All you need to know about Adblue
What is Adblue?
AdBlue is an exhaust fluid, not a fuel additive. It's stored in a separate reservoir and is topped up via a (usually) blue filler cap located either next to your fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet.
How long does Adblue last?
The rate at which you use AdBlue depends on your engine and how economically you drive.
- Typical consumption is around a litre of AdBlue every 600 miles.
- But it could be as high as a litre every 350 miles.
- Tank size varies too, so you could need to refill somewhere between 3,000 and 12,000 miles depending on the car and your driving style.
This means that most drivers will have to top-up their AdBlue reservoir at least once between normal service visits to the dealer.
What do I do when I accidentally put diesel in my AdBlue tank?
Do not start your engine! Even the slightest drop of diesel will pollute the AdBlue in your tank. One drop of diesel will pollute up to 20 litres of AdBlue. Running with polluted AdBlue will disrupt your Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. To prevent further damage to your vehicle, it is best to contact your vehicle manufacturer. You may need to replace certain AdBlue components.
What do I do if I spilt AdBlue?
AdBlue is not dangerous to the environment. A small AdBlue spill can be diluted with water. It is best to mop up the spillage and avoid flushing it down a drain or waterway. In case of a large spill, try to prevent the spillage from entering drains or waterways. Contain the spill with sand or earth. Please note that AdBlue may make surfaces slippery.
Can I dilute AdBlue before adding?
AdBlue is designed to be used straight out of the bottle without any dilution. Due to the nature of the system, it could cause damage to your car if you do attempt to use diluted AdBlue. AdBlue must meet the requirements set out in ISO 22241-1 and be made up of 32.5% refined urea and 67.5% demineralised water - anything else is illegal to sell under the name AdBlue.
What is the shelf life of Adblue?
If the bottle remains unopened, it will last for 12 months before degrading too much. If the bottle has been opened, it will last for 6 months before degrading too much. The date which is stamped on the label of a bottle of Adblue refers to the date when it was manufactured.
I've added Adblue to the wrong tank. What do I do now?
Do not start your engine! Depending on the amount of AdBlue, you may damage your engine when you start it. You should empty and clean your tank. You will have to empty the whole tank and discard the mixture.