What car owners should know about AdBlue

MUNICH: Petrol and diesel prices have risen steeply in recent months — and not just them but also their additives. For example, diesel exhaust fluid, commonly known as AdBlue, has become more expensive.

Drivers in the European Union and elsewhere are required to add this urea-based fluid to their diesel engines in order to reduce emissions.

So with the price rising, does it make sense to stockpile the fluid? No - and for a variety of reasons, according to German motoring organisation ADAC. However, building up a small reserve is a sensible precaution.

Why has AdBlue become so expensive?

The basic ingredient in AdBlue is ammonia. Gas is used in the production process and that has become massively more expensive, which has had a corresponding impact on the price and availability of AdBlue.

Which cars need AdBlue?

In the EU in addition to many transport vehicles such as trucks, many newer passenger cars with diesel engines need the additive. In Europe, these are mostly cars meeting the Euro 6 emission standards, in some cases also the Euro 5 standards.

What’s the consumption rate of AdBlue ?

That depends on the vehicle in question. In general, AdBlue consumption is around 3-5% of overall fuel consumption.

When do I have to refuel with AdBlue?

A warning light (and sometimes an acoustic signal) will warn drivers if supply is running low. According to ADAC, the warning must start as soon as the tank has enough left for just 2,400km.

Optionally, the manufacturer can also start the warning when a fill level is reached that is sufficient for 150% of the average range with a full diesel tank or when 10% of the AdBlue tank's capacity is reached, whichever comes first.

As the level continues to drop, the warning signal intensifies to prompt refilling. This happens, for example, every time the ignition is switched on.

Where do I buy it?

Service stations in many countries will sell AdBlue and it can also be bought from garages or DIY stores. However prices can vary a lot, the ADAC says. The price at car filling pumps is usually much lower than for filled canisters, according to the automobile club.

How much AdBlue should I fill up?

Depending on availability and price, ADAC advises filling up the AdBlue tank as much as possible. Depending on the model, current cars have tanks for 8 to 33 litres.

Should I stock up on AdBlue ?

It doesn’t make sense to stockpile: firstly, because of the high prices and, secondly, because of the short shelf life of a maximum of 18 months. However, a small reserve is useful.

ADAC recommends having a reserve big enough to fill the AdBlue tank completely. This will allow you to drive from 5,000 to 15,000 kilometres.

Where is the best place to store my reserve?

AdBlue must be protected from direct sunlight and temperatures above 30 degrees. A well-ventilated place and storage temperatures between minus 5 and plus 20 degrees are ideal.

Over time, AdBlue naturally decomposes to ammonia. The speed of that decomposition process depends on the storage temperature. At temperatures below 25 degrees the shelf life is at least 18 months, at temperatures up to 30 degrees at least 12 months.

Is AdBlue dangerous?

AdBlue is neither toxic, explosive nor flammable, but it can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. If the fluid comes into contact with skin it should be rinsed off with plenty of water.

This also applies to splashes that come into contact with the car. Paint and plastics can be damaged by prolonged exposure to AdBlue. When the additive dries, it forms white, crystalline spots, but these can usually also be washed off with water.