How to Refill AdBlue in Your Vehicle

Why Refilling AdBlue is Important

As diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems become more common, knowing how to properly refill AdBlue is essential. AdBlue, a urea-based solution, plays a critical role in reducing harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and helping vehicles meet stringent environmental standards like Euro 6. Regularly refilling AdBlue ensures that your SCR system continues to operate efficiently and keeps your vehicle compliant with emission regulations. In this blog, we will cover the step-by-step process of refilling AdBlue, the tools you need, and important tips for handling it safely.

Refilling AdBlue is vital to the proper functioning of your vehicle’s SCR system. When the AdBlue level gets too low, the vehicle’s emission control system will no longer be able to reduce NOx emissions effectively. Most modern diesel vehicles are equipped with dashboard warning lights that notify the driver when the AdBlue level is low. Ignoring these warnings can lead to reduced engine performance or even prevent the vehicle from restarting after being turned off. Refilling AdBlue in a timely manner ensures uninterrupted vehicle performance and regulatory compliance.

Locating the AdBlue Tank

Before refilling AdBlue, you need to locate the AdBlue tank on your vehicle. The tank is typically separate from the diesel fuel tank and can usually be found:

Near the fuel filler cap (often under a blue cap)
In the trunk of the vehicle (for some passenger cars)
Next to or underneath the chassis (in commercial vehicles or trucks)

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the exact location of the AdBlue tank, as this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Refilling

To safely and efficiently refill AdBlue, you will need the following:

Certified AdBlue (usually available in 1-liter, 5-liter, or larger containers)
A funnel or a container with a nozzle to prevent spills
Gloves (optional, as AdBlue is non-toxic but mildly corrosive to some materials)

It’s important to use certified AdBlue that meets ISO 22241 standards, as low-quality AdBlue or contaminated fluid can damage your vehicle’s SCR system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling AdBlue

Park your vehicle on a level surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked safely and turned off before starting the refill process.
Locate the AdBlue tank: As mentioned earlier, find the AdBlue tank on your vehicle, which is usually near the diesel fuel tank or in the trunk.
Open the AdBlue cap: Carefully remove the cap of the AdBlue tank. The cap is often colored blue to help distinguish it from the fuel tank.
Prepare your AdBlue container: If using a bottle with a nozzle, ensure that the nozzle is clean. If using a funnel, make sure it is dedicated to AdBlue and free from any contaminants.
Start refilling slowly: Pour the AdBlue slowly into the tank. Be cautious not to overfill the tank, as most tanks are designed to hold a specific amount of fluid. You may find the tank’s capacity in your vehicle manual.
Close the tank cap: Once the refill is complete, securely tighten the AdBlue cap to prevent contamination.
Check dashboard indicators: After refilling, restart your vehicle and check the dashboard to ensure that the AdBlue warning light has turned off. Some vehicles may require you to drive for a short distance before the system recognizes the refill.

How Often Should You Refill AdBlue?

The frequency with which you need to refill AdBlue depends on various factors, such as your vehicle type, driving conditions, and fuel consumption. On average, most vehicles require a refill every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Heavy-duty trucks or vehicles that cover long distances may require more frequent refills. Keep an eye on your dashboard for low AdBlue warnings and always plan to refill the tank before it runs out completely.

How to Handle AdBlue Safely

While AdBlue is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, it should still be handled with care:

Avoid skin and eye contact: AdBlue can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, so wearing gloves is recommended. If you spill AdBlue on your hands, wash it off with water.
Clean up spills: If AdBlue is spilled, clean it immediately with water to prevent it from crystallizing on surfaces. Dried AdBlue can leave white crystals, which can be corrosive to certain metals.
Store AdBlue properly: AdBlue should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It has a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months, so check the expiration date on the container before use.

Signs You Need to Refill AdBlue

Your vehicle will give you several signs that it’s time to refill the AdBlue tank:

Dashboard warning light: A yellow warning light will appear on the dashboard indicating that the AdBlue level is low.
Mileage countdown: Some vehicles will display a countdown of the remaining miles or kilometers you can drive before the AdBlue tank is empty.
Reduced performance: If the AdBlue tank runs completely dry, the vehicle may enter limp mode, which limits engine power and performance. In some cases, the vehicle may not restart until AdBlue is refilled.

Consequences of Running Out of AdBlue

If you ignore the AdBlue warning light and continue driving without refilling, the vehicle’s SCR system will stop functioning. This leads to increased NOx emissions and may cause the vehicle to fail emission tests. In many modern diesel vehicles, the engine will enter limp mode to prevent further environmental damage, and in some cases, the vehicle may refuse to restart after being turned off. To avoid these disruptions, always ensure you refill AdBlue before the tank runs empty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Refilling AdBlue

Adding AdBlue to the fuel tank: Never add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank. This can cause serious damage to your fuel system and require expensive repairs.
Using contaminated containers: Always use clean, dedicated containers for AdBlue. Even small amounts of dirt or debris can contaminate the fluid and damage the SCR system.
Overfilling the tank: Avoid overfilling the AdBlue tank. Overfilling can cause the fluid to spill out, which may damage surrounding components or create unnecessary messes.

Conclusion

Refilling AdBlue is a simple but crucial process to keep your vehicle’s SCR system running efficiently and ensure compliance with emission regulations. By regularly checking the AdBlue level, handling it carefully, and using certified products, you can maintain optimal vehicle performance and avoid potential issues like limp mode or failed emission tests. Following these best practices will help ensure your vehicle operates smoothly and remains environmentally friendly.

FAQ

What happens if I run out of AdBlue?
- If your vehicle runs out of AdBlue, the SCR system will stop working, and the vehicle may enter limp mode or refuse to restart.
How often should I refill AdBlue?
- On average, most vehicles require an AdBlue refill every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but this can vary based on vehicle type and driving conditions.
Can I refill AdBlue myself?
- Yes, you can refill AdBlue yourself using certified AdBlue and a clean funnel or nozzle to prevent contamination.
Where is the AdBlue tank located?
- The AdBlue tank is usually near the diesel fuel tank, in the trunk, or under the chassis in larger vehicles. Check your vehicle manual for its location.
What happens if I add AdBlue to the diesel tank by mistake?
- Adding AdBlue to the fuel tank can cause severe damage to the fuel system. Do not start the vehicle, and contact a mechanic immediately.
Does AdBlue have an expiration date?
- Yes, AdBlue has a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months. Always check the expiration date before use.
What should I do if AdBlue spills on the vehicle?
- Clean up spills with water immediately to prevent crystallization and corrosion of metal surfaces.
Can I use any urea solution instead of AdBlue?
- No, only use certified AdBlue that meets ISO 22241 standards to ensure proper function and avoid damage to the SCR system.
Does AdBlue freeze in cold weather?
- Yes, AdBlue can freeze at -11°C, but most vehicles have built-in heating systems to thaw it and maintain functionality.
Is it safe to store AdBlue in my garage?
- Yes, as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent degradation.