AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that reduces harmful emissions from diesel engines:
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What it is:
AdBlue is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic liquid that’s a mixture of 32.5% urea and 67.5% water. It’s stored in a separate tank from the car’s fuel.
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How it works:
When the engine is running, AdBlue is injected into the exhaust system to break down nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. This process is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The result is nitrogen and water, which are less harmful than NOx.
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Why it’s important:
AdBlue helps diesel engines meet the Euro 6 emission standards set by the European Union. These standards are designed to reduce air pollution and protect human health.
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How to use it:Diesel cars built to meet Euro 6 standards have a smaller blue or black cap for AdBlue, usually next to the main fuel cap. AdBlue tanks have heaters to prevent freezing.
A word of warning. A few years ago I bought some AdBlue and put it in the boot of my car. The bottle leaked and when the clear liquid hit the air it turned into a rubbery white foam and stuck on the carpet in my boot and all over the cloth back seats of the car. I had to pay the car valet people to get it off as I couldn’t. Since then I’ll fill up where and when I buy it and never buy a bottle for later use.
