The diesel exhaust fluid AdBlue helps drivers to comply with the most recent rules on carbon emissions. It’s non-flammable, odourless, non-toxic and biodegradable. It works with a treatment system called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide gas. This gas has links with various respiratory diseases and so is the subject of stringent regulations on emissions from modern vehicles.
The SCR technology injects AdBlue into the exhaust system, which converts nitrogen oxide into a harmless mix of nitrogen and water.
AdBlue has been a legal requirement for the last decade or so for most modern UK diesel vehicles fitted with SCR systems. And if you don’t have it, your car could fail its MOT, engine power could be reduced or your motor may not restart. Ultimately, you could potentially face fines or invalidate your insurance. And if you run out completely, you will eventually won’t be able to drive your vehicle.
The liquid comprises urea and deionised water which is sprayed into the exhaust system.
How does filling up with AdBlue work?
You can top up your AdBlue at most UK petrol outlets, while many major fuel stations have dedicated pumps with nozzles for straightforward filling up. And while this is generally the cheapest and most convenient option, you can also buy containers of this liquid with built-in funnels.
The stuff goes into its own tank with a separate gauge and sensor system. Often, the tank is found near the fuel filter cap, either right next to it or not far away. It may have a blue cap, along with, perhaps, the AdBlue symbol (a water drop surrounded by a square) on it. But on some models, particular bigger vehicles or SUVs, you’ll find the tank in the boot.
How much AdBlue will I need?
In terms of how long AdBlue lasts, it gets used up much more slowly than diesel in a fuel tank. One good rule of thumb is to think an average of 5% AdBlue to diesel volume.
Clearly, how much you use will depend on journey type, driving style and mileage, plus environmental conditions. You may even find you can get from one MOT or car service to another without having to fill up on it.
A passenger car could get through around 1.5 litres of AdBlue every 620 miles, with the size of the car determining the size of the tank.
Is AdBlue a fuel additive?
No, it isn’t – although many people make the mistake of thinking it is. AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fuel not an additive, and is added, as mentioned, to a separate tank.
What happens if I put AdBlue in my diesel tank?
Because the two caps are so close together, unfortunately it’s all too possible to put AdBlue in your diesel one in error. Happily, it doesn’t generally happen the other way around, since the AdBlue cap is too small for standard diesel nozzles to fit.
If the stuff gets into your diesel tank, it can corrode pipework and components, damaging cast iron, zinc, brass, aluminium and steel in equal measure.
But it this happens to you, don’t panic – and above all, don’t start the car. AdBlue is heavier than fuel, which is why it sits at the bottom of the tank where the fuel sender unit is located. So when the engine starts, it’s picked up first, which can damage the sender unit very quickly. If you’ve already driven away by the time you realise, get off the road as soon as you can. But if you’re still on the garage forecourt, stay there. Any driving will cause more damage and, ultimately, increase your repair bill.
So push the car somewhere safely out of the way (enlisting help if necessary) and call for help right away.
Call Wrong Fuel Recovery
Call Wrong Fuel Recovery on 0800 193 1103 or 07538 889 922 – we’re experts in AdBlue removal. Our mobile teams work UK-wide, and we can typically get to people within an hour. Plus we have specialist units to deal with this very situation cost-effectively.
We’ll drain the tank completely to prevent further damage, none of which would be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. We’ll flush the fuel tank with chemicals and use specialist equipment.
If you have already started the engine, and AdBlue sits in the tank for more than a few hours, it forms crystals meaning all affected parts will have to be changed, and the whole fuel system flushed with special additives. (We also need to flush out the injectors where possible.)
Wrong Fuel Recovery enjoys a 95% success rate on vehicles that have started with AdBlue, plus we offer a friendly, expert service that takes the hassle out of a potentially stressful situation, with competitive rates.
Store our number in your phone, and we’ll be there when you need us.