For many diesel vehicle drivers, AdBlue is becoming just another thing their vehicle needs
While your AdBlue tank may not need ‘refuelling’ often, knowing what AdBlue is, why you need it and how to refuel ensures you stay within Euro 6 guidelines for vehicle emissions.
What is AdBlue?
Adblue is a trade name of a type of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), but like the brand ‘Hoover’ who produce vacuum cleaners, the trade name has become synonymous with the product, making it a generic trademark.
AdBlue is made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionised water. Despite what some people think, this urea is a high-purity, man-made solution, rather than anything natural. Be careful though; while AdBlue is a non-toxic and odourless liquid, it will make a mess if you spill it and can corrode some metals.
How does it work?
Many manufacturers are using AdBlue in their diesel vehicles as a way to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations. These regulations state that all diesel cars and vans registered after September 1, 2015 are only allowed to emit a maximum of 80mg/km of NOx.
In the infographic below, you can see how AdBlue mixes with your fuel emissions and makes your exhaust fumes harmless, your vehicles greener and your journey more eco-friendly:
How often do you need to fill up?
It’s important not to let your AdBlue run out as your vehicle’s engine performance will dip without it. Plus, if your emissions exceed the limit of NOx, you will be driving illegally. Don’t worry though; the amount of AdBlue you will need to use per tank of fuel is only about 5% of your full diesel tank, so your AdBlue tank won’t need to be filled up as often as your regular fuel tank.
Your vehicle will show you a warning light a few thousand miles before you need to fill up. When you do fill up your vehicle with AdBlue, you may need to put in quite a few litres before the warning light goes off. You can fill up your AdBlue tank from various fuel sites across the UK. You can either fill up from an AdBlue ‘fuel’ pump, or buy the product in store.
You shouldn’t buy and store AdBlue before you need it as it can degrade. Similarly, if you buy a pack, once you have opened it, you shouldn’t keep it if you have an excess as it’ll react with the air and be less effective – potentially even harmful – to your vehicle.
Allstar and AdBlue
You can pay for AdBlue using your Allstar fuel card if it’s set up to purchase all fuels and oils or diesel. Simply fill up at the pump (or grab a bottle from the site shop) and pay using your Allstar card as normal.
To check whether your card can purchase AdBlue, contact us on 0370 419 5165.
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