Do YOU need AdBlue®️ in YOUR car?
Petrol Cars
I own a Petrol car: then you DO NOT require AdBlue®️ in your car.
Diesel Cars
I own a Diesel car: then YOU REQUIRE AdBlue®️ in your car, if you have a recent diesel-powered machine fitted with an SCR catalyst, you will indeed need AdBlue®️.
So please read the remainder of this article and you can also Buy AdBlue®️ at the bottom of this page.
What is AdBlue®️?
You may not have heard of AdBlue®️, aka diesel exhaust fluid, but owners of diesel cars with Euro 6-compliant engines will have heard of it. This blog explains what AdBlue®️ is used for, how it functions, where to buy it and what will transpire if your vehicle runs out.
AdBlue®️ is a fluid automatically sprayed into a diesel vehicle’s exhaust system to decrease the nitrous oxide emissions of diesel engines. AdBlue®️ is made of a mixture of urea and deionised water. The widespread usage of AdBlue®️ in modern diesel cars coincided with tougher Euro 6 emissions standards that have been around since 2016. AdBlue®️ makes it much easier to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles, so they comply with these regulations.
AdBlue®️ is usually checked and topped up if required during a routine annual service. Still, it’s a fair idea to check it and top it up between these intervals. In addition, almost all cars that use AdBlue®️ are fitted with a gauge on the dashboard to alert you if you’re running low.
Why do I need AdBlue®️?
Your vehicle needs AdBlue®️ to decrease NOx output. Due to the increasingly rigorous emission legislation, diesel engines need to run cleaner. NOx standards have intensified for cars, as well as off-road vehicles and passenger cars.
All commercial vehicle manufacturers have to meet the Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards for diesel engine emission. Although different technologies could achieve euro 5 emission criteria, Euro 6 standards (into force in January 2014) require the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction with AdBlue®️.
If I run out of AdBlue®️, am I driving illegally?
AdBlue®️ restricts the amount of harmful emissions from your engine. Emission legislation allows only little amounts of NOx. If you surpass this limit when running without AdBlue®️, you may be running illegally.
Note: Legislation will not let you start your engine without AdBlue®️
Does running out of AdBlue®️ damage the vehicle’s engine?
No, the engine will not be damaged if you run out of AdBlue®️. You can proceed to the next AdBlue®️ distribution point or use your emergency supply at the next safe stop if you have this on board. However, engine performance could be affected until you fill up.
If I run out of AdBlue®️, will the engine shut down?
No, while driving the engine will not shut down, but some engines will automatically restrict engine performance when AdBlue®️ supplies are drained. If your engine is outfitted with SCR technology, your vehicle will drop power and reduce its emission according to legal criteria.
The vehicle’s performance will be reclaimed when AdBlue®️ levels are up again.
PLEASE NOTE: Some engines will not start after you have run out of AdBlue®️™. Make sure that you have an emergency supply onboard, or continue to the next distribution point without closing down your engine.
I have run out of AdBlue®️; now my engine won’t start.
If you run out of AdBlue®️, your vehicle will not re-start after you turn off the engine – this is a condition of the EU6 emissions legislation and applies to all types of vehicles. The AdBlue®️ tank will need to be refilled with a minimum of approximately 3-5 litres of AdBlue®️ before the vehicle will start. However, it is not uncommon for some makes and models to require a full tank of AdBlue®️, and some vehicles may also need the system purged and reset. Reportedly main dealers can only do this with diagnostics.
Where do I find my AdBlue®️ tank?
You can see your AdBlue®️ tank by its blue cover or an AdBlue®️ label, but it is a separate tank. The filling location is often fitted near your diesel cap. Some passenger cars have an AdBlue®️ tank in the boot or the engine bay. Please be careful when filling your AdBlue®️ tank, we have came across many people who have filled upAdBlue®️ in their diesel tank. If you are unsure where to fill your AdBlue®️ do a quick google search or consult a professional.
Can I use water instead of AdBlue®️?
You shouldn’t use water instead of AdBlue®️ or think about watering down the AdBlue®️. AdBlue®️ is a mixture of urea and 67.5% de-ionised water. In comparison, tap or bottled water contains many minerals and ions harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system.
Is AdBlue®️ corrosive to skin?
AdBlue®️ is non-toxic; it is corrosive and can potentially irritate the skin, eyes and lungs. You should wear gloves and wash your hands and arms after filling your vehicle up with AdBlue®️. If you spill AdBlue®️ on your vehicle’s paintwork, rinse the area immediately with water.
How long does 10L AdBlue®️ last?
A standard mid-sized diesel car will travel approximately 620 miles on a single litre of AdBlue®️. Nonetheless, most AdBlue®️ tanks hold around 10 litres or more, so you may discover it won’t need to be filled up until the next scheduled service.
However, it depends on the amount of miles driven, driving style, and vehicle load.
If you ever need to top-up AdBlue®️ between services, the vehicle will alert you in plenty of time by messages on the dashboard. However, either it will tell you how distant you can travel before a top-up is needed or how many times you can restart the car, so it’s necessary to check your vehicle’s handbook.
Is AdBlue®️ made from pigs’ urine?
AdBlue®️ is not animal urine. Instead, AdBlue®️ is a chemically produced solution dissolved in high-purity de-ionised water.
Anything other than a high-purity solution will cause the porous head of the SCR to fail simply as limescale would in a kettle. Putting urine from any species into your vehicle’s AdBlue®️ tank would cause irreversible damage to the SCR.
AdBlue®️ turns into a chalky white residue when it drys out, it remains to be seen what pig’s urine looks like when it drys out, but I suspect it doesn’t resemble a chalky white residue.
Can you use old AdBlue®️?
AdBlue®️ deteriorates over time. Never use AdBlue®️ after its expiry date has passed, and unless you cover very high mileages, you should not stockpile large quantities at home.
Ultra-violet light speeds upAdBlue®️ deterioration, which can harm your exhaust system’s delicate catalyst. Therefore, purchasing bottles that have been sitting outside a petrol forecourt may not be a good idea. Instead, look for bottles that have been kept indoors or in the dark.
How much does AdBlue®️ cost?
AdBlue®️ prices start from as little as 48p per litre when purchasing 1000L Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), and upwards if you’re looking to buy a smaller amount of AdBlue®️ like 5L bottles. But, of course, the higher AdBlue®️ you require, the lower your cost per litre.
5L bottles of AdBlue®️ are developed for easy pouring with an integrated spout in the bottle, meaning you can fill up with AdBlue®️ even when you’re out and about. AdBlue®️ prices start from 56p per litre when purchasing high quantities of 5L bottles. However, if you’re looking for more, you can buy 10L bottles starting from 71p per litre or 18L cans, which start from 67p per litre.
AdBlue®️ in amounts of 210 litres or more are available in drums and start from as little as 61p per litre. The drums have a shelf life of 12 months, and only a pump is required to use these drums, and little storage room is needed, too, helping you keep the outlay low. Should you increase the amount of drums purchased, you will lower the price per litre of the AdBlue®️ you buy.
Where can I buy AdBlue®️?
AdBlue®️ is widely available in 10 and 20L containers, 200L drums and 1000L Intermediate Bulk containers (IBC’s) or via assigned AdBlue®️ dispensing systems. Most fuel stations already sell AdBlue®️ in cans or bulk. Europe also has a broad network of AdBlue®️ distributors and commercial suppliers. Look for distributing units with the AdBlue®️ logo and fill your tank just as you would tank fuel.
Here are some links to get AdBlue®️ delivered straight to your door –
Put Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
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Yes, we are specialist Fuel Drain technicians fixing cars with Diesel in Petrol tank and Petrol in Diesel tank. We have vans located throughout Scotland. Click here to learn more!
