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.
In This Article...
What is AdBlue by Audi?
AdBlue is a synthetic, colorless mixture of deionized (also known as demineralized) water and extremely pure urea. Before it exits the car’s exhaust system, the urea reacts with the Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) the engine produces to lessen their environmental impact.
To how much of Q7 should I put AdBlue?
Where can I find an Adblue-Tank for an Audi A4 Avant?
Your Audi A4 Avant’s Adblue tank filler is located just next to the diesel filler cap in the fuel filler chamber.
- According to the car’s manufacturer, the 12 Liter A tank in your Audi A4 Avant should last about 6.250 kilometers.
- How to refill the Adblue in your Audi A4 Avant?
Start by raising the flap on the gasoline filler door on the back side of your Audi A4 Avant. The AdBlue tank’s filler cap is located adjacent to the diesel tank’s filler cap. Use the containers from your AdBlue refill kit, which is available on Amazon, or AdBlue pumps made for light cars to fill the tank.
What occurs if AdBlue is not used?
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.
Do I need AdBlue to run?
Where is the evidence? When you run out of AdBlue, the engine won’t be harmed. No, the engine won’t shut down, although some engines automatically reduce engine power when AdBlue levels fall below a certain level.
When is the AdBlue tank full, and how do I know?
The most popular diesel exhaust fluid is AdBlue (DEF). It reduces dangerous exhaust emissions from diesel cars and has automotive urea and deionized water as its main ingredients. As soon as the EU implemented the Euro 6 emissions standard in 2015, it became necessary. AdBlue is as essential to your car as petrol, therefore without it, it cannot function.
When there are approximately 1,500 miles of fuel left in your tank, a dashboard warning light will turn on. This provides you ample time to either buy a container and fill it up yourself, or to bring your car to a motorway service station pump or garage. Your car will enter “limp home” mode and you won’t be able to restart the engine once you turn it off if you ignore the warning light and let your tank get low.
If you decide to top out your AdBlue tank on your own, be careful not to mix it with diesel as this could result in costly damage to your vehicle. Do not start the automobile if you combine the two accidently. Instead, contact your recovery service.
How much is a Litre of AdBlue?
AdBlue Price Per Litre When purchasing our 1000L Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), our AdBlue costs start as low as 48p per litre. However, they increase if you’re wanting to buy a smaller quantity of AdBlue, such as our 5L Jerry Cans.
Is AdBlue costly?
If you purchase adblue at the gas station in a liter bottle, it costs close to six euros a liter. That was the outcome of an auto, motor, and sports sample. Issue 18/2020 of the current issue contains the complete narrative of this. The cost per liter reduces to EUR 2.40 for a five-liter canister. However, this is still pricey when compared to the column’s price.
Why only trucks are often allowed to draw on columns
A liter of Adblue costs between 50 cents and one Euro at the gas station, according to the oil companies. Car drivers, meanwhile, are frequently prohibited from refueling there. Higher flow rates and higher pressure, which are intended for larger Adblue tanks in vehicles, are used by mineral oil producers to support the ban. Trucks can be refueled at up to 10 l/min and cars at up to 1.5 l/min, according to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). According to the organization, specific car models are compatible with both gasoline nozzles. Adblue filler necks must conform to ISO 22241.
It’s curious that virtually all auto makers do not perceive a “safety problem.” The BMW models even have an expensive ring magnet built in for this purpose in the filling head that triggers the truck nozzle in order to permit refueling at a truck nozzle. Audi finds no issues either. All new TDI vehicles provided by Audi can also be refueled at truck pumps, a spokeswoman confirmed. One subject, two viewpoints. Between the client who feels abandoned.
Car fuel pumps would be the best option for topping off the aqueous solution. There are about 500 of them in Germany; 212 of them operate as Shell and 60 as Total. There, a liter of Adblue costs 99 cents while its French rival is 73 cents. Truck drivers there receive between 50 and 60 cents per liter on average.
Why drivers have to refill Adblue
In Germany, there are about 1.3 million cars with SCR-equipped diesel engines. Using a 32.5 percent aqueous urea solution, selective catalytic reduction (SCR), also known as SCR-Kat, transforms nitrogen oxides into water and nitrogen. The trade name Adblue, which is protected by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, is used to market the urea solution AUS 32. (VDA). However, the VDA does not engage in research, development, production, or sales, according to its own information. AUS32 is also marketed as Diesel Emission Fluid in various nations (DEF).
A specific amount of Adblue is necessary, depending on the load and pace. AdBlue use by automobiles has dramatically increased with each tightening of regulations and the corresponding introduction of a Euro standard. A spokeswoman for the French PSA group confirms: “Since 2013 till today, AdBlue use has increased by about 50%.” This frequently indicates that refueling is required for regular drivers.
Why the engine won’t start without Adblue
Since there isn’t much room for an additional tank, it’s capacity isn’t always enough – as intended – until the next inspection. The capacity of the tanks ranges from 11 to 24 liters, depending on the manufacturer. The range that different manufacturers deem required also varies BMW figures 15,000 km, whereas Renault says 7,000 km is adequate. Longer oil change intervals are common in modern vehicles. Particularly frequent drivers need to refuel on route. When there are 2,400 kilometers of range left, the first warning light illuminates in the cockpit. the legislation declares. The engine will no longer start if the remaining Adblue range is too low if the driver disregards the warning and does not refill. Because the engine cannot reach the pollution standard values without Adblue.
The AdBlue nozzle should be placed where it is simple to access, such as behind the fuel filler flap where the diesel filler neck is. Some people choose to leave the task to the workshop if this is not the case. Per tank filling, that can potentially cost anywhere from 30 to 100 euros.
Without AdBlue, can diesel engines operate?
The effects on the transportation industry could be very negative. Without AdBlue, the majority of modern diesel engines will de-rate automatically and cease to function once the vehicle has left the road.
If it were logistically possible to re-map the current truck fleet to operate without AdBlue, doing so would also necessitate temporary adjustments to Australian emission requirements.
Can I always add money to AdBlue?
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.
- 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 before 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 level. 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, though the amount varies depending on the manufacturer.
- 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 support number right away.