Some Volkswagen TDI vehicles now come equipped with AdBlue emissions management technology, which helps cars comply with the new EU6 exhaust emissions requirements while cleaning exhaust gases, in an effort to protect the environment.
AdBlue is a liquid additive made of urea and water that processes the gases in a car exhaust system to reduce dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions while being non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable. Depending on the model, the AdBlue solution is kept in a tank close to the regular fuel tank of the vehicle and is accessible by a cap that is often located at the back of the vehicle.
When the engine is running, the System injects very small volumes of the solution into the exhaust system. The chemicals in AdBlue convert the harmful nitrogen gas and water vapor produced by the polluting NOx emissions.
Depending on whatever Volkswagen model you own, the amount of the AdBlue tank installed in your car will vary, as will the time between top-offs. The amount of AdBlue eaten can also vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including the mileage traveled, the type of trip taken, the driver’s habits, and the surrounding environment. Every 1000 kilometers, a typical automobile will need about 1.5 litres of AdBlue.
Although AdBlue is in the lowest risk category for water pollution, it is still a skin irritant and corrosive liquid that can harm the skin, eyes, or respiratory system if it comes in contact with them.
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VW AdBlue: What is it?
AdBlue, a water/urea-based working fluid, is kept in a tank (like diesel fuel), but unlike fuel, it isn’t pumped into the engine; instead, it goes straight into a section of the car’s exhaust that has been properly modified. This triggers a chemical reaction known as selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, which eliminates the harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and transforms them into nitrogen and water. Only diesel engines may employ SCR, and in general, less AdBlue will be used the more economically you drive.
Depending on whatever Volkswagen model you own, the amount of the AdBlue tank installed in your car will vary, as will the time between top-ups. Additionally, a variety of variables, including miles, trip type, driving habits, and climatic conditions, might affect how much AdBlue is used. Every 620 miles, a typical automobile can use about 1.5 litres of AdBlue (1.01.5 litres for the Passat and PassatEstate). The size and position of each Volkswagen model’s AdBlue tank are shown in the chart below.
Can I restock AdBlue on my own?
Can I top off my AdBlue account myself? 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.
What transpires if the AdBlue supply runs out?
What happens if the AdBlue in your automobile runs out? The engine’s power and performance will be lowered to “limp home” mode while you’re driving in order to cut emissions, and after the engine has stopped, it won’t start again until the AdBlue tank is replaced.
Will VW require AdBlue?
Volkswagen’s diesel vehicles employ the SCR system. AdBlue is used in this system to remove nitrogen oxides from exhaust emissions. Here are our responses to some common queries regarding utilizing this product in your car.
Many automakers now consider reducing the pollution produced by diesel vehicles to be a primary goal. The strictness of the emission rules in Europe has increased. The SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, which consists of a catalytic converter into which AdBlue is injected in order to eliminate dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOx) particles, is one of the solutions created by automakers.
Is AdBlue required?
AdBlue is required to clean up the exhaust gases from diesel vehicles. The introduction of AdBlue was essential for current diesel engines due to the implementation of Euro 6 emissions requirements, which mandated that modern diesel vehicles produce 80 mg/km of NOx or less.
The new Euro 6d-TEMP test is even more demanding and intended to provide results from actual situations. Instead of doing it in a lab, measurements are taken while a car is being driven on the road using measuring equipment attached to the exhaust. The latter produced results that could hardly be repeated while driving.
Can I substitute water for AdBlue?
Although some people think utilizing AdBlue is a major chore, this is untrue. SCR vehicles are just as easy to operate as regular cars or passenger cars. You’ll discover that adding AdBlue is just as simple as adding screenwash or monitoring the amount of oil in your automobile.
If you fill your AdBlue tank with anything other than AdBlue, you run the risk of
- As the catalyst and SCR system are extremely sensitive when AdBlue is not utilized, costly repairs that are not covered by the warranty may be required. You risk blocking the injector and harming the catalyst if you fill up with water rather than AdBlue.
- After multiple stops, your automobile won’t start.
- Your car won’t keep up with the emissions standards for a Euro 6 vehicle. MOT failure will ensue from this.
- Your SCR system may gradually deteriorate, lowering engine performance and thereby raising fuel consumption every mile or kilometer.
What happens if I pour AdBlue into the diesel tank or diesel in the AdBlue tank?
- The car must not be moved!
- While the car is still in its original location, drain the tank.
- Never start the car!
In the event that the engine is even briefly started:
- Diesel will poison the catalyst, which will need to be replaced and is unwarranted damage that will increase maintenance costs and downtime.
- AdBlue will gradually deteriorate the pipework and parts of the fuel system since it reacts poorly with particular metals and minerals.
- The fluid will enter the incorrect system, which could have costly long- and short-term effects.
How can I tell if my AdBlue level is low?
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? Using What Fuel? Using four simple questions, a tool can aid in decision-making.
Is AdBlue more affordable at the pump?
Does your truck, coach, bus, or light-goods vehicle require the purchase of AdBlue? Because AdBlue is a high purity urea solution that must be made in accordance with an ISO standard, the first step is to select a reliable source.
This international standard shields your car from contamination that might end up costing hundreds of pounds in repairs. You run the danger of needing expensive repairs if you use a urea solution that is wrong or of low quality and does not adhere to these criteria.
AdBlue brand Air1 from Yara is ISO 22241-certified (ISO 22241-1, ISO 22241-2, ISO 22241-3). It is sold throughout the UK and Ireland by a network of distributors and resellers. These resellers specialize in AdBlue and occasionally offer fuel sales. AdBlue can also be found on highway forecourts. The majority of oil corporations have selected Yara as their AdBlue provider.
The cost of AdBlue will vary depending on how much you order. AdBlue generally costs less per litre than gasoline, about 50% less per litre, making it much less expensive.
A network of authorized Air1 AdBlue wholesalers sells the Air1, Yara AdBlue brand. Retail outlets and companies that offer fuel and other parts for heavy goods vehicles both sell AdBlue. AdBlue can be packaged in an IBC or drum and shipped directly to your depot or garage in bulk from a road tanker to your bulk storage tank.
Your local service is provided through our Air1 distributors. You might discover that your current fuel and lubricant provider is also a licensed Air1 AdBlue supplier. Simply ask your present vendor for Yara’s Air1 AdBlue.
Is AdBlue available at gas stations?
Diesel automobiles’ hazardous exhaust emissions are reduced with the use of AdBlue. It’s a substance that is injected into the exhaust and reacts to nitrogen oxide, a gas created during combustion. AdBlue portable containers are readily available at most gas stations, at most suitable stores, and on the major, well-known internet marketplaces. Please check our prior post for more information about how AdBlue is utilized in automobiles.
How long is a low AdBlue level safe to drive on?
This will offer you a range of between 1,200 to 1,500 miles, depending on the car and how you drive it. Some cars will tell you how many miles are left or how many attempts the car will make to start before giving up.
Do all diesel vehicles require AdBlue?
If in doubt, refer to the vehicle manual. AdBlue should only be used in diesel vehicles equipped with an SCR system.
As a general rule, since the Euro 6 requirements were imposed in 2014, the more recent the diesel automobile is constructed, the more likely it is to use AdBlue. Here you may find the Euro emissions rating of your car.
For instance, all Land Rover diesel vehicles produced beginning with the 2016 model year are equipped with SCR technology, whilst AdBlue technology is used by Jaguar, Audi, Citroen, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen.
Can AdBlue be added at any time?
Every time your car is serviced at a Mercedes-Benz authorized retailer, the AdBlue tank will be topped off. The size of the AdBlue tank has been selected such that you shouldn’t need to refuel between services; one litre of AdBlue will cover about 625 miles of driving.