How will I know when I need Adblue?
Vehicles fitted with an AdBlue system will notify you when the tank needs topping up. Look out for a message or indicator light on your dashboard.
Your car may be fitted with an advanced emissions control system, which helps your vehicle meet the latest Euro 6 exhaust gas regulations. If so, you will need to top up the AdBlue tank.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue® is a liquid used to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, so they meet EU regulations and cause less harm to the environment.
Tank size varies from vehicle to vehicle, but they typically hold 10litres or more.
You can expect to use around a litre of AdBlue® every 600 miles. However, like fuel consumption, this depends on the vehicle, driving style and vehicle load so please check your vehicle handbook and take action if the warning light comes on.
How does the Adblue system work?
AdBlue®, a water/urea based operating fluid, is stored in a tank (like diesel fuel), however, unlike fuel it is not injected into the engine, but directly into a specially modified part of the vehicle's exhaust. This begins a chemical reaction which removes the polluting oxides of nitrogen (NOx), converting them into harmless water and nitrogen in a process known as Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR for short. SCR is only applicable to diesel engines and the more economically you drive, typically, the less AdBlue® you will use.
Don't let it run out
Take care not to let the AdBlue® run out completely. An empty tank means the vehicle no longer complies with regulation and you won't be able to start it.
Consult your vehicle handbook for more, or speak to the experts at First Stop.
Can I top up AdBlue myself?
Although not hazardous, AdBlue can be corrosive. We recommend speaking to our experts, who can top up safely and reset the meter on your control unit.
AdBlue FAQ's
What is the normal capacity and running time with one tank of AdBlue®?
In general, your vehicle will have 20 litres of fluid, giving you 20,000 km running time.
How do I know when I have to fill up the AdBlue®fluid?
Your vehicle will tell you when you need to refill the fluid, with an indicator light on the dashboard. Details are given in the vehicle handbook.
What happens if I don't refill my vehicle's AdBlue®?
If you miss the warning from the car about refilling with AdBlue®, your vehicle will stop working. This is because without AdBlue®, the vehicle does not comply with certification rules, and the system blocks the ignition.
What care does a car with AdBlue® need?
The only precaution to take when you are using a car with AdBlue®is to fill the tank before the additive runs out.
It is always recommended to go to your nearest First Stop centre so that an expert can refill the AdBlue®.