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AdBlue® Guide

If you own a diesel car manufactured after September 2015, then you will likely need AdBlue^® to keep your vehicle running. In this guide, we explain why you need it in your diesel vehicle, its benefits to the environment, and how it works.

If you have any questions about our AdBlue^® or if you want to place an order, you can speak to one of our experts on 0330 123 1144.

What is AdBlue^®?

AdBlue^® is a diesel exhaust fluid which has been introduced to help reduce the harmful nitrogen oxide emissions which are released by heavy vehicles used daily on our roads. AdBlue^® is required by law to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions produced by a diesel engine vehicle. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is required by law within diesel vehicles that are fitted with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide. AdBlue^® is also used within NRMM (Non-road mobile machinery) such as generators.

What does AdBlue^® do?

AdBlue^® is a major player in helping to reduce harmful emissions released by diesel vehicles, but how does it work to reduce your emissions? When diesel engines burn fuel, there are polluting chemicals released, including nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide. The job of AdBlue^® is to reduce these harmful emissions by spraying the fluid onto the exhaust fumes produced by combustion. Due to such high and harmful emissions released from diesel exhausts, the UK government put additional pressure on diesel car manufacturers to reduce the amount of emissions.

What is AdBlue^® made from?

AdBlue^® is made from a mixture of urea (32.5%) and deionised water (67.5%). Produced by combining liquid ammonia and CO₂ under very high pressure and temperatures to form ammonia carbamate, which then decomposes under lower pressures, forming urea and water. The synthetic version of urea is colourless and non-toxic.

How does AdBlue^® work?

AdBlue^® works alongside a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which reduces NOx exhaust emissions. It is sprayed onto a diesel exhaust, which releases ammonia, creating a chemical reaction. The reaction turns dangerous chemicals into Nitrogen and water vapours, which are harmless to the atmosphere.

What are the benefits of AdBlue^®?

Due to the significant contribution to air pollution and health issues that will be created by diesel engines, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or AdBlue^® will cut harmful emissions produced by diesel engines, which is essentially the main reason it exists.

Not only will AdBlue^® benefit the environment, but it’ll also improve the efficiency of your fuel by reducing the amount of fuel that your engine uses. As it reduces the NOx emissions, it will result in better fuel economy. So if you’re using a vehicle or a piece of machinery that requires AdBlue^®, you’ll notice a saving in your fuel tank.

As AdBlue^® improves fuel efficiency, it’ll also provide an extension to your diesel engine’s life, which reduces the wear and tear on your engine. So, using it will make your diesel engine run smoothly and last longer.

Is all AdBlue^® the same?

There are several names for AdBlue^®, which include Bluedef and BlueTec, but unfortunately, not all of them are of the same quality as the AdBlue^® we provide at Beesley Fuels. We always recommend choosing from a reliable and trusted supplier, as poor substitutes will cause issues with your vehicle’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and prevent exhaust gases from being released, causing blockages. Here is how you can check if your AdBlue^® is of high quality:

• It should be a colourless, clear liquid
• Only purchase from certified VDA licensees
• Look out for similar brand names, which are usually inferior in quality
• Not all AdBlue^® is made the same, so low cost usually means poor quality

Who requires AdBlue^®?

If you’re unsure whether your diesel vehicle has selective catalytic reduction (SCR) fitted, you can refer to the handbook that came with the vehicle. To be clear, it is only required for modern diesel-engined vehicles; if you have a petrol-engined vehicle, you should not attempt to use AdBlue^® in your fuel tank.

Any commercial diesel-engine vehicles above 7.5 tonnes and Euro IV and Euro V manufactured after October 2006 are fitted with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which requires AdBlue^® to function. Most non-commercial passenger road vehicles were not required to use it until a few years later, when regulations were introduced in 2014.

Your diesel vehicle will have an AdBlue^® filler cap, which will usually be found next to the fuel filler cap. Without AdBlue^®, your vehicle won’t start, and a warning light will appear on your display telling you to fill your AdBlue^® tank.

Will running out of AdBlue^® ruin my car?

Running out of AdBlue^® will not directly damage your engine or shut your car down; however, depending on the specification of your vehicle, your engine may limit its performance due to low AdBlue^® levels within the vehicle. Should your vehicle have SCR technology, your vehicle is more likely to have its performance reduced without topping up your AdBlue^®. Not only will power be lost in your vehicle, but you’ll also reduce the vehicle’s legal standards for emissions it can emit.

What is the price of AdBlue^®?

AdBlue^® pricing is dependent on several factors, including the quantity required and your location. However, Beesley Fuels will always aim to have competitive pricing compared to others on the market. Simply get in touch with our team today to discuss your AdBlue^® order.

Call our expert team today on 0330 123 1144, and we will aim to get your order delivered to your address within 24-48 hours.

How should I store AdBlue^®?

AdBlue^® needs to be stored between -11℃ and 30℃, which will maximise its 12-month lifespan. Here at Beesley Fuels, we supply a range of AdBlue^® tanks depending on the quantity you need. We supply quantities from 500 litres to 120,000 litres, so no order is too large. Whether you’re a business or homeowner, we’ll be able to meet your requirements and budget to match you with the tank you’ll need.

How much will AdBlue^® storage cost?

The cost of storing your order will depend on the quantity of AdBlue^® your business or personal needs require. There is no order too big or too small as we supply it in the following range of quantities:

• 40 litres (minimum order) – Ideal for light, infrequent use (we can deliver smaller quantities with any fuel or lubricant delivery)
• 210 litres – Best for medium AdBlue^® usage
• 1000 litres – AdBlue^® in this quantity will be delivered in an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)
• 5000+ litres – Best for heavy AdBlue® usage by large fleets

What does AdBlue^® look like?

High-quality AdBlue^® will all have the same features, so ensuring yours has the following will mean it is of the best quality. When purchasing AdBlue^®, you should look for the following:

• Colourless clear liquid
• Only purchases from registered VDA licensees
• Check for “AdBlue^® according to ISO 22241” on a container or dispensing system
• Low-priced AdBlue^® may not contain urea, which is the solution that will reduce emissions

Is AdBlue^® harmful?

AdBlue^® is not classified as a toxic substance, but it can cause irritation if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, so appropriate protective equipment should be worn when handling it. Its main ingredient is urea (or a synthetic equivalent), a naturally occurring compound also found in the human digestive system. However, it should never be inhaled or ingested.

While it isn’t harmful to people under normal use, AdBlue^® can corrode certain metals. It should therefore be transported and stored with care, ideally in a cool, well-ventilated and properly designed storage tank.

Is AdBlue^® an additive to diesel?

Your AdBlue^® supply must never come into contact with diesel, this is because the DERV and AdBlue^® components are completely separate. If you have managed to get it into your diesel tank, which should be a difficult task due to the size differences in the nozzles, you will have to get in contact with roadside assistance. You may be covered by insurance, though this is down to your specific cover.

Where can I buy AdBlue^®?

Here at Beesley Fuels! We supply AdBlue^® in a range of quantities to suit your requirements, so no matter how much you require, we can ensure an efficient delivery to your door within 24-48 hours of placing an order. We can supply you with high-quality AdBlue^® in quantities ranging from 40 litres to 36,000 litres or more, and if you’re placing a fuel or lubricant order at the same time, we can deliver smaller quantities as needed.

If you would like to learn more about our AdBlue^® or wish to discuss your requirements with one of our fuel experts, call us today on 0330 123 1144 to learn more and request a quote.