The world population is increasing very rapidly today. Therefore, the number of vehicles used by people is constantly increasing, and the damage caused to nature and living things by the exhaust gases created by these vehicles has also increased considerably. In order to minimize the negative effects of these harmful exhaust gases, efforts are being made to find a solution by constantly reducing the limit of inspections.
As a result of various studies carried out today, many methods are being developed to minimize the emission of these gases. The most used of these is diesel exhaust fluid, also known as AdBlue, which is the subject of our content. Let’s move on to our content where we answer questions such as what is AdBlue used in diesel engine cars, what is AdBlue used for, what happens if it runs out.
What is AdBlue used in automobiles?
AdBlue, which we encounter very often but do not have much information about, is a liquid that helps reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions produced by diesel engines. It was first used in some diesel engines produced in 2010, and as of 2015, it has been used in many diesel engines, especially Euro 6 engines.
This liquid, consisting of high purity urea and deionized water, does not go directly to the engine, unlike gasoline and diesel, but is stored in a separate tank and then goes to the exhaust of the vehicle. In particular, brands are trying to comply with the regulations by creating such solutions in their vehicles in order to comply with the strict emission regulations that have become stricter in recent years.
So what exactly does AdBlue do?
AdBlue, also known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DES), as we mentioned above, consists of urea and deionized water and causes a liquid reaction. Urea contains ammonia, which can react with the nitrogen oxide in the catalyst and break it down. At the end of this reaction, nitrogen and water come out of the exhaust.
What’s in AdBlue?
- This
- Urea
AdBlue, a colorless and non-toxic liquid, consists mainly of water and urea. Urea, which is extremely pure, has a much higher quality than other uses. The water used in the liquid is highly deionized.
Is AdBlue flammable?
AdBlue is not flammable due to its nature and is not a dangerous liquid. Its water and urea solution poses very little risk to humans. If you have sensitive skin, possible irritation etc. We recommend that you fill the liquid using a glove to avoid possible situations. However, try to keep this liquid away from your mouth and eyes.
Does AdBlue freeze?
AdBlue is a liquid that freezes at -11 degrees. Since the AdBlue tank is located right next to the exhaust in almost most vehicles, you will not encounter any freezing problems while the engine is running. At the same time, even if AdBlue freezes, it does not lose its properties after melting and continues to work perfectly.
Which cars use AdBlue, do gasoline cars use it?
Technologies such as SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and AdBlue are usually found in large and expensive models. The biggest reason for this is that the system is too large and expensive to fit into small models. This environmentally friendly liquid is currently only used in diesel vehicles.
Tests have found that small diesel cars are as harmful as a fully loaded truck. Research conducted by the University of Leeds revealed that the Polo with a 1.4 TDI engine emits 1.2 g of nitrogen dioxide per kilometer traveled, which is as much as a fully loaded diesel truck. Additionally, research has shown that the vehicle’s harmful nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 56% thanks to the use of AdBlue.
A lot of attention should be paid: What happens if AdBlue runs out?
When the AdBlue level in your car starts to decrease, a warning appears on the vehicle screen about how many kilometers of driving distance are left before starting the engine. This is a warning that you should take extremely seriously, because when this specified distance is over, your engine will automatically shut down and you will not be able to start it again.
If AdBlue runs out while your vehicle is in motion, the engine’s power and performance will decrease. The vehicle does this to prevent any damage to the vehicle. In this case, you need to refill the AdBlue tank directly.
What should be done if AdBlue is put in the fuel tank?
- Step #1: Don’t start your engine
- Step #2: Drain the fuel tank
- Step #3:Check for damage
Although AdBlue is actually a liquid that should never be mixed with diesel, some people know it as a fuel substance and pour it from the fuel tank. AdBlue has its own tank, unlike the fuel tank. Adding AdBlue to your diesel fuel tank can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle. Since AdBlue is not a liquid compatible with any engine material, it can damage the components inside the engine as well as cause them to rust very quickly.
Step #1: Don’t start your engine
As we mentioned above, since AdBlue is not compatible with any components of the vehicle’s engine, it can cause these components and pipes to corrode very quickly. Otherwise, starting the engine will cause this fluid to circulate throughout the fuel system.
Step #2: Drain the fuel tank
You need to empty the fuel tank where AdBlue is placed by a professional. There are various siphon systems to completely withdraw the fuel and liquid from the tank. When the tank is completely empty, it is recommended to clean the tank with warm water immediately before adding fuel.
Step #3: Check for damage
After making sure that there is no AdBlue left in the fuel tank, it should be checked by a professional service against any damage that may occur.