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AdBlue Guide

If you own a diesel car manufactured after September 2015, then you will likely need AdBlue to keep your vehicle running. In this guide, we explain why you need AdBlue in your diesel vehicle, its benefits to the environment, and how Adblue works.

For more information on Adblue or if you’re wanting to order Adblue, why not speak to one of our experts on 0330 123 1144.

What is Adblue?

Adblue is a diesel exhaust additive which has been introduced to help reduce the harmful emissions which are released by heavy vehicles used daily on our roads. Adblue is required by law to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions produced by a diesel engine vehicle. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is required by law within diesel vehicles that are fitted with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide. AdBlue is also used within NRMM (Non-road mobile machinery) such as generators.

What does Adblue do?

Adblue is a major player in helping to reduce harmful emissions released by diesel vehicles, but how does it work to reduce your emissions? When diesel engines burn fuel there are polluting chemicals released including Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. The job of AdBlue is to reduce these harmful emissions by spraying the fluid onto the exhaust fumes produced by combustion. Due to such high and harmful emissions released from diesel exhausts the UK government put additional pressure on diesel car manufacturers to reduce the amount of emissions.

What is Adblue made from?

AdBlue is made from a mixture of urea (32.5%) and deionised water (67.5%). Produced by combining liquid ammonia and CO2 under very high pressure and temperatures to form ammonia carbamate which then decomposes under lower pressures forming urea and water. The synthetic version of urea is colourless and non-toxic.

How does Adblue work?

AdBlue works alongside a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system which reduces NOx exhaust emissions. The AdBlue is sprayed onto a diesel exhaust which releases ammonia, creating a chemical reaction. The reaction turns dangerous chemicals into Nitrogen and water vapours, which are unharmful to the atmosphere.

What are the benefits of AdBlue?

Due to the significant contribution to air pollution and health issues that will be created by diesel engines, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or AdBlue will cut harmful emissions produced by diesel engines, which is essentially the main reason AdBlue exists.

Not only will AdBlue benefit the environment it’ll also improve the efficiency of your fuel by reducing the amount of fuel that your engine uses. As AdBlue reduces the NOx emissions it’ll result in better fuel economy. So if you’re using a vehicle or a piece of machinery that requires AdBlue you’ll notice a saving in your fuel tank.

As AdBlue improves fuel efficiency it’ll also provide an extension to your diesel engine’s life, which reduces the wear and tear on your engine. So, using AdBlue will make your diesel engine run smoothly and last longer.

Is all Adblue the same?

There are several names for AdBlue which include Bluedef and BlueTec, and sadly not all of them are of the same quality as the AdBlue we provide at Beesley Fuels. We always recommend choosing from a reliable and trusted supplier, as poor AdBlue will cause issues to your vehicle’s Selective Catalytic Reduction and prevent exhaust gases from being released, causing blockages. Here is how you can check if your AdBlue is of high quality:

• It should be a colourless clear liquid
• Only purchase from certified VDA licensees
• Look out for similar brand names, which are usually inferior in quality
• Not all AdBlue is made the same, so low cost usually means poor quality

Who requires Adblue?

Any commercial diesel-engine vehicles above 7.5 tonnes and Euro IV and Euro V manufactured after October 2006 are now fitted with a selective catalytic reduction which requires AdBlue to function. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has selective catalytic reduction fitted you can refer to the handbook that came with the vehicle. However, the more recently a car was built the more likely it’ll require AdBlue as regulations were introduced in 2014.

Your diesel vehicle will have an AdBlue filler cap which will usually be found next to the fuel filler cap. Without AdBlue, your vehicle won’t start, and an adblue warning light will appear on your display telling you to fill your AdBlue tank.

Will running out of Adblue ruin my car?

Running out of AdBlue will not directly damage your engine or shut your car down, however, depending on the specification of your vehicle your engine may limit its performance due to low AdBlue levels within the vehicle. Should your vehicle have SCR technology your vehicle is more likely to have its performance reduced without topping up your AdBlue. Not only will power be lost in your vehicle, but you’ll also reduce the vehicle’s legal standards for emissions it can emit.

What is the price of Adblue?

AdBlue pricing is dependent on several factors including the quantity required and your location. However, Beesley Fuels will always aim to have competitive pricing compared to others on the market. Simply get in touch with our team today to discuss your AdBlue order.

Call our expert team today on 0330 123 1144 and we will aim to get your order delivered to your address within 24-48 hours.

How should I store Adblue?

AdBlue needs to be stored between 11 degrees and 30 degrees which will maximise its 12-month lifespan. Here at Beesley Fuels, we supply a range of AdBlue tanks depending on the quantity you need. We supply quantities from 500 – 120,000 litres, so no size is too big. Whether you’re a business or homeowner we’ll be able to meet your requirements and budget to match you with the tank you’ll need.

How much will AdBlue storage cost?

The cost of storing your AdBlue order will depend on the quantity of AdBlue your business or personal needs require. There is no order too big or too small as we supply AdBlue in the following range of quantities:

• 10L – for light, infrequent use
• 210L – medium levels of AdBlue used
• 1000L – in quantities of this size you’ll receive your AdBlue in an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)
• 5000+L – large quantity for heavy and regular use

The larger quantity of fuel you order will mean your storage tank price will increase due to the size of the tanker that would be required.

What does Adblue look like?

High-quality AdBlue will all have the same features, so ensuring yours has the following will mean your AdBlue is of the best quality. When purchasing AdBlue you should look for the following:

• Colourless clear liquid
• Only purchases from registered VDA licensees
• Check for “AdBlue according to ISO 22241” on a container or dispensing system
• Do not purchase AdBlue which has a similar name as it will be inferior in quality
• Low-priced AdBlue may not contain urea which is the solution that will reduce emissions

Is AdBlue harmful?

AdBlue is not a toxic product though it can irritate skin and eyes, so protection should be worn when dealing with AdBlue. Due to the main ingredient in AdBlue being urea or a synthetic version, it is a naturally occurring material which also occurs in our digestive system. However, we strongly advise inhaling or ingesting AdBlue.

AdBlue can be harmful to metals and should be transported with care, in a cool well-ventilated storage tank.

Is AdBlue an additive to diesel?

Your AdBlue supply must never come into contact with diesel, this is because the DERV and AdBlue components are completely separate. If you have managed to get AdBlue into your diesel tank, which should be a difficult task due to the size differences in the nozzles, you will have to get in contact with roadside assistance. You may be covered by insurance though this is down to your specific cover.

Where can I buy Adblue?

Here at Beesley Fuels! We supply a range of AdBlue quantities to suit your needs, so no matter the size you require we’re able to get it delivered to your door as quickly as possible. We supply high-quality AdBlue from 10 litres to 36,000 litres or more. Ensure your vehicle fleet is safe and helping the environment with our AdBlue.

Speak to one of our expert team today and discuss your AdBlue requirements or any questions you may have on the delivery of your AdBlue.