The diesel exhaust fluid, usually referred to as DEF or by its brand name AdBlue, is a crucial component of the fuel system in your Audi Q7. There is no method to check your DEF level in between fill-ups, unfortunately. The fluid should be topped off at scheduled maintenance every 10,000 miles as per the approved procedure. While the scenario isn’t ideal, at least You have some sort of indicator when You’re close to run out of diesel exhaust fluid because Your Q7 should send You a 1500 mile warning if You’re going to run out. If there were a method, it would be incredibly convenient, but sadly, you are forced to deal with the current situation. That’s the best you can do: just make sure you routinely top off.
In This Article...
What quantity of AdBlue should I put in my Audi Q7?
Where is the Adblue-Tank for the Audi A5 located?
Your Audi A5’s Adblue tank filler is located right next to the diesel filler cap in the fuel filler chamber.
- According to the automaker, the 17 Liter capacity of the Adblue tank in your Audi A5 should last for 9.000 kilometers.
- How to refill the Adblue in your Audi A5?
The Audi A5’s fuel filler compartment is placed on the back side. To access it, first lift the flap. The AdBlue tank’s filler cap is located adjacent to the diesel tank’s filler cap. You can either use an AdBlue specific pump for light vehicles or an AdBlue refill kit, which are both sold on Amazon.
Audi Q7: Does it need AdBlue?
As has been widely reported, Australia may experience severe financial hardship sooner rather than later due to a new supply chain crisis that is engulfing the country.
This particular crisis is the AdBlue shortage, which might be disastrous for some diesel-powered vehicles in Australia.
This AdBlue crisis, which was first mostly covered through the lens of the trucking business, may also have an impact on Australian drivers who drive newer diesel vehicles that need the additive.
AdBlue is used by a number of vehicles, including the Ford Everest, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q7, and Land Rover Discovery, among others, to reduce emissions even though passenger cars use it in far smaller amounts.
Additionally, contemporary Euro 6d-compliant business vans like the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter frequently exhibit it.
Deionized water and urea are combined to create AdBlue, a substance that is sprayed into the exhaust to reduce nitrogen oxides.
One of the main causes of this AdBlue scarcity was the reduction in urea shipments from China, one of the world’s top urea manufacturers.
In result, this increased resource prices globally by about 50% between September and October 2021.
Here are some of the Australian automakers’ responses to questions on the AdBlue scarcity and the information they are providing to owners.
According to a statement from a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) spokeswoman, the company is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with suppliers to minimize any potential supply disruption.
They reaffirmed that, although they don’t say for how long, their dealers now have enough AdBlue to top up affected vehicles.
The JLR representative stressed that owners shouldn’t acquire the additive in a hurry.
According to a statement released by a BMW Australia spokeswoman, the company has secured supplies of AdBlue for its customers that will last far into next year.
A Ford Australia representative said that the company is aware of the supply issues and is presently trying to determine how they would affect its customer base and vehicle fleet.
They added that the availability of AdBlue varies from dealer to dealer and that they would cooperate with Ford dealers to make sure that their consumers received appropriate information.
According to a representative for Audi, its dealer network is not experiencing a lack of AdBlue supply.
Audi hasn’t yet offered any specific advice regarding the AdBlue scarcity, but if that changes, the automaker promised to let customers know.
Similar to this, a Volkswagen Australia official claimed that the Australian division was not yet really concerned about the AdBlue shortage.
They stated that securing enough automobiles to sell is presently Volkswagen Australia’s top priority.
There isn’t much for us right now, according to a Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) spokeswoman.
The major communication channel between automakers and the Australian Federal Government is the FCAI.
At this point, it continues to describe the AdBlue shortage as a problem for the heavy trucks sector, but it is keeping an eye out just in case.
All of the automaker representatives who were contacted and provided a response stated that their AdBlue-dependent vehicles cannot operate without the additive.
Mercedes-Benz has also been approached for comment; once we get a response, we’ll update this story.
The answer to the headline’s query, whether an AdBlue-dependent vehicle can function without the additive, is regrettably both yes and no.
When deprived of AdBlue, several OEMs program the electronic control units (ECUs) in their vehicles to enter a state known as limp-mode.
Technically, AdBlue-reliant vehicles can function without the fluid by performing an ECU flash, but this is both prohibited and strongly discouraged.
Even though the trucking industry will likely be hit the hardest by the AdBlue scarcity, we’ll have to wait and watch if any formal Federal Government directives are put in place to reduce and possibly even prevent this shortage for customers.
Can I put too much AdBlue in my tank?
A symbol glows in the driver display and the Refill AdBlue well in advance message appears when the AdBlue level begins to drop. No restart is required after the percent 1 percent 2 message.
Warning
It is advised to use the AdBlue pump designed for passenger automobiles when filling up at a gas station. You can also utilize the AdBlue pump designed for large automobiles.
Important
Take care to keep AdBlue away from the car’s paint so that it doesn’t damage it. If so, rinse well with water because the fluid could damage the paintwork.
How can I tell if my AdBlue level is low?
While you’re driving, the engine’s power and performance will be decreased to cut emissions if you run out of AdBlue. If the AdBlue tank is empty when you stop, you won’t be able to restart the engine.
You’ll receive plenty of warning from the vehicle when the AdBlue tank is getting low. Around 1500 miles from home, an amber warning light will normally appear on the dashboard along with an SMS alert.
How can I determine whether my automobile requires AdBlue?
Depending on the type of driving done and the distance traveled, different amounts of AdBlue are used.
Audi claims that the 12-litre AdBlue tank in its A4 car provides it a range of about 6000 miles between fill-ups. According to Peugeot, the AdBlue tanks in its vehicles should only need to be topped off every 12,500 miles; if you don’t travel that far each year, the fluid will be topped off for you during the vehicle’s yearly maintenance appointment.
How do I top up my car’s AdBlue?
A blue cover is typically on the AdBlue tank filler spouts, which are typically found adjacent to the diesel filler. The trunk and spare wheel well are two other typical locations for fillers. Your owner’s manual should provide directions to it.
Where can I buy AdBlue and how much does it cost?
Containers of AdBlue in sizes of 10 and 20 liters are available at auto accessories stores and gas stations. Additionally, some gas stations also offer it at the pumps, and you can get it online. If you’re purchasing it in a container, figure on paying around 1.50 per litre or roughly 60p per litre at a gas station pump.
What happens if my car runs out of AdBlue?
When the AdBlue is getting low, the majority of vehicles will glow a dashboard warning light; this typically happens when there are about three liters of fluid remaining, allowing you roughly 1200 miles to refill it.
The performance and emissions of the vehicle will suffer if you disregard the warning and keep driving it until the AdBlue runs out. If the AdBlue runs out after you shut the engine off, the vehicle won’t start again.
The AA predicts that in 2017, it handled over 20,000 malfunctions associated with AdBlue. Therefore, if you run out while driving and stop the vehicle to top it off, keep the engine running.
What should I do if I put diesel in the AdBlue tank?
Call your dealer or breakdown repair provider to get the tank drained instead of starting the engine. The selective catalytic reduction and AdBlue injection systems may need to be changed if you start the engine since they could be damaged.
What should I do if I put AdBlue in the diesel tank?
Avoid starting the engine at all costs to avoid total engine and fuel system failure. Make a call to a misfueling or breakdown service provider to have the car’s fuel tank drained and cleaned out.
Should you drive a diesel vehicle, or would a gasoline, hybrid, or electric vehicle be more appropriate for you? With four simple questions, you may make a decision with our free What Fuel? tool.
Can I refill AdBlue on my own?
Yes, you may refill yourself with AdBlue. Standard AdBlue cans in 5L and 10L sizes are available at every TotalEnergies gas station. Additionally, TotalEnergies is gradually installing unique pumps for light vehicles. Never refuel a big cargo vehicle using a pump.
AdBlue can be topped off at any moment.
AdBlue: If you drive one of the newest Euro6 diesel automobiles with low emissions, it’s likely that you’ve already filled the specific tank on your new car with the additive. But if you’ve never heard of this new material, what does it do for your car’s health, and how frequently do you need to use it to keep it in good condition? The dos and don’ts of using AdBlue are detailed here.
The introduction of the new Euro6 emissions criteria for diesel vehicles in September 2015 (a year later for vans) aimed to reduce the amount of hazardous pollutants associated to respiratory illnesses.
The permitted limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx), which were previously 180 mg/km, have now been reduced to just 80 mg/km under the new regulations. Reduced emissions will have a smaller negative impact on the environment and public health.
A ban on diesel vehicles that don’t adhere to Euro6 requirements is now being considered in many major European cities, including London and Paris.
The procedure known as Selective Catalytic Reduction, which entails the injection of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into current gas circulatory systems and helps to break down toxic NOx, has been generally adopted by car makers to fulfill the new standards. AdBlue is the common name for this DEF.
Clean air zones, like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, demand that diesel automobiles and vans meet Euro6 standards in order to enter without paying a daily fee.
AdBlue is essentially a synthetic urea that reduces nitrogen oxide into inert steam and nitrogen to perform its function. Like fuel, it is kept in a tank, and more and more diesel carsusually the ones with bigger enginesare getting tanks for AdBlue. However, other manufacturers might just call it a “Emissions Additive.”
AdBlue is not a gasoline additive that is pumped into the engine. It is included in the car’s exhaust system’s catalyst system.
The amount of AdBlue consumed varies with engine use. An estimated 1.5 litres of AdBlue will be used by a passenger automobile for every 620 kilometers. When you need to top off depends on your driving style, how many miles you travel, and the size of the AdBlue tank, which varies in size. When it’s time to top off, a dashboard warning light will let you know.
Since 2006, when the Euro4 rules for trucks and buses were implemented, AdBlue has been widely used in these types of vehicles.
Like fuel, adBlue is regarded as a consumable. Therefore, it is the driver’s duty to see that the AdBlue tank is always full and to cover any associated costs. Never mix AdBlue into your fuel. Always keep AdBlue in a whole different tank. The AdBlue filler, however, will frequently be situated next to the fuel filler in automobiles.
It should be emphasized that AdBlue misuse, such as adding it to diesel or gasoline tanks or experiencing a breakdown due to low AdBlue levels, will not be covered by maintenance or recovery agreements.
AdBlue expenses are not covered by maintained lease contracts. However, some leasing companies will top off the AdBlue as part of a regular service.
Drivers should read the owner’s manual for their vehicle to become familiar with their obligations.
- AdBlue is a technology for reducing emissions that is only suited to diesel engines and works in conjunction with DPF technology already in place.
- It’s possible that DPF-equipped diesel vehicles lack an AdBlue tank. However, a DPF is always included as part of the complete pollution control system in vehicles equipped with an AdBlue tank.
- The warning lights for the DPF and AdBlue systems are independent of one another and will both illuminate.
- Fuel that is appropriate for consumption receives AdBlue. Therefore, factors influencing usage include driving habits, mode of transportation, engine and vehicle load, and weather conditions.
- Automotive retailers, mechanics, dealerships, select gas stations, and online retailers all provide AdBlue for sale. A 10 litre container of AdBlue typically costs approximately 12.50 at Halfords.
- The position of the AdBlue filling varies by manufacturer and model. The boot, next to the gasoline filler, or under the hood are typical placements.
- The time between top-ups will vary since the size of the AdBlue tank used in automobiles differs between manufacturers and models.
- Depending on the manufacturer, model, and driving style, AdBlue may need to be topped off every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, according to conservative estimates.
- AdBlue may occasionally be given away without charge by some manufacturers, perhaps as a standard service. However, it is extremely doubtful that refills during ordinary service will be enough to maintain AdBlue levels.
- Vehicles with variable servicing need special consideration because an AdBlue top-up before the first service is almost always necessary.
- The driver information system will issue a number of alerts when AdBlue is becoming low. For instance, Audi models show the remaining distance from 1,500 miles until a refill is necessary.
- It is crucial that these alerts are taken seriously right away. The vehicle will operate at reduced power if AdBlue drops below a set threshold. Once stopped, it won’t restart until enough AdBlue has been added. If it happens on the side of the road, you’ll be responsible for paying for recovery.
- Audi, for instance, calls for at least 5.7 litres of AdBlue to restart the car, however the amount varies depending on the brand.
- Never mix AdBlue into your fuel. You should not start the car after adding AdBlue through the fuel filler and should instead call the relevant emergency support number right away.
- The same rules apply if you unintentionally add fuel to the AdBlue tank: don’t start the car, and call the relevant emergency assistance number right away.