Adblue fluid. What should be remembered when refueling?
Modern diesel engines are equipped with SCR systems that require liquid AdBlue additive. Its absence leads to the impossibility of starting the car.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is the common name used to refer to a standardized 32,5% aqueous solution of urea. The name belongs to the German VDA and can only be used by licensed manufacturers. The common name for this solution is DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), which loosely translates as a liquid for exhaust systems of diesel engines. Other names found on the market include AdBlue DEF, Noxy AdBlue, AUS 32 or ARLA 32.
The solution itself, as a simple chemical, is not patented and is produced by many manufacturers. Produced by mixing two components: urea granules with distilled water. So, when buying a solution with a different name, we can not worry that we will receive a defective product. You just need to check the percentage of urea in the water. AdBlue has no additives, is not adapted to the engines of a particular manufacturer, and can be purchased at any gas station or auto shop. AdBlue is also not corrosive, harmful, flammable or explosive. We can store it safely at home or in the car.
A full tank is enough for several or several thousand kilometers, and about 10-20 liters are usually poured into a passenger car. At gas stations you will find dispensers in which a liter of additive already costs about PLN 2 / liter. The problem with them is that they are used to fill AdBlue in trucks, and there is clearly less filler in cars. If we decide to buy large containers of urea solution, the price may even drop below PLN XNUMX per liter.
Why use AdBlue?
AdBlue (New Hampshire)3 i h2O) not a fuel additive, but a liquid injected into the exhaust system. There, mixing with exhaust gases, it enters the SCR catalyst, where it breaks down harmful NO particles.x for water (steam), nitrogen and carbon dioxide. SCR system can reduce NOx 80-90%.
Car with AdBlue. What to remember?
When the liquid level is low, the on-board computer informs about the need to top it up. There is no need to panic, often the “reserve” is enough for several thousand. km, but, on the other hand, it is also not worth delaying gas stations. When the system detects that the fluid is low or the fluid has run out, it puts the engine into emergency mode, and after the engine is turned off, it may not be possible to restart. This is when we are waiting for towing and an expensive visit to the service station. Therefore, it is worth topping up AdBlue in advance.
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If it turns out that the engine ECU "did not notice" the fact of adding fluid, contact an authorized service station or a specialized workshop. We don't have to do it right away, because some systems even need several tens of kilometers before they can add fluid. If a visit is still necessary, or we want to entrust the replenishment to professionals, do not hesitate to take your own packaging with you, because the client has the right to bring his liquid to the service and, as in the case of his own motor oil, request a refill.
It can be debated whether a given oil is suitable for a given engine, but AdBlue always has the same chemical composition and, as long as it is not contaminated or urea crystals have settled at the bottom, it can be used in any car that requires its use, regardless of manufacturer and distributor indicated on the package.
Opening the tank and filling it while the engine is running can create air pockets in the system and damage the pump. Never add a small amount of liquid, about 1-2 liters, because the system will not notice it. In the case of different cars, it can be 4 or 5 liters.
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