AdBlue® and AdBlue are not necessarily equal – which product should you choose?

High purity AdBlue® is necessary for the proper operation of the system and, what goes with it, effective catalytic reduction. The use of low quality AdBlue® is responsible for most SCR system failure repairs. Contaminants it contains have a negative impact on the operation of the pump and interfere with electronics it uses (thanks to which the pump measures the right doses of the fluid). In extreme cases, the pump may seize or heaters integrated in the AdBlue® module may be damaged.

To keep the SCR system in  good condition we should always use AdBlue® from a renowned supplier. What distinguishes Kemetyl AdBlue®? First of all, the purity of its composition. If we choose this fluid we can be sure that its composition accurately reflects the appropriate proportions of water and urea and does not contain any harmful impurities. Additional advantage is its safe packaging with a dispenser allowing for precise application of AdBlue® to the tank without the risk of spilling.

Why is it so important?

As AdBlue® contains urea it has corrosive properties. If the fluid gets spilled on the car body, it may cause corrosion of some elements. This is exactly why it is not recommended to fill up with AdBlue® using dispensers at petrol stations intended for trucks. Because of the high pressure of fluid injection, it is then easy to spill it. Transporting AdBlue® in an unsecured tank, e.g. in the trunk of the vehicle, is also a bad idea. Its characteristic unpleasant smell is very hard to remove from upholstery, shoes or clothes. Clothes soiled with this fluid may no longer be usable.

We can easily avoid the above-mentioned problems if we use AdBlue® by Kemetyl with its dosing system equipped with a special funnel.

AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie, i.e. the German Association of the Automotive Industry.

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