Whether you are about to, or already own a diesel vehicle, this AdBlue® FAQ should answer all of your questions.
AdBlue® is for vehicles equipped with an SCR system. As an exhaust fluid rather than a fuel additive, AdBlue® is kept in a separate reservoir from diesel and is topped up via a blue filler cap found next to the fuel cap, in the boot, or under the bonnet. AdBlue® is a trading name registered by the German Association of the Automotive Industry.
Under Euro 6 Emission standards, the maximum level for NOx (nitrous oxide) in diesel vehicles is 80mg/km. AdBlue® reduces the nitrous oxide emissions of diesel vehicles to align with this standard. There are two methods for reducing NOx emissions from diesel fuel combustion: a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and exhaust gas recirculation. AdBlue® is required if your vehicle has an SCR system.
AdBlue® is a 32.5% solution of pure urea in demineralised water.
AdBlue® refers to a 32.5% solution of pure urea in demineralised water. You will find many brands offering the same product. You can use any brand as long as it conforms to ISO 22241-1 (check the packaging or company website). If you are unsure of which ISO standard you can use, check your car’s handbook.
Driving without AdBlue® will not damage your engine, however, if you allow your vehicle to run out of AdBlue®, your engine will go into ‘limp mode’ and drastically reduce power to minimize Nitrous Oxide emotions. Most vehicles will give you a warning that the vehicle will not start in x amount of miles if you do not refill the AdBlue®.
Following the strict recommendations of ISO 22241-3; our AdBlue® has a shelf life of at least 18 months from the manufacturing date.
AdBlue® isn’t particularly challenging to store, and because it’s deemed a non-hazardous material, there aren’t many rules governing its storage. Petrol stations and other businesses should be aware of certain restrictions around the commercial storage of AdBlue®. This is because urea pollutes groundwater, hence spills and leaks must be avoided by adhering to appropriate storage practices on-site. AdBlue® should be stored out of direct sunlight in a temperature range between 0 and 30°C. It should be perfectly sealed to not allow any contaminants in. It is unwise to transfer AdBlue® from one storage container to another unless you have a specific system in place to do so.
Yes, AdBlue® has a freezing point of -11 degrees celsius. Do not worry if your AdBlue® is frozen, it is perfectly safe to use once it has thawed. If storing large amounts of AdBlue® in sub-zero temperatures then it is wise to install a tank heater.
Our AdBlue® is dispensed directly from the original container (e.g. bulk tank, drum or plastic can) to avoid any contamination where possible. Any contamination of the AdBlue® may result in damage to the Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) which can be expensive to replace.
If your vehicle requires AdBlue®, it will refuse to start if not kept topped up. We have introduced the 10L AdBlue® box for customers with lower quantity requirements, but also as a lifeline to commercial users. Keep a box handy and rest assured you won’t run out unexpectedly. New Era Fuels deliver AdBlue® in the following quantities:
You certainly can. New Era Fuels offer AdBlue® in quantities up to 36,000L.
Yes. New Era Fuels offer next-day delivery on AdBlue® quantities from the 10l AdBlueBox up to 36,000L.
The European emission standards are vehicle emission standards for pollution from the use of new land surface vehicles sold in the European Union and European Economic Area member states and the United Kingdom, and ships in EU waters. The standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.
As of 2022, the standards do not include non-exhaust emissions such as particulates from tyres and brakes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_emission_standards
Depending on your vehicle’s engine size, multiple sources suggest that the depletion rate for AdBlue® is around 1L for every 300 to 600 miles, or at the rate of 1% – 2% of your diesel fuel consumption. There are too many variables to suggest an exact number but most vehicle owners will find they top up their AdBlue® once between every service. If you feel you are having to top up AdBlue® more regularly than normal then you should contact a mechanic or refer to your vehicle’s manual.
If you are running a larger operation and need help calculating the amount of AdBlue® you may require then please get in touch with one of our experts who will assist you depending on your vehicles or machinery.
SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) treats exhaust gas from diesel engines. A small amount of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF (AdBlue®)) is injected into the exhaust before travelling into a catalyst, where it vaporizes and decomposes to form ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The NH3 is then used in conjunction with the SCR catalyst and converts the Nitrous Oxide to harmless nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).
If your vehicle requires AdBlue®, then it will have SCR installed.
Yes, AdBlue® is non-hazardous and readily available. You will find AdBlue® Sold at pumps as well as in containers. The New Era Fuels AdBlue® 10l box comes with an attachable nozzle for easy refilling. For larger operations, one of our experts at New Era Fuels will be of assistance.
Your AdBlue® light will remain lit until you refill. There is no manual method of turning off the light.
AdBlue® is commonly misidentified as a fuel additive, however, mixing your diesel with AdBlue® will cause irreversible damage and cost thousands of pounds. If you have accidentally poured AdBlue® into your fuel tank then you must follow the following instructions:
Thankfully, it is unlikely that you would accidentally pour AdBlue® into your fuel tank as the fuel nozzle is much larger than the AdBlue® receptacle. If you think you have poured diesel into your AdBlue® tank then do not start the engine and call for assistance straight away as you will cause damage to your SCR system and engine.
Only vehicles fitted with an SCR system require AdBlue®. The majority of modern diesel vehicles are equipped with SCR systems after the Euro 6 Emission standards.
Urea is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. It is a colourless, odourless solid, highly soluble in water, and practically non-toxic. Urea naturally occurs in various moulds and fungi as well as in urine.
AdBlue® is a mix of 32.5% pure Urea and demineralised water. There is a common misconception that the Urea in AdBlue® comes from Urine or more specifically pig’s urine, however, the urea in AdBlue® is synthetic.
Synthetic urea is made by reacting natural gas, atmospheric nitrogen, and water under intense pressure and heat to create ammonia and carbon dioxide. The result of this reaction, which takes place at extremely high pressures and temperatures, is molten (liquid) urea. After cooling, this is made into prills or granules for industrial usage.
AdBlue® can only be made industrially so it can conform to ISO 22241. If the quality of the chemical solution
No. Using water instead of AdBlue® risks damaging the catalyst, reducing engine performance and increasing fuel consumption.
If left, you may notice an AdBlue® spillage crystalising as the water evaporates. The best way to deal with an AdBlue® Spillage in a vehicle is to use water, gloves and a brush to remove as much of the spillage as possible. If spilt outside, you should use a spill kit to avoid further contamination with surface and groundwater. The spill can be contained with sand or Earth. Once the area has been cleaned, rinse thoroughly with water to avoid further crystallisation.
AdBlue® is a non-toxic solution, however, precautions should be taken to ensure minimal contact with the skin, mouth and eyes.
If AdBlue® touches your skin, you should rinse it off immediately with water. AdBlue® is non-toxic and will not do permanent damage, however, If left on the skin it can irritate.
In very small amounts, there should be no harmful effects experienced from the accidental ingestion of AdBlue®. If you have accidentally ingested a small amount of AdBlue® then rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water and contact a medical professional. If a larger quantity has been ingested then seek medical attention immediately.
AdBlue® has a low ecotoxicity and is largely biodegradable in soil and water. Large quantities may be harmful to aquatic life. In small doses, exposure to the majority of other animals is not dangerous. If you have seen an animal or pet consume or come into touch with AdBlue®, you should keep a close eye on them and look out for any unusual behaviour.
AdBlue® contains Urea which can be corrosive to metals so it is unwise to pour AdBlue® down a drain.
AdBlue® is harmful to surface and groundwater so expired or unwanted AdBlue® should be taken to a dedicated waste treatment facility. Your local authority will be able to advise you on where you can do so.