If you own a diesel vehicle, you may have heard of Adblue. But what exactly is it, and how long does it last? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how long does Adblue last, so you can better understand this important component of your vehicle.
What is Adblue?
Adblue is a liquid solution made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water. It is used in diesel vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful emissions. Adblue is injected into the exhaust system, where it reacts with the harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and converts them into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
How Does Adblue Work?
Adblue is stored in a separate tank in the vehicle and is injected into the exhaust system through a dosing unit. The dosing unit measures the amount of Adblue needed based on the engine’s operating conditions and injects it into the exhaust stream. The Adblue then reacts with the NOx in the catalytic converter, breaking it down into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
How Long Does Adblue Last?
The lifespan of Adblue depends on various factors, including the size of the Adblue tank, the vehicle’s fuel consumption, and the driving conditions. On average, a full tank of Adblue can last anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 miles. However, this can vary significantly depending on the vehicle and driving habits.
Adblue Consumption
The consumption of Adblue is directly related to the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle. On average, a diesel vehicle will use approximately 5% of its fuel consumption in Adblue. This means that for every 100 liters of diesel fuel, you will need 5 liters of Adblue.
Driving Conditions
Driving conditions can also affect the lifespan of Adblue. Vehicles that are driven at higher speeds or on highways will use more Adblue than those driven in city traffic. This is because the SCR system is more active at higher speeds and requires more Adblue to effectively reduce emissions.
How Can You Tell When Adblue is Running Low?
Most modern diesel vehicles equipped with SCR technology will have a warning light on the dashboard that indicates when Adblue is running low. This light will typically come on when there is approximately 1,500 miles of Adblue remaining. It is important to refill the Adblue tank before it runs out completely, as this can cause the vehicle to go into a reduced power mode or even shut down.
How to Refill Adblue
Refilling Adblue is a simple process that can be done at most gas stations or automotive stores. The Adblue tank is typically located next to the diesel fuel tank, and the filler cap is usually blue to differentiate it from the diesel cap. To refill, simply open the cap and pour the Adblue into the tank until it reaches the maximum fill line.
It is important to only use Adblue that meets the ISO 22241 standard to ensure the proper functioning of the SCR system. Using non-compliant Adblue can cause damage to the system and result in costly repairs.
What Happens if Adblue is Not Refilled?
If the Adblue tank runs out completely, the vehicle will go into a reduced power mode, limiting its speed and performance. This is to prevent the vehicle from producing excessive emissions. If the tank is not refilled, the vehicle will eventually shut down and will not restart until Adblue is added.
How to Store Adblue
If you have extra Adblue that you need to store, it is important to do so properly to ensure its effectiveness. Adblue should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept in a sealed container to prevent contamination. Adblue has a shelf life of approximately one year, so it is important to use it before it expires.
Conclusion
Adblue is an essential component of diesel vehicles equipped with SCR technology. Its lifespan can vary depending on various factors, but on average, a full tank can last between 3,000 to 6,000 miles. It is important to refill the Adblue tank before it runs out completely to avoid reduced power or shutdown of the vehicle. By understanding the lifespan of Adblue and how to properly store and refill it, you can ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle’s emissions system.
Buy AdBlue
1,000L IBC AdBlue @ £400 + VAT. No IBC Deposit & Free Delivery to UK mainland.
Please email us on sales@compassfuel.co.uk or call us 0330 128 9838 to discuss.
