What is Adblue (in cars) and what is it for
- 13.03.2023
When a car engine runs on diesel fuel, nitrogen dioxide is released into the atmosphere together with the exhaust gases. This substance is dangerous to human health. Adblue is a reagent that neutralizes nitrogen dioxide. The liquid contains 32.5% urea or urea and 67.5% deionized water. Urea crystals dissolve and mix with the liquid. A simple formulation that has such a positive effect on the environment and human health.
How Adblue works
Cars with Euro 4, 5 and 6 diesel engines, which have an SCR system, have a special section where you fill in Adblue. This liquid is injected into the exhaust system, reacts with the gases and neutralizes 90% of the nitrogen dioxide in them. It breaks down into nitrogen and water - safe components.
Adblue is a non-flammable and non-toxic liquid. However, if it comes into contact with the skin, it causes irritation. It is also not advisable to inhale Adblue vapour, and it is important that it does not affect the eyes. The product can cause metal corrosion. Therefore, when the liquid is poured into the tank, make sure that it does not come into contact with metal parts of the machine. Rust can occur quickly.
Do you have to use Adblue?
If there is no Adblue in the tank, the engine will run at a lower speed. It will have low revolutions. There is a risk of engine damage. Most cars will not start at all if there is no Adblue in the tank. You can read the amount of Adblue on the dashboard.
The liquid is poured into a special hole. It's often located near a fuel tank. It has a blue cap with an inscription Adblue. It is better not to let the tank be completely emptied and to refill the liquid in time.
Only a quality Adblue formulation from a trusted manufacturer should be used. It is recommended that you use the same fluid from the same manufacturer. Filling stations may have containers with Adblue. But it is the trucks that are mostly refueled there.
Most car owners buy Adblue at dealerships and service stations. Adblue is sold in 10 and 20 liter cans. To keep the fluid from spilling out of the canister, you use a bottle with a special neck.
On average, 1 liter of Adblue for a passenger car is required for 1000-1200 km of travel. A truck will use considerably more fluid, 1,5-2 liters per 100 kilometers. Factors affecting Adblue consumption are
- Type of exhaust treatment system.
- Driving style.
- The speed at which the vehicle is driven.
- The driving conditions of the vehicle. If a vehicle is carrying heavy loads or is stuck in heavy traffic with the engine running, Adblue consumption increases.
Store Adblue in a closed container at temperatures no lower than -11 and no higher than +30. Do not leave it in direct sunlight. It is better to store Adblue in the shade. Product freezes at -11. Adblue has a limited shelf life, so care must be taken to keep this in mind. The Adblue has a limited shelf life and it is important to keep an eye on it. If you need to refill the Adblue liquid infrequently because of the low flow rate, buy a smaller container to avoid leaving it in the tank after refilling.