Some drivers object to the fact that they must take care of and pay for AdBlue, despite the fact that it is intended to protect the environment. Here, we define AdBlue and discuss any potential concerns.
What is AdBlue?
Simply put, it is a liquid that is used in diesel-powered vehicles to neutralize dangerous environmental pollutants. It is a liquid that mixes with exhaust outside the engine and is not an addition to fuel.
A detailed examination of the complete procedure reveals that 32.5% aqueous urea solution is what is commonly known as AdBlue, according to Wikipedia. It is utilized as a reducing agent in the automobile sector to help SCR catalytic converters eliminate hazardous nitrogen oxides from the environment.
In the SCR technique, Ad Blue is supplied under high pressure to the exhaust stream in the catalytic converter, where nitrogen oxides—which are bad for the atmosphere—are converted to nitrogen and water.
The entire procedure is risk-free, and Ad Blue is safe for both the environment and people. Contrary to what its name might imply, the material is actually colorless rather than blue.
When was AdBlue first utilized, and why?
Following the implementation of the Euro 6 standard for the reduction of exhaust fume emissions, AdBlue became widely known. This standard has been a requirement for all new heavy-goods vehicles and passenger cars with diesel engines since 1 September 2014. Ad Blue was one method used by manufacturers to comply with Euro 6’s requirement that they reduce the nitrogen oxide content of fumes by a staggering 80% from Euro 5 levels.
AdBlue is typically present in cars made after 2015, including those from Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes.
Where is the AdBlue tank’s inlet on a car?
The sole conundrum about the petrol filler in passenger automobiles is whether it should be on the driver’s or passenger’s side. However, Ad Blue doesn’t mix with petrol, therefore the location of the Ad Blue tank is totally up to the automaker. A blue cap will help you locate the intake. It is typically installed adjacent to the petrol filler, though it can alternatively be put in the boot or even beneath the hood.
Where can I buy AdBlue and how can I fill my tank?
This is rather straightforward: Ad Blue can be purchased at various gas stations and refilled using a dispenser, much like fuel. In addition to service stations, it is also sold in plastic containers and can be found in grocery stores or auto shops. The packaging has a volume of 1 to 10 liters.
Please take care not to spill AdBlue inside the car while filling it up, as the liquid is very caustic and can also give off an unpleasant odor. Because of this, it is recommended to purchase AdBlue with unique dispenser nozzles.
What is the price of AdBlue?
Although filling up at gas stations is far more cost-effective, AdBlue dispensers are still not particularly widespread. One liter of the liquid costs roughly PLN 2 at a gas station, although it is also available online for a comparable price. When purchasing Ad Blue from a conventional retailer, expect to pay a price that is two or three times higher.
How productive is AdBlue?
We can tell you that using Ad Blue doesn’t necessitate as many service station visits as buying petrol does. AdBlue is used much less frequently; more peculiarly, the engine and driving style affects how much is used. But it’s safe to anticipate that a liter of Ad Blue will go you through around 1000 kilometers of driving.
It is advised to add 10 liters of AdBlue every 10,000 kilometers because the AdBlue tank typically carries more than a dozen liters of the chemical. For ease, it is sufficient to remember to fill the tank, for instance, each time the oil is changed.
What should we do if AdBlue runs out?
It might turn out that we just had a small amount of AdBlue in the tank and had forgotten to replace it. But do not worry too much; the vehicle will alert you (through a sound or visual message) when the AdBlue is close to expiring.
Do not fear if your automobile begs you to refuel Adblue. Typically, you have a few hundred more kilometers of driving left. However, if you drive too much on AdBluefumes, the car may immobilize automatically and won’t start again until the liquid is replaced. Roadside assistance coverage, which you can get alone or in conjunction with your auto insurance or comprehensive coverage, may be helpful in such a situation.
Because some vehicles can only be revived at an Authorized Service Station, it is advisable to avoid such circumstances altogether.
Because the auto computer might not be able to detect lower amounts, it is best to always fill up the AdBlue container to the brim (or at least with 5–10 liters).
What benefits come from using AdBlue?
The following are the key benefits of using AdBlue:
- Environmental safeguards;
- Decreased diesel fuel consumption (exact figures depend on the engine type, but AdBlue can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%), which not only allows AdBlue to recoup its costs but also may enable you to save money;
- Ad Blue users can enter select zones for less money in various European cities.
Do there have to be consequences for not using AdBlue?
AdBlue irritates certain drivers, unfortunately. If heaters break down, for example, the freezing temperature (beginning at below -10°C) could be problematic. Others just aren’t interested in paying for AdBlue. Although it is an uncommon method, AdBlue can be removed from a car by someone who is highly obstinate. Physical removal is a possibility, however, the system can also be turned off more quickly by connecting a computer to the car.
But at that point, the AdBlue system’s effectiveness could be checked. Police can conduct inspections (most frequently in Austria and Germany); if they discover any anomalies, the driver of such a car could be issued a large fine.
