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.
The AdBlue filler nozzle appears to be a smaller filler nozzle and is situated either next to the main diesel fuel cap (Passat, Tiguan, and Amarok V6) or under your car’s filler flap. The AdBlue nozzle is accessible by simply lifting the filler flap (if fitted).
Either the screw cap or the wheelbrace for the car, both of which are contained in the tool package, are used to unscrew the AdBlue cap.
In TDI engines fitted with AdBlue, reduced raw exhaust emissions are achieved through modifying the fuel injection system, exhaust gas recirculation, and optimizing turbocharging.
An AdBlue injection, a diesel particulate filter, and a DeNOx catalyst are all used in the Volkswagen low emission system. When the engine is running, tiny amounts of the AdBlue solution, which is kept apart from the fuel tank, are poured into the exhaust stream before the DeNOx catalyst.
The amount of AdBlue that is injected is influenced by your driving habits, engine load, and environmental factors.
In This Article...
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.
Which VW vehicles utilize AdBlue?
Volkswagen. The most popular automobile manufacturer in the world offers several diesel models with AdBlue, including the Caddy, Passat, Passat Alltrack, Tiguan, Touareg, Transporter, California, and Caravelle.
The cost of AdBlue VW
The model of your Volkswagen car determines the size of the AdBlue tank. Its volume will range from 11 to 19 litres. Here are a few instances:
- 11 liters, VW Touran
- 12 liters, VW Tiguan
- 16 liters, VW Sharan
- 19.5 liters for the VW Touareg.
- 13 liters, VW Passat
AdBlue usage for your Volkswagen ranges from 1.5 to 2.8 liters per 1,000 kilometers. Based on the size of the tank in your VW model, you can determine how far you can travel on a tank of AdBlue.
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.
Driving without AdBlue is acceptable?
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 all diesel vehicles need AdBlue?
AdBlue is used by many diesel vehicles that comply with Euro 6 emissions regulations. Some of them do not, though, as there are other methods available for lowering NOx emissions.
Here are some hints to assist you determine whether the automobile you wish to purchase uses AdBlue since many vehicles do:
Verify the car’s name to see if it contains the word “blue” or the initials “SCR.” For instance, the AdBlue-using diesels from Peugeot and Citroen are designated as BlueHDi. Fords have the EcoBlue badge. Volkswagens have the TDI SCR badge.
Check if there is the blue-capped AdBlue filler indicated before by opening the gasoline filler flap. Ask the manufacturer or the dealer if you are still unsure.
A Cazoo Service Center can perform a safety check on your car if you want to ensure that it is in the greatest condition possible.
The full spectrum of servicing is available at Cazoo Service Centers, and every work is covered by a warranty lasting three months or 3,000 miles. Simply select your nearby Service Center and enter your vehicle’s registration number to make a reservation.
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.
When is your AdBlue tank full, and how do you 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.
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.
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.
How frequently do you add AdBlue to your vehicle?
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.
Is AdBlue a part of the VW offering?
Adblue is only covered as part of the service, so if you have a Seat or Skoda (I’ll only mention those 2 because I now have a Seat and I asked about a Skoda when I ordered), you may eventually need to top-up the adblue yourself depending on how many miles you drive.