AdBlue Explained
AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid used in vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful gases being released into the atmosphere. [1]
AdBlue is an anti-pollution, and it consists of 32 per cent refined urea – which contains high levels of ammonia – and 68 per cent deionised water, with a blue dye placed in most mixtures to identify it.
The product is used to neutralise NOx matter in diesel exhaust before entering the atmosphere while substantially decreasing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and particulate volumes.
Vehicles with SCR technology have a separate tank filled with AdBlue. This is then injected into the exhaust pipe downstream of the engine in front of the SCR catalyst.
Heated in the exhaust, it decomposes into ammonia and CO₂. When the NOx from the engine exhaust reacts inside the catalyst with the ammonia, the harmful NOx molecules in the exhaust are converted to harmless nitrogen and water, which are released from the tail pipe as steam. [1]
How do I know if my vehicle requires AdBlue to run?
Outside of the heavy vehicles used in agricultural, mining, and transport industries, many diesel-powered passenger and light commercial vehicles require DEF to operate.
If you own or drive a Euro6-compliant diesel-powered vehicle, chances are it needs an additive such as AdBlue to operate. Most diesel-powered European passenger vehicles – including Audi, BMW, Citroen, Jaguar, Land Rover (and Range Rover), Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Volkswagen and Volvo – require a minimum amount of DEF to even start.
Many top-selling Utes and four-wheel drive vehicles also need AdBlue to operate. [2]
Can I safely drive my vehicle without AdBlue in the tank?
The short answer is no.
Sensors are fitted throughout different stages of the SCR system. If a vehicle detects no DEF in the tank – or if it recognises that the SCR system has been violated in some way – it may place the engine into “limp mode”.
Limp mode will result in the vehicle delivering limited power (and acceleration). In some cases, it may cause the engine to shut itself down entirely until the cause of the issue has been rectified.
AdBlue® is the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA) registered trademark.
APW offers AdBlue at the pump for customers with one of the best prices locally.
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