AdBlue liquid helps reduce polluting gas emissions from new diesel vehicles. AdBlue is an aqueous solution composed of 32.5% synthetic urea and 67.5% demineralized water.
In fact, this colorless and biodegradable liquid is sent into the exhaust pipe where a chemical reaction called selective catalytic reduction (SCR: selective catalytic reduction) takes place.
This technique, used for a long time in the treatment of industrial polluting emissions, has been the subject of a technology transfer to trucks in order to comply with the pollution levels of the Euro 5 standard, and now to light vehicles in order to comply the Euro 6 standard.
Under the influence of heat, urea transforms into carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Inside the catalytic converter, a chemical reaction occurs between the ammonia and the nitrogen oxides released by the engine. This becomes water vapor and nitrogen, so-called harmless gases.
Where is the AdBlue tank located?
Do not mix with diesel, AdBlue has its own tank. It is usually located next to the fuel tank and is distinguished by a blue cap.
It can also be under the engine hood or in the trunk near the location of the spare wheel, always with the blue cap and the AdBlue mention.
AdBlue cans are sold in car stores. Some service stations are equipped with AdBlue pumps, but they are often installed at the level of heavy goods vehicle pumps, therefore with too high a flow rate for cars.
Some information
AdBlue has been put into circulation since September 2014 for vehicles with diesel engines, and agricultural and public works machines, etc. in order to meet the Euro 6 standard. This standard aims to improve air quality, while SCR technology meets the objectives of the Euro standard for light vehicles, but it has concerned heavy goods vehicles for more than 10 years.
All new vehicles are affected by this standard (diesel engine exclusively above 50 horsepower until the end of 2019 and all engines over 30 horsepower from 2020).
Point of vigilance
In the event of a breakdown, what happens?
When the AdBlue light is displayed on the dashboard, the remaining range is on average 2,400 kilometers before running out of fuel.
This alert should not be taken lightly, because the engine could fail and cause the vehicle to completely stop, which could only be restarted by a mechanic. The AdBlue level can be carried out in a garage with presentation of the FATEC card for payment and re-invoicing.
AdBlue does not last long because the product degrades. This is why it is generally sold in 1/5 or 10L cans in car shops or gas stations, in order to be used immediately.
AdBlue is composed of corrosive elements. Contact with skin and clothing should be avoided.
Some figures
On average, the AdBlue tank volume has a capacity of 15L to 20L depending on the car model.
For a heavy goods vehicle, you need around 5 to 7% AdBlue compared to diesel consumption. The tank has a capacity of approximately 30 to 50L .
A can of AdBlue costs on average €10 for 5 liters .
