The use of AdBlue is a legal requirement for new and existing diesel vehicles in Australia, so keeping your levels topped up is vital to keeping you on the road.
Australia has had road vehicle emission standards in place for new vehicles since the early 70s. Naturally, these standards have tightened over the past 50 years, forcing car makers to develop and implement new forms of vehicle emission control technologies for their vehicles.
The current minimum standard for new light vehicles in Australia is ADR 79/04 which is based on the Euro 5 standards, while the current minimum standard for new heavy vehicles is ADR 80/03 which is also based on Euro 5.
Both of these standards require light and heavy diesel vehicles to meet strict emission standards, particularly when it comes to the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions a diesel vehicle is allowed to produce.
Understanding Adblue and SCR technology
One of the most widely adopted forms of vehicle emission reduction for diesel engines is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
This is a system that injects a liquid reductant-agent – popularly referred to as the marketing name, AdBlue® – through a special catalyst into the exhaust stream. The liquid reductant-agent is a combination of urea and deionised water stored in a separate tank from the fuel tank.
When the car is running, tiny amounts of AdBlue are sprayed onto the exhaust stream, causing a chemical reaction that breaks down the NOx into water and leads to a significant reduction in the production of NOx emissions.
Which cars need AdBlue?
Diesel can become contaminated when water enters a diesel storage tank as a result of condensation, rainwater penetration, and absorption from the air.
Any registered diesel vehicle released during or after 2014 will likely use SCR technology and AdBlue (or a similar type of NOx reduction system known as Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to reduce NOx emissions.
Various makes and models, released by the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan, which implement their own version of SCR technology are available on the market, giving customers a range of options. Of course, all these diesel vehicles must meet the minimum Euro 5 standards.
Some models even have the terms ‘Blue’ or ‘SCR’ in their names to indicate their compatibility with SCR technology.
Does your Adblue levels need topping up and you’re due for a service? Book an appointment with Car Servicing & You today.
How often does AdBlue need refilling?
That depends on the make and model of your vehicle, including your driving distance, driving style, and load bearing.
The average tank of AdBlue typically lasts 12,000 to 16,000 km of normal driving, with tank sizes ranging from 10 to 16 litres and more, depending on the vehicle. Larger vehicles, like the Nissan X-Trail, has a 17 litre AdBlue tank that can last an estimated 20,000 km on a single tank.1
Be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for the most accurate AdBlue refilling schedule.
Where can you buy AdBlue?
AdBlue is sold in 1.5, 5, and 10 litre containers in most service stations across Australia, including select supermarkets and auto stores.
More and more service stations are offering AdBlue at the pump, too, providing a convenient and efficient way to quickly top up. As a general guide, though, it’s good to have a spare container at all times, especially if you plan on driving long distances in remote areas.
How to top up your AdBlue tank
Locate the AdBlue filler. This is typically located next to the fuel filler, although for some vehicles it might be elsewhere. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for clarification. Then, untwist the cap, and top up as required until full.
You will know when it is time to top up your AdBlue when a warning light appears on the dashboard. This typically lights up when the tank is below 3 litres, which gives you about another 1,900 km driving distance to top up before the tank is empty.
In addition to this, a licensed mechanic will top up your AdBlue for you during your next routine service. They will also closely inspect your SCR system, ensuring the exhaust sensor is producing an accurate reading, and the system itself is distributing the correct amount of AdBlue when necessary.
What happens if you run out of AdBlue?
Most registered diesel vehicles from 2015 and later have a built-in mechanism where, if the level of AdBlue is zero, the engine will not start.
Why? Because these vehicles must meet the minimum emission reduction standards as set out by Euro 5. So, in order for them to be legally allowed to operate, the SCR technology must be running efficiently.
To avoid an AdBlue-related breakdown, always have a spare container of it with you. And be sure to check your AdBlue levels every 1,000 to 2,000 km. Maintaining a regular service schedule is also vital to maximising the efficiency of your vehicle.
Is your diesel vehicle due for an Adblue refill, or scheduled maintenance? Book an appointment with Car Servicing & You today.
