What is AdBlue and what is it for?
Content
- AdBlue - how?
- What is AdBlue used for? How does its layout work?
- Why do we need AdBlue?
- Which vehicles use AdBlue injection?
- How much does AdBlue cost?
- Where to buy AdBlue?
- Refueling AdBlue - how is it done?
- How much AdBlue does a car consume on average?
- Can I drive without adding AdBlue?
- AdBlue mixed with fuel?
- Should the driver be concerned about AdBlue injection engines? Summary
The Euro 6 standard is the next stage of the war that the European Union has declared on the manufacturers of cars that cause the most air pollution. As you probably guessed, diesel cars got the most. By their very nature, diesel engines emit more pollutants, and the new standard has resulted in a reduction of nitrogen oxide in exhaust gases by as much as 80%!
However, despite such tough restrictions, entrepreneurship still finds its way. This time it manifested itself in the form of AdBlue injection.
What is it and how does it reduce the amount of harmful compounds in exhaust gases? You will find out by reading the article.
AdBlue - how?
AdBlue is an aqueous solution of urea with a concentration of 32,5%. It consists of urea (32,5%) and demineralized water (the remaining 67,5%). In a car, it is located in a separate tank, the filler neck of which can usually be found in one of three places:
- next to the filler neck,
- under the hood,
- in the trunk.
Where did the name "AdBlue" come from?
It is a trademark owned by the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA). The substance itself has a technical designation that varies from country to country. In Europe it is designated as AUS32, in the USA as DEF, and in Brazil as ARLA32.
AdBlue is not a hazardous substance and does not harm the environment in any way. This is evidenced by the ISO 22241 standards, according to which its production took place.
What is AdBlue used for? How does its layout work?
The vehicle injects AdBlue into the exhaust catalytic converter. There, the high temperature affects the urea solution, as a result of which harmful nitrogen oxides are converted into ammonia and carbon dioxide.
The thus prepared exhaust gas then passes through the SCR, i.e. the selective catalytic reduction system. In it, a significant part of nitrogen oxides is converted into water vapor and volatile nitrogen, which is harmless.
A very similar technology has been used for years in larger road vehicles (such as buses or trucks).
AdBlue temperature
An important fact is that AdBlue only works under certain temperature conditions. This is due to the fact that the substance crystallizes when the temperature drops below 11,5 ° C. True, after heating it returns to its original form, but nevertheless, a change in the state of aggregation causes some technical problems.
At low temperatures, the concentration of the urea solution decreases, and it also happens that crystals clog the installation. In the tank, they also cause trouble, because the crystallized substance is difficult to remove from its bottom.
However, manufacturers solve this problem with insulation. Installed in AdBlue tanks, they protect the liquid from crystallization.
Excessive heat and exposure to UV radiation also do not favor the solution. Excessive exposure to such conditions results in the loss of AdBlue properties. Therefore, avoid storing liquids in hot places (eg trunk). Also, do not buy AdBlue packs that the seller stores on the street.
Why do we need AdBlue?
You already know what AdBlue is and how it works in your car. However, you may still be wondering what are the benefits of this substance? Is there more to AdBlue besides meeting the current EU standards and reducing environmental pollution?
As it turned out - yes.
If the car's engine is running at optimal settings, the urea solution reduces fuel consumption by about 5%. In addition, it reduces the number of vehicle failures, which further affects the economy.
There are also European discounts for owners of vehicles with AdBlue injection. Reduced taxes and lower tolls on European roads make long journeys much cheaper than usual.
Which vehicles use AdBlue injection?
When it comes to diesel vehicles, AdBlue injection can be found in a large number of units produced in 2015 and later. Of course, this solution is also available in most new cars that meet the European Euro 6 standard.
Sometimes the manufacturer already indicates in the engine name whether this unit has an AdBlue system (for example, BlueHDi Peugeot).
How much does AdBlue cost?
AdBlue is considered to be very expensive. This is only part of the truth.
On ASO sites, this liquid is charged a high fee, in some cases up to PLN 60 per liter! Considering that the average car has a 15-20 liter AdBlue tank, the cost seems very high.
Therefore, do not buy AdBlue from authorized service stations. Do not even reach for branded solutions at gas stations.
AdBlue is a patented substance that has the same composition in each case. There are no special branded motor compounds. The solution should contain only urea of the correct concentration, 32,5% - no more.
As for AdBlue in containers, the prices are as follows:
- 5 liters - about PLN 10-14;
- 10 liters - about PLN 20;
- 20 liters - about 30-35 zł.
As you can see, it is much cheaper than ASO. It will be even cheaper if you fill up the AdBlue in a dispenser at a gas station (it works in the same way as a dispenser with fuel). Then the price per liter will be about 2 zł.
Where to buy AdBlue?
As we already mentioned, you can pour liquid from a special dispenser at a gas station. It is also available locally in containers of varying capacities, but then it is much more expensive.
Therefore, if you want to buy AdBlue in containers, it is better to take advantage of the offer of some hypermarkets or order liquid online. The last option is the best for the price.
Refueling AdBlue - how is it done?
The level of complexity of the entire process depends primarily on the vehicle. In the newer models, the AdBlue filler neck is located next to the filler neck, which greatly simplifies the work. The situation is worse with cars in which the urea solution system was installed outside the design stage.
The owner of such a car will find AdBlue filler:
- in the trunk,
- under the hood and even
- in the spare wheel niche!
When it comes to topping up, it doesn't differ much from topping up washer fluid. However, in the case of AdBlue, be careful not to spill any substance. He is very aggressive, so you could accidentally damage your car.
For this reason, sometimes there are AdBlue packages that come with a special funnel. This greatly simplifies the application of the solution.
How much AdBlue does a car consume on average?
Average fuel consumption is approximately 1-1,5 liters per 1000 km. Of course, the exact amount depends on the type of engine and how you drive, but liter / 1000 km can be considered the lower limit. This means that the driver has to top up AdBlue every 5-20 thousand. km (depending on the tank capacity).
Unfortunately, some brand owners have to spend a lot more in this regard.
We recently learned about Volkswagen's problems. A scandal erupted around the company, as it turned out that its diesel engines in large quantities emit very harmful nitrogen oxides. As a result, the manufacturer updated the software of its vehicles, which have used much more AdBlue since then. The combustion level reaches 5% of the fuel consumption!
And this update was applied not only by Volkswagen. Several other brands have followed suit.
For the casual driver, she had to top up the fluid much more often.
Can I drive without adding AdBlue?
Engines with AdBlue injection are specially programmed to operate only in the presence of liquid. If not refilled, the car will enter emergency driving mode. Then there is a chance that when the engine stalls, you will not start it again.
The only way out is to visit an authorized service center.
Fortunately, most vehicles report low AdBlue in advance, so you have plenty of time to refill. However, do not ignore the warnings, as this will lead to much bigger problems.
How many liters of AdBlue should I add when the indicator is on?
The safest answer is 10 liters. Why? First of all, containers for urea solution usually have a capacity of several liters. By adding 10 liters, you will never overdo it, and AdBlue will last at least several thousand kilometers.
Secondly, in some car models, the system resets the warning only when more than 10 liters of liquid is detected in the tank. Exactly as much as you replenish.
AdBlue mixed with fuel?
Many drivers (especially in the early years of the introduction of AdBlue systems on the market) thought that the urea solution was mixed with fuel. Therefore, there were many myths that the fluid would lead to faster engine wear.
There is some truth in this, but for only one reason. If you add AdBlue to the fuel tank, the engine will fail, as will the tank itself and the fuel pump.
Therefore, never do this!
If you accidentally spill urea solution into the fuel because of thought, under no circumstances start the engine! This will only cause more damage. Instead, go to an authorized body shop and ask for help with the problem.
Use the same scheme when, for some reason, fuel enters the AdBlue tank. Starting the engine in such a situation will cause serious damage to the SCR and AdBlue system.
Should the driver be concerned about AdBlue injection engines? Summary
New technologies very often cause a lot of fear and suspicion in people. It was the same with AdBlue when it first entered the world of passenger cars on a large scale. Today we know that most of these fears were either exaggerated or turned out to be completely irrational and arose out of ignorance.
AdBlue is, of course, additional costs - both for fluid and for repairs in the event of a breakdown of a new car system.
However, on the other hand, the presence of a urea solution has a positive effect on the durability of the drive unit, reduces fuel consumption and gives the driver additional bonuses (discounts) for owning an environmentally friendly vehicle.
Caring for the planet is, of course, also a plus for everyone with a passion for the environment.
After all, EU standards are in place and there are no signs that anything on this matter will change in the near future. It remains for us drivers to adapt. In this matter, we don’t sacrifice much (if we donate anything at all), because driving a car with AdBlue injection is practically no different from driving a traditional car.
