What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a specially formulated chemical made of water and urea that works to decrease some of the harmful emissions produced by diesel engines. The use of AdBlue is currently one of the most commonly used methods of reducing emissions, and an important product for many of the top car manufacturers, as they work to adhere to strict environmental targets.
How does it work?
AdBlue is injected into the exhaust gases of your vehicle and converts the toxic gases from the exhaust into nitrogen and steam, both of which are harmless substances. This means that the emissions of nitrogen oxides are significantly reduced.
What is AdBlue contamination?
AdBlue can be contaminated by a small amount of another substance, such as just five millilitres of diesel, resulting in serious damage to your vehicle. As well as fuel, AdBlue can also be contaminated by a number of other substances, including oil, dust, water, grease, and detergents.
How can I avoid AdBlue contamination?
Because AdBlue can be contaminated by a variety of different substances, it is important that you don’t dispense or store your AdBlue in a container that has been used for fuel, detergents or lubricants. Make sure that you use a specially assigned container when you store your AdBlue. When it comes to dispensing, make sure that your equipment is clearly marked.
It’s also a very good idea to use AdBlue that comes from a licensed supplier or distributor. This will ensure that the specifications are correct and in line with global quality standards. There are certain suppliers and producers that have been issued with a special licence that allows them to use the official AdBlue trademark. Stick to these legitimate suppliers for peace of mind.
What happens when your AdBlue is contaminated?
AdBlue is formulated in a very specific way, which means that it needs to be kept clean and uncontaminated, both when it is manufactured, and when it is handled after production. When AdBlue becomes contaminated, serious damage is caused to the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, which is the system that works to improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. This SCR system is incredibly sensitive, so any impurity that enters the system can cause damage and limit its efficiency. It is worth noting that damage to the SCR system as a result of AdBlue contamination may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.