AdBlue® is a colourless solution used in many newer diesel vehicles to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. This is our 4 litre starter top up, designed for first-time users or those looking for a smaller top up. About our AdBlue Top Up Service.
Technically, it's safe to drive to a refueling station if you still have AdBlue left, but if you completely run out, the vehicle will eventually prevent you from driving to avoid damaging the engine. It's essential to top up the AdBlue as soon as possible to avoid these issues.
AdBlue is a liquid that's added to diesel vehicles exhaust to help reduce harmful exhaust emissions (NOx). It turns harmful pollutants into harmless gases that do less damage to the environment. It's made up of special chemicals such as Urea and water and is stored in a separate tank in your vehicle.
What happens if you run out of AdBlue while driving?
If the DEF runs out, the engine will be told by the computer to either shut down (slowly so you can pull over) or to de-rate into a limp mode, so you can drive slowly to the next filling station and refill the DEF/Adblue tank - that's the filler with the blue cap.
Halfords trained experts will check your AdBlue levels. Safely refill the AdBlue tank to the appropriate level. Ensures your vehicle continues to run efficiently and remains environmentally friendly.
Most compliant diesel cars use AdBlue, and so one way you can check is by entering your reg into Motorway's free ULEZ checker. Many AdBlue-equipped cars feature a dedicated warning light on the dashboard. When this light comes on, it's a clear signal that the AdBlue level is low.
Using water instead of AdBlue – In short, you mustn't use water instead of AdBlue, or water down the AdBlue in anyway. AdBlue is a mixture of urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. Where as tap water contains a lot of minerals and ions that is harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system.
A full tank of AdBlue lasts between 6,000 and 7,000 miles, on average. 1 litre of AdBlue lasts around 600 miles, but this can be affected by your driving style. The more fuel your vehicle uses, the more AdBlue it will consume as well. Travelling 6,000 to 7,000 miles will empty your tank.
Contamination. AdBlue is a delicate liquid that can easily become contaminated if it comes into contact with other substances, such as diesel fuel or oil. This can make AdBlue less effective, leading to increased NOx emissions and potential damage to the engine.
If you have one at hand, attach an anti-spill nozzle to the AdBlue container to top up. If you don't, remove the AdBlue tank cap and use a funnel. Now, slowly refill the tank until it is full. In some vehicles, you may need to reset the dashboard warning light once it's been topped up.
AdBlue Prices | Is AdBlue expensive? The actual price of UK AdBlue varies according to quantities delivered, but as a guide, it is roughly half the gross price of diesel per litre at the UK's pump. It reduces diesel fuel use of SCR vehicles by up to 5%.
A modern clean diesel car will recognize that your pee is not the right stuff. AdBlue solution has a far higher concentration of urea--32.5%--mixed into deionized water.
Not all diesels require it. It's usually used in cars, vans and trucks with SCR technology, which is common for vehicles manufactured after 2014. If your car needs AdBlue, there will be a separate filler cap – often near the fuel cap or in the boot.
How do you restart your car after running out of AdBlue?
If you run out of AdBlue™, your vehicle will not re-start after you turn off the engine – this is a condition of the EU6 emissions legislation and applies to all types of vehicles. The AdBlue™ tank will need to be refilled with a minimum of approximately 3-5 litres of AdBlue™ before the vehicle will start.
There are some serious risks associated with running out of AdBlue, and these include: Restricted energy and performance- if your vehicle runs out of AdBlue while you are driving, and your engine is outfitted with SCR technology, your car will run only on restricted energy and performance.
Adblue should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept in a sealed container to prevent contamination. Adblue has a shelf life of approximately one year, so it is important to use it before it expires.
While AdBlue® doesn't directly improve MPG, it enables cleaner, more efficient engine designs that can contribute to better fuel performance in the long term.
PatFluid 1L is a premium Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), designed to reduce harmful NOx emissions in diesel vehicles with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems. As a reliable AdBlue® alternative, it helps keep your engine running clean and efficient.
It is made from a high-purity urea solution and requires a specific manufacturing process to meet the required standards. It is not recommended to make your own AdBlue. AdBlue is a very high-purity urea solution and can be corrosive to some materials and surfaces.
FACT: Many people believe that the urea in AdBlue® is made of pig urine. It isn't! The urea used to make AdBlue® is a man-made solution. Pig urine wouldn't be sterile or pure enough for a commercial product!
Monitor Your Dashboard: Many modern vehicles with AdBlue® have a dashboard indicator or gauge showing the current AdBlue level. Keep an eye on this gauge to know when it's time for a refill. Calculate Based on Fuel Consumption: In some cases, AdBlue® consumption is directly related to your diesel fuel consumption.
