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Why 
AdBlue®?

Why 
AdBlue®?

 

AdBlue® is the top solution for diesel engines, improving performance, reducing emissions, 

enhancing fuel efficiency, prolonging engine life and lowering maintenance costs.

AdBlue® is the top solution for diesel engines, improving performance, reducing emissions, 

enhancing fuel efficiency, prolonging engine life and lowering maintenance costs.

Order AdBlue®

Order AdBlue®

Commonly Asked Questions

What is AdBlue®?

AdBlue® is a high purity operating fluid, used in the emissions removal systems of diesel engined vehicles and equipment. Chemically speaking AdBlue® is a 32.5% solution of Urea in purified water.  The AdBlue® is stored in a tank on the vehicle and from there dosed automatically by the ECU directly into the exhaust gas at a rate in relation to the amount of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) being produced by the engine.

 

Following mixing, the AdBlue® and exhaust gas mixture passes into a catalyst system where a chemical reaction takes place converting the NOx to harmless Nitrogen and Water, which are then expelled from the end of the exhaust.  During the reaction the AdBlue® is consumed and needs to be replaced by refilling the tank periodically. AdBlue® consumption is related to engine load, engine size, travelling terrain and temperature.

How much AdBlue® will I need?

Your vehicle will automatically use AdBlue® at the required amount.  For commercial/agricultural vehicles AdBlue® usage is typically about 5% of diesel used. So for every 100 litres of diesel that is used, you will need 5 litres of AdBlue®.

 

For passenger cars, the AdBlue® warning light will come on when you have about 3 litres left. AdBlue® tanks on passenger vehicles generally range between 12 and 20 litres capacity.

Why do I need AdBlue®?

Your vehicle needs AdBlue® to reduce NOx emission. Due to the stricter emission legislation, diesel engines need to have cleaner exhaust gases. NOx is one of the emissions that causes acid rain. To meet the Euro 6 standards for diesel engine emission the use of Selective Catalyst Reduction- technology (and thus AdBlue®) is required. The Euro 6 standards are into force from September 2014 for new passenger cars.

 

All commercial vehicle manufacturers have to meet the Euro 6 standards for diesel engine emission. Although Euro 5 emission standards could be met by different technologies, Euro 6 standards require the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction with AdBlue®.

What if I put AdBlue® in my diesel tank?

Firstly, do not start your vehicle, as this could cause damage to your fuel system.  If you have put a large quantity of AdBlue® into your tank, there is more chance that your vehicle’s fuel system will have suffered harm.  Similar to putting petrol into your diesel vehicle, you will need to get the tank drained and dispose of the contents safely before you can refill it.  Hopefully there is no lasting damage done, but if there is, you may have to contact your vehicle’s manufacturer to source replacement parts.

What happens to my vehicle if the AdBlue® runs out?

If you allow your supply of AdBlue® to run out, your SCR system will not be able to function, which will lead to limited vehicle performance or your engine not running at all. As your vehicle has been manufactured to meet Euro 6 or VI standards, it is required by law to meet its acceptable emissions level at all times, even when your car has run out of AdBlue®. This means that when your SCR system is not able to perform its task, it will prevent you from burning more fuel either by keeping your engine below the threshold or stopping it altogether. This failsafe is in place to protect both the driver and the environment.

Is AdBlue® flammable?

No, AdBlue® is not flammable, nor is it considered a hazardous liquid. It is a water-based urea solution, and poses little risk to humans. If you have sensitive skin, it might be wise to wear gloves when handling the liquid to avoid any potential irritation. You should avoid ingesting or inhaling AdBlue®, as you may suffer from an allergic reaction. If you do get AdBlue® in your mouth, rinse it out with water and take a few sips afterwards. Inhaling the fumes can sometimes leave some people light-headed, so if this happens, take a few moments to sit down and take in some fresh air while it passes. Eye contact can often cause discomfort — flush your eyes with water if this happens and seek medical attention if the irritation persists.

Can AdBlue® freeze?

AdBlue® can freeze and its freezing point is -11 degrees Celsius so its not something to be too concerned about in general UK winters. If your AdBlue® does freeze, allow it to thaw naturally and it should still be ok to use.

Are there different types of AdBlue®?

No. AdBlue® products are all the same as long as they are made by a licensed manufacturer.  AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA). They set the specification and license manufacturers to make it to that specification. As such, the AdBlue® you and your vehicle needs is simply AdBlue®.

 

Please be aware - a product that is labelled AdBlue® but is not manufactured by a licensed manufacturer is an infringement on the VDA trademark. As such, it may not be to the required specification and may invalidate your vehicle's warranty.

Is AdBlue® the same as DEF? 

Both products are the same and contain 32.5% urea solution mixed with deionised water. They have the same characteristics and both are used in SCR systems to cut nitrous oxides. 

 

Despite being the same in chemical makeup they are called different names; AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the VDA and is the name most commonly given to the product through Europe. DEF the name more commonly used for the product in North America.

Can I use 'unbranded' AdBlue®?

Suppliers offering 'unbranded' AdBlue® are unlikely to have used the correct high purity raw materials and even less likely to have performed the full quality analysis needed to ensure the fluid will not harm the system. The solution may even have been diluted, meaning your vehicle will consume more than usual.  Often these products are manufactured from fertiliser grade Urea which contains chemicals to assist with application by farm machinery, but which if used in a diesel SCR system cause expensive and irreversible damage to the catalyst.

 

If in doubt you should always ask for a detailed test certificate that shows the fluid has been analysed to ISO 22241 and check that the manufacturer is registered with the VDA.  Remember, the AdBlue® trademark is your guarantee that what you are putting in your vehicle's tank will not cause damage to the exhaust system.

Does AdBlue® have a shelf life?

Provided that it is kept in the optimal conditions — out of direct sunlight and at a temperature between -6°C and 25°C — your AdBlue® can last up to 18 months in storage. If you store it at a higher temperature than this or in a vented container, the shelf-life will only be around 6 months.

How is AdBlue® made?

AdBlue® is not made of pigs urine! AdBlue® is a mixture of 32.5% Urea and Water but extremely pure versions of both. The Urea required is manufactured from Natural gas to a technical specification and looks like a white grain (a little like salt). This is mixed with deionised water (water that has been stripped of elements dissolved within it) and the mixture is then heated to ensure it dissolves.

 

The manufactured batch is then sent to a lab to test it against the VDA specification for AdBlue®. Only when the lab certifies that it meets the required standard is the AdBlue® dispatched to the customer, and the container will show the batch number of that AdBlue®.

 

The confusion with pigs' urine comes as AdBlue® does contain Urea, which is found in urine (both pigs and humans) but at very low levels – it can't be used to make AdBlue®!