It is common for most of today’s diesel cars to have a common characteristic. The emissions of this type of fuel have always been in the spotlight and, to reduce them, it has been almost mandatory to install some technical novelties. The AdBlue is the protagonist compound such mechanical. It is applied through selective catalytic reduction (SCR), reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which are the most significant diesel concerns.
Technically, Adblue is a highly pure 32.5% urea solution in demineralized water. A substance with a crystalline appearance, innocuous and safe to handle, is stored in a small tank separate from conventional diesel. There it waits its turn to be injected directly into the exhaust line, just before the particulate filter, to break down the NOx molecules into nitrogen and water. Although it is necessary to mention the own maintenance that the cars with AdBlue have.
When is AdBlue used up?
Currently, We see that the AdBlue tanks have a capacity of between 10 and 20 liters approximately. The consumption of this substance depends a lot on the type of car and mechanics, but it is usually between 1 and 2 liters per 1,000 kilometers. In this way, the total autonomy can be between 5,000 and 15,000 kilometers, always depending on the car. However, there is a sensor to detect the level of AdBlue, and the vehicle will indicate when it is necessary to refuel well in advance (it is not usually as urgent as the fuel one).
How to Refuel AdBlue?
Refueling AdBlue is a relatively simple task and within reach of all users. In gas stations and service stations, jugs of this component are usually sold with the proper instructions for refueling. Access to the tank is usually right next to the fuel tank and marked with a blue cap. The nozzle is narrower; you must be careful to bring the adapter to fill the tank and get back on track (sometimes it is sold together with the bottles/carafes of the additive).
The price of AdBlue is usually between 0.60 and 0.80 dollars per liter, not bad considering its low consumption. In the case of a 10-liter bottle at a gas station, it can cost around 12 dollars. In many cases, official workshops are responsible for recharging when the user takes the diesel vehicle for inspection, but each case must always be consulted. In the official service, the maintenance and filling of the selective catalytic reduction system are usually between 30 and 50 dollars.
Does a Car Work Without AdBlue?
If the driver continues to drive his car after the warning that he was running out of AdBlue, it is most likely that nothing happens initially. Even when it is entirely exhausted, the vehicle will not stop; it will continue to run, emitting more particles. However, after this journey, once the engine stops, the car will not start again.
It will begin to give fault with its corresponding warning light on, and there will be no way to start it because the car’s electronics are programmed for it. In this case, the tow truck will have to take the vehicle to an official workshop to reset the control unit and replenish the system with AdBlue.
Therefore, taking into account the margin given after the first warning, it is better to refuel in time to continue driving without this type of unforeseen event or reset the system.