With emissions zones becoming increasingly common and a general trend towards being aware of our impact on the environment and a desire to reduce our carbon footprint, AdBlue helps to neutralise some of the poisonous emissions produced by diesel vehicles. Last week, we looked at the basics of Diesel Emission Fluid. This week, we will go into more detail about what vehicle owners with AdBlue need to know.
How do I know if my AdBlue is running low?
Usually, a warning light will come on to tell you that you need to top up; from this point you have around 1,500 miles before you run out. It is also a good idea to keep a note of when you last topped up (month of the year as well as mileage). Although the top up range varies from 3,000-12,000 miles depending on the size of your AdBlue tank and how you drive, it is a good idea to take note every time you top up so that you have an idea when you are likely to need to refill again. As soon as you top up, your warning light will go off.
Where can I buy AdBlue?
AdBlue is now mainstream and, as such, is available from garages, service stations, fuel stations and vehicle accessory stores, as well as online. Some megastores even sell AdBlue. Bottles of AdBlue range in size, from small, specially designed 1.5 litre bottles that allow for easy use without a funnel or any other equipment to (more economical) 5 and 10-litres bottles. If you are worried about running out of AdBlue, it is a good idea to keep a small bottle handy for emergencies.
What if I run out?
If you run out of AdBlue while you are driving, your engine’s performance will be limited to ensure that emissions are kept low. Once you switch your engine off with an empty AdBlue tank, you won’t be able to start your vehicle again until you have topped up.
How do I top up my AdBlue?
The AdBlue tank is normally found under the floor of the boot, where spare wheels used to be kept. The filler cap is usually blue and found in the boot, under the bonnet, or next to the fuel cap. If you are unsure of how to refill your AdBlue, check your handbook or ask at your local garage for advice. Your handbook should tell you how big your AdBlue tank is and how much you need to refill. Depending on the location of the cap and the type of bottle that you are using, you may need a funnel to refill the tank.
If you haven’t heard of AdBlue before, but you live in an area where there are Low Emission Zones or Ultra Low Emission Zones either in place or on the horizon, it is worth considering investing in a vehicle with AdBlue. These will often have the word “blue” or SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) in the model; if in doubt, speak to your local dealer.
If you found this information useful, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter for more information and to connect with local garages that you can trust.