What is AdBlue & What is it For?

The Euro 6 Emissions standards were first introduced in 2015 due to increasing concerns about harmful emissions and their impact on the environment.

As a result of these regulations, many modern diesel cars that meet the Euro 6 standards need to use a substance called AdBlue. But what is it and why do we need it?

What is AdBlue?

In short, AdBlue reduces the toxic gases that are emitted from a diesel car’s exhaust.

This non-toxic, colourless liquid is made up of distilled water and urea (used in fertilisers). It has a sweet smell and is a bit sticky if you get it on yourself, but it washes off easily. It’s also water soluble and biodegradable, as you would hope any toxic-emission-reducing substance would be!

How does AdBlue work?

When AdBlue reaches the exhaust, it mixes with the harmful gases that diesel cars produce. There, it reacts with nitrogen oxide gas (NOx gas), breaking it down into nitrogen and water vapour.

These harmless substances are then released from the exhaust.

While AdBlue doesn’t eliminate all of your car’s NOx emissions, it does significantly reduce them. Not only do NOx emissions contribute to respiratory problems, but they increase pollution, acid rain, and ground-level ozone. All things considered, we need to reduce these emissions as much as possible if we are to save our planet — and, in the short term, meet the Euro 6 standards!

Does my car need AdBlue?

There are simple ways to find out if your car (or car to-be!) requires AdBlue:

• See if the word ‘blue’ or the letters ‘SCR’ are included in the name of the car e.g. VW TDI SCR or Ford EcoBlue
• Check the fuel filler cap for the blue AdBlue lid next to the diesel cap.

If you still aren’t sure, ask the car dealer or your local garage. If you know your vehicle runs on diesel and that it meets the Euro 6 standards, don’t worry if you can’t find any indication that your vehicle does use AdBlue, as there are many other systems that reduce NOx emissions.

Can I refill AdBlue at home?

It’s important to keep in mind that you should not let your car run out of AdBlue entirely. If this happens, your car’s ability to reduce emissions will be significantly impaired, and it may struggle to restart. So, should you see your AdBlue levels are low, refill the tank as soon as you can.

You can buy AdBlue at most petrol stations, garages, and motor shops. We recommend taking a smaller bottle — say, 1.5 litres — around with you in case you need it, and stocking up at home with a 10 litre bottle.

Your handbook will tell you how much AdBlue your vehicle needs, but if you’ve run out completely, 5 litres will likely be enough to restart your car.

Depending on where the AdBlue cap is located, you may or may not need to use a funnel. Usually, you will find it located next to the fuel cap, but other locations include the boot and under the bonnet.

After refilling, take care to wash your hands well — while it is non-toxic, it can cause irritation to skin and eyes. Likewise, wash off any bodywork that the AdBlue has spilled onto as it can damage the paintwork.

Whatever you do, don’t put AdBlue in the diesel tank or vice versa as you may need to have the entire system replaced as a result.

How long does AdBlue last?

How fast your vehicle uses up its AdBlue depends on a range of factors, from your driving style to your engine.

Typically, your car will use a litre every 600 miles, but for some this figure could be around 350 miles. It also varies depending on the size of your AdBlue tank.

In general, you will need to top up your AdBlue at least once between services.

Got car troubles?

If you’re not sure your engine or exhaust are functioning at their best, be sure to talk to the pros as soon as possible. Here at Tyre Pros, we offer a range of services, from suspension checks and replacement to engine treatments and more.

Locate your nearest centre here or give us a call to book in!