You’ve probably heard of Adblue or seen it in a petrol station. If you own a diesel, you might even have had to use some yourself. But what is it and what does it do?
What Is It?
Adblue is composed of urea and deionised water (that’s the liquid pumped into the exhaust system). It helps to reduce nitrous oxide emissions originating from diesel engines. Ever tougher emission standards have forced automakers to take action and Adblue has become indispensable. If you only drive short distances, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have had to bother with Adblue; instead it’s likely that it’s simply being topped up during scheduled servicing. However, if you’re covering lots of miles you’ll probably have to top it up yourself; increased mileage means you’ll get through it a lot faster.
What Does It Do?
Since 2016, European automakers have been at the mercy of emissions regulations known as Euro 6. If they want their cars on the market, they need to comply. As diesel engines have traditionally been the primary culprits in the emissions scandal, they required the most attention. The technology they opted for is called ‘selective catalytic reduction’ (SCR). It involves the injection of precise amounts of fluid into exhaust systems; where it’s exposed to harmful gases.
How Does It Work?
SCR technology injects small quantities of Adblue into gases that build up in the exhausts of diesel cars. When it combines with exhaust emissions, it produces harmless oxygen and nitrogen through the breakdown of harmful mono-nitrogen oxides. Whilst it hasn’t been used in cars for very long, it has been used in commercial vehicles, buses and HGVs; so its efficiency is well-documented and is improving all of the time.
How Often Do You Need To Top Up?
Before you start worrying about Adblue, make sure your diesel uses it. Whilst more and more models do, it’s not standardised. Check your owner’s manual if you’re in any doubt. How often you top-up is dependent on the mileage you’re covering and the make and model of your car. The liquid is injected whilst driving, so if you’re often cruising down motorways you’ll burn through it quicker than someone popping to the shops. Each model uses a different sized tank, too, so it’s not the same for every driver. When you’re low, you’ll notice a warning light. In this instance, you can either top it up yourself or visit a garage. Peugeot will do it for you for £9.99, whilst Vauxhall offers to waive labors costs if you visit their centres.
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