What are the pros and cons of AdBlue?
Advantage: It is a particularly environmentally friendly diesel engine that will allow you to drive through the strictest zones with emission standards for years to come, both at home and abroad.
Disadvantages: There is not always and everywhere a petrol station where you can refuel with AdBlue. So it limits your freedom of travel in a sense.
You will not be able to continue driving if there is not enough AdBlue liquid in the tank. This is to prevent you from driving around polluting.
The compulsory addition of this adjective increases the consumption costs.
Diesel engines with AdBlue also consume more than those with EGR technology, but are less susceptible to malfunctions.
How do I deal with AdBlue?
AdBlue is a harmless product. However, there are some clear rules to follow when using AdBlue as it is used with a catalytic converter that is extremely sensitive to impurities. It is essential to prevent the AdBlue from becoming contaminated, to ensure that your system is working correctly, and also to avoid high repair costs. For optimal performance of your vehicle, you should never add anything to the AdBlue, because even adding water can damage the catalytic converter and AdBleu system.
How do you fill an AdBlue tank?
The refill cans are adapted and usually have a pouring spout; although a funnel is sometimes not a superfluous luxury. When the reservoir is (almost) empty, you have to refill at least 4 liters. However, avoid filling or topping up the tank before the reserve light comes on. If you pour too much of the liquid into the tank, it can overflow. The liquid will then crystallize and clog the filler neck. This causes the reservoir to deform and must then be replaced. Unscrew the blue cap. Place the spout on the refill can and make a few holes at the top of the can to prevent gouging during pouring. Insert the spout into the filler neck and empty the can. I never add more than 10 liters to the tank myself. Also make sure, especially when the filler cap is behind the regular tank flap, that you never pour diesel into the blue opening or AdBlue into the fuel tank.
What should I pay attention to when the AdBlue tank is being filled?
Do not overfill the tank.
Do not reuse an empty fluid container.
Do not store in direct sunlight. By the way, its composition can also change if it is exposed to the sun's rays (UV).
Store at temperatures between -5 ° C and 20 ° C. AdBlue freezes at a temperature of -11 ° C.
The liquid is non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless and water-soluble. .
Do not add AdBlue to the diesel tank. This can cause engine damage
Do not add diesel to the AdBlue tank.
Do not fill the AdBlue tank with water or any other liquid.
Do not use the AdBlue if it is contaminated with tap water or other substances, such as diesel fuel.
Do not leave spilled AdBlue lying around
Do not use dirty equipment, such as funnels, jugs or oil drums for filling the AdBlue
Are extra precautions necessary in case of severe cold?
As mentioned above, AdBlue freezes and crystallizes at -11 ° C. But a vehicle parked at such temperatures does not require any special attention. The standards require manufacturers to use automatic heating to liquefy the solution so that the SCR can be active again within 20 minutes after starting.
And if the car is stationary for several months?
AdBlue has a service life of more than one year. However, if the car has been stationary for many months or has been driven very little, it may be helpful to empty the reservoir and renew the product.
How do I know when my AdBlue tank is empty?
The amount of AdBlue is indicated on the dashboard. The info indicator lights up for the first time if there is less than 1200 km of AdBlue present. After this you will receive another warning at 400, 320 and 240 kilometers. From 200 kilometers onwards, the light stays on and a warning signal sounds. When the tank is empty, the maximum speed automatically drops to 50 kilometers per hour. If you then switch off your engine, you cannot restart. The following messages can be displayed:
AdBlue® tank. Level OK
AdBlue® tank. <1/2 vol.
AdBlue® layer. Range xxx km. Refill soon
AdBlue® layer. No engine start in xxx km.
AdBlue® tank empty. Refill to start.
AdBlue® system. No engine start in xxx km.
AdBlue® system. Service required to start.
AdBlue® system failure. Service required.
Consult your vehicle owner's manual to find out which messages are displayed.
What is the consumption of AdBlue?
The consumption of AdBlue is approximately 3 - 5% of the used Diesel. So with a consumption of 70 liters of Diesel, approximately 2.1 to 3.5 liters of AdBlue will be used. You can drive approximately 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers with a full AdBlue tank. The Ford Transit has a 21 liter AdBlue tank, which will then be empty between 6 to 10 refueling times. Fuel consumption also depends on driving style and driving conditions.
What if my AdBlue tank is empty?
It is not wise to completely empty the AdBlue tank. The engine will no longer be able to be started if the AdBlue tank is empty or almost empty. Even when the tank is filled, the engine will no longer start.
