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What is AdBlue for Cars?

What is AdBlue for Cars? The Complete Guide

AdBlue is a staple in vehicle maintenance, specifically in commercial trucking fleets. Yet its composition and purpose remain a mystery to many. 

So, what is AdBlue for cars - what is it made of, and what is it used for? This essential fluid for modern diesel engines plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions. We’re going to teach you all about it below to help you understand its significance and keep your rig compliant.

It’s a clear, non-toxic liquid composed primarily of deionised water and urea, which, helps convert nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water when introduced into the exhaust system. This keeps you aligned with environmental regulations while maintaining vehicle efficiency.

Learn more about this chemical below, including where to find the best selection of bulk AdBlue for sale online, right here at Jennychem. We offer the lowest prices online by keeping a surplus of this product on hand at all times, and you’ll also enjoy world-class customer support along the way! 

What is AdBlue For Cars?

So, what is AdBlue for cars exactly? We’ll explain its composition and uses below to help you gain a better understanding of why you need it in your vehicle. 

What is AdBlue Made Of?

While we briefly touched on it at the start, let’s get more specific. What is AdBlue made of exactly? It’s a synthetic urea solution made of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionised water. 

Urea is a compound derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide. It’s manufactured under stringent conditions to ensure its purity and effectiveness. 

On the other hand, the deionised water acts as a carrier for the urea, facilitating seamless and consistent distribution within the vehicle's exhaust system. 

The specific concentration of these two ingredients allows AdBlue to vaporise and decompose into ammonia when heated, so it can effectively reduce harmful emissions in the exhaust gases. This leads to the next question we want to address…what is AdBlue used for?

What is AdBlue Used For?

The primary goal of AdBlue is to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel engines. It is used in conjunction with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, where AdBlue is injected into the exhaust stream before it passes through a catalytic converter. 

The high temperatures in the exhaust system break down the urea in AdBlue into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia then reacts with the nitrogen oxides present in the exhaust gases, catalytically converting them into nitrogen and water. 

This chemical reaction significantly lowers the levels of NOx emitted by diesel engines, helping them meet the environmental standards set by legislation such as the Euro 6 regulations here in Europe.

Does My Car Need AdBlue?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room…does your specific vehicle need AdBlue? It all depends on the specific engine under the hood of your vehicle. This chemical is required for diesel engines equipped with SCR technology.

Most modern diesel cars, particularly those manufactured in the last decade, incorporate SCR technology to comply with stringent environmental regulations like the Euro 6 standard. 

So, the short answer is probably. However, you can confirm whether or not you need AdBlue through a few different indicators:

  • Manufacturer’s Specifications: Check your car’s manual or manufacturer’s website. Vehicles that need AdBlue often have a separate filler cap for the AdBlue solution, usually located near the fuel filling port or in the trunk.
  • Warning Systems: Many newer diesel vehicles have dashboard indicators specifically for AdBlue, alerting you when levels are low and a top-up is necessary.
  • Engine Type: If you drive a diesel car manufactured after the implementation of Euro 6 regulations (around September 2015), it is highly likely that your vehicle uses AdBlue to meet emission standards.

Don’t stress if you discover that your car does in fact need regular top-offs of AdBlue - we’ll point you in the right direction below so that you can do your part to preserve our planet and reduce harmful emissions!

Where to Find High-Quality AdBlue in Bulk

Finding AdBlue isn’t difficult here in the UK given its significance. And to a certain extent, all AdBlue more or less serves the same purpose. 

So, it’s really just a matter of finding a supplier that offers the best price and service, streamlining this process as much as possible. 

It’s also important that whomever you purchase your AdBlue from has a steady supply so that you get your product delivered right when you need it. 

The good news? Your search ends right here at Jennychem. Our extensive inventory includes everything from 10-litre containers, ideal for individual vehicle owners, to 1,000-litre IBCs, perfect for commercial fleet operators. Each 10-litre container comes equipped with a flexible AdBlue dispenser, facilitating effortless pouring and minimising waste.

All batches undergo rigorous independent testing before dispatch to ensure they align with ISO22241 standards. This means you can place your order with confidence knowing you’re getting the safe, effective, and most importantly, compliant solution you need.

We purchase 40,000 litres weekly to maintain a substantial reserve, guaranteeing constant availability and the most competitive pricing in the UK. You can pair your purchase with a comprehensive range of dispensers tailored to match your container size, ensuring you can easily and safely manage your supply.

With delivery options covering the entire UK, Jennychem ensures that your AdBlue needs are met promptly and efficiently, supporting your commitment to greener motoring. 

You can also stock up on other vehicle maintenance and car cleaning products at Jennychem, including screenwash, snow foam, car shampoo, antifreeze for car, windscreen defroster, ceramic coating, and a whole lot more.

As the largest production site for AdBlue in the UK, our mission is to provide you with the best value for your investment, encompassing quality, affordability, and environmental stewardship - the Jennychem promise.

Quick Guide to Using AdBlue

After ordering your AdBlue it’s important to refill your tank and consistently keep it topped off to align with our country’s emission standards. So, before we wrap up our complete guide to AdBlue, here are a few tips on using it correctly.

How Often to Refill

How much AdBlue does a car use? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the frequency of refills varies based on vehicle type, engine size, and driving style. 

Typically, a passenger car might need a top-up every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, while commercial vehicles can go further between refills due to their larger AdBlue tanks and higher fuel consumption. 

Monitoring your vehicle’s AdBlue level is your best bet to take the guesswork out of the equation. Many modern vehicles have dashboard indicators to alert when the AdBlue tank needs replenishing. Otherwise, just follow a consistent schedule of topping off your tank every 5k miles or so.

What Happens If You Run Out?

Running out of AdBlue will initially trigger a warning light or message on the dashboard. If ignored, the vehicle will eventually enter a reduced-performance mode to limit emissions and, in some cases, may not restart once turned off. 

This mechanism ensures compliance with emissions regulations and underscores the importance of maintaining an adequate AdBlue level. So, let’s talk about how to actually fill up your tank below.

Step-by-Step Refilling Process

Just as with how to fill screenwash or putting in antifreeze, you’ll want to start by locating your vehicle’s reservoir for AdBlue. It’s usually found next to the diesel filler cap, in the boot, or under the bonnet. Then, follow these steps:

  • Prepare the refill: If using a container with a pouring spout, attach it securely to prevent spills.
  • Refill the tank: Slowly pour the AdBlue into the tank, being careful to avoid overfilling. Many vehicles have a specific AdBlue filler cap designed to accept only AdBlue nozzles, reducing the risk of contamination.
  • Close and clean: Securely replace the cap and clean any spills around the filler area to prevent crystallisation of the AdBlue.

Safe AdBlue Storage and Handling

It’s important that you keep AdBlue in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these conditions can degrade its quality.

We also advise you to always use dedicated equipment for AdBlue to avoid contamination with oil, fuel, or other chemicals. You should never handle AdBlue without protective gloves and eyewear, as it can irritate the skin and eyes.

Wrapping Up Our Beginner’s Guide to AdBlue

There you have it, everything you need to know about AdBlue! In summary, what is AdBlue made of and what does it do? 

This chemical is composed of urea and deionised water with the goal of reducing harmful emissions. It works within the SCR system to convert nitrogen oxides into harmless substances, helping meet stringent environmental standards.

Regular refills are essential to avoid operational issues and maintain vehicle efficiency. Jennychem is here to keep you topped off with high-quality AdBlue in various quantities so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle remains environmentally friendly and performs optimally.

Our blog has more resources on vehicle maintenance including topics like which engine coolant for my car, screen wash not working, how to use snow foam, where to put screenwash, and more. 

From the best snow foam to the best winter screenwash, the best heavy duty pressure washer, best car freshener. And more - we’re your trusted source for all things car cleaning and care. So, shop today for high-standard AdBlue solutions at the lowest prices possible, all backed by world-class customer service!

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