What is the Adblue and Its Importance?
AdBlue is needed in any diesel vehicle equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to comply with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards. AdBlue is not a fuel, or a fuel additive, but a reducing agent used within the SCR system to convert the harmful Nitrous Oxide into innocuous Nitrogen and Water, resulting in less pollution.
- The generic term is Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
- Injected into the exhaust system, it will be used at a rate of around 5 litres per 100 litres of diesel
- It reduces diesel exhaust nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 90%
- Officially AdBlue is the registered trademark for Urea Solution 32.5%, used with the Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR)
ADBLUE is a fluid treatment used to clean up diesel exhaust emissions and while it first appeared for trucks it is becoming increasingly used for premium cars too – so you need to be aware of it so that you can advise customers.It is not just another blue fluid to keep checking in cars or vans, alongside the antifreeze and screenwash – and it must not be taken for granted.
Run low on AdBlue – or worse, run out – and the vehicle goes into reduced power ‘limp’ mode. But unlike some other checks, such as tyre pressures or tyre tread depth, at least the driver gets dashboard alerts.
If the diesel car is Euro 6 compliant, which all new cars must now be, the designation helps keep down the company car tax.
Most major manufacturers have chosen the AdBlue route for compliance and this is an essential fluid used with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce the exhaust emissions. The system has its own tank and its own filler, usually beside the diesel fuel filler.
Basically, what it does is convert more than 90% of harmful nitrogen oxide emissions into harmless nitrogen and steam and reducing these nitrogen oxides should lead to less pollution and smog in urban areas.
It’s not the only emission control feature and will often work in conjunction with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that collects soot particles.
Originally just seen in commercial vehicles, with diesel emissions targets becoming more stringent the AdBlue injection systems have now become a feature of modern diesel-powered cars and vans.
**AdBlue is very easy to use and is not a fuel or fuel additive, but a high purity urea solution. AdBlue is non flammable, and non-explosive, and considered a transportable fluid.
