What You Should Know About AdBlue
Monday, 18. June 2018
Most new diesel cars manufactured over the last couple of years have had a special liquid incorporated into the car in order to reduce the NOx gasses and conform to Euro 6 emissions. Euro 6 reduced NOx emissions by 67% from the previous standard, Euro 5.
Here’s the technical stuff in case you’re interested: Some manufacturers have found that the best way for them to meet the emissions levels is by Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This system uses an exhaust fluid such as AdBlue. It breaks down the NOx gasses in the exhaust gasses into harmless elements before it’s expelled from the car.
Someone told me when the systems was launched that AdBlue was made up of urine! I thought it was a joke but it turned out to be true. It is made of Urea and de-ionised water. It is stored in a separate tank with small amounts being squirted into the exhaust gas when the engine is running turning the NOX into Nitrogen and Water.
Not all diesel cars are fitted with the AdBlue system so you will need to check the handbook and the dealer to see if it has the Adblue system. Some cars have ‘Blue’ in their name or SCR to indicate the addition of Adblue.
Tank sizes and usage varies. Most manufacturers have attempted to incorporate a tank that holds enough fluid to last between services so on low mileage you probably didn’t even know your car had it fitted. There is a warning light that warns you that the Adblue is running low. If the light comes on you should top up the fluid as soon as possible although you should still have about 3 litres or 1,200 miles still left.
It would be wise to find out where the filler is located. Some are by the diesel filler, some are in the boot or in the spare wheel well. Some fuel stations have AdBlue as part of their pump or you can buy it in containers either in the filling station or in an accessory shop or even online. In a container, it should cost about £1.50 per litre or at the pump about 60p per litre.
Adblue is non-toxic but is corrosive so can cause skin irritation and affect your lungs and eyes. Always wash your hands after handling and wear gloves provided in fuel stations. Whilst most cars let you continue to drive the car when the AdBlue tank is empty, when you stop the car it won’t restart until the tank has been topped up.
The AA reported 20,000 call outs last year to AdBlue related incidents. The recommendation is to top up the AdBlue whilst the engine is running if you run out. If you put AdBlue in the diesel tank or diesel in the AdBlue tank don’t start the engine and call out your breakdown service or misfuelling service provider immediately or risk expensive damage.
I hope that helps. By Graham Hill
