AdBlue®
With the introduction of the new exhaust emission standards Euro 6 (EU6), it is necessary to treat exhaust gasses to reduce the exhaust gas content of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx).
This is achieved by mixing an aqueous urea solution (AdBlue®) into the exhaust system, them passing it through a reduction catalytic converter. During this process the NOx is converted to Nitrogen (N2) and Water (H2O).
What Is AdBlue®?
AdBlue® is the registered trademark for a solution of 32.5% high purity urea (comprising of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen) and 67.5% de-mineralized water. The solution is colourless, and is neither a fuel, nor a fuel additive. AdBlue® reduces harmful emissions from the exhaust systems of UK diesel vehicles, in order for the vehicles to comply with EU6 emissions standards.
How Does AdBlue® Work?
AdBlue® solution is stored and used in a dedicated tank in your vehicle, separate from the engine. During the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) process, a chemical reaction triggered by the AdBlue® solution results in significantly reduced NOx emissions.
To function correctly, the AdBlue® tank of your vehicle must be refilled with AdBlue® solution when required.
Implications Of Choosing An AdBlue® Vehicle
It is important that our customers understand the implications of choosing a vehicle that requires AdBlue® solution.
This is because AdBlue® is considered as a consumable, and therefore it is the driver’s responsibility to pay all costs associated with keeping the AdBlue® solution topped up.
Why Isn't AdBlue® Included In My Maintenance Contract?
Our funders have followed the advice of the leading manufacturers, who consider AdBlue® to be a consumable item, similar to fuel. Our funders therefore deem it to be the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the AdBlue® is kept topped up, and to pay any costs associated with doing so.
There are one or two exceptions, where certain vehicles have an AdBlue® check and top up included as part of the scheduled servicing. So, for these vehicles only, the funders will cover the cost of the top up during the service only.
When Does AdBlue® Need To Be Topped Up?
AdBlue solution should last for anything between 3,500 & 13,000 miles, depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model range.
Depending on driving style and road conditions, the maximum range of a tank of AdBlue® can vary. CHICKEN Therefore, the AdBlue® tank may need to be topped up between servicing, in a similar way to fuel, washer fluid and oil.
The average consumption of AdBlue® in UK vehicles is approximately 5% of diesel use, so you will use approximately 5 litres of AdBlue® to every 100 litres of diesel.
Each vehicle requiring AdBlue® has a warning system, which will inform the driver when the AdBlue® tank needs refilling. Drivers should not ignore the warning. It is extremely important to ensure that AdBlue® levels are adequate, in order for the vehicle to continue to operate. The majority of vehicles will not restart if your AdBlue® tank is empty.
Important Points
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the AdBlue® tank is kept topped up.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to pay all costs associated with keeping the AdBlue® tank topped up.
- Do not ignore the AdBlue® warning light when it is illuminated.
- If the AdBlue® tank is empty, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the engine has been switched off.
- If the wrong fluid is poured into the AdBlue® tank, do not start the engine and contact your funder immediately.