AdBlue
AdBlue is exclusively used on cars equipped with a diesel engine and serves to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from exhaust gases to reduce them by 90%. This product is a solution composed of 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% demineralised water which is injected into the exhaust gases of a diesel engine and must be used for all Euro 6 diesel engines.
What is AdBlue?
It is used in a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% from diesel exhaust gases. The additive must be poured into a separate tank. If the liquid is used up, the engine cannot be started.
How often should AdBlue be recharged?
At least 1,500 miles before the reagent is fully consumed . A warning on the vehicle indicates the possible remaining distance.
As environmental concerns continue to rise understanding what a low emission vehicle is and ensuring that your vehicle complies with emission standards is more important than ever.
In this article, we'll explore the definition of low emission vehicles, how to perform a low emission car check, and the role of technologies like AdBlue in helping diesel vehicles meet modern emission standards.
Definition of Low Emission Vehicles?
A low emission vehicle or LEV is a vehicle that produces fewer emissions that the average models on the road. Particularly, these vehicles release fewer pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Contrary to popular belief, lower emission vehicles include electric cars, hybrids, and even certain diesel and petrol cars. To establish if a vehicle is low emission they are ranked on a scale from extremely high and extremely low, with fully electric cars being the lowest possible.
Many cities nowadays have designated areas in which vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards are not allowed to enter, these are knows as Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Moreover, major cities such as London have introduced Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), where only vehicles that meet strict emission standards, such as Euro 6 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol, can enter without being charged.
These two standards were introduced by the European Union to reduce pollutants from vehicles. Euro 6, introduced in 2015, applies to diesel vehicles and requires diesel cars to emit no more than 80 mg/km of NOx. Euro 4, introduced in 2005, applies to petrol vehicles and focuses on reducing emissions like carbon monoxide (CO) and NOx, setting a limit of 80 mg/km for NOx.
Low Emission Car Check: Is Your Vehicle Compliant?
It is recommended that you check your vehicle is LEZ or ULEZ compliant to ensure you are within the regulations and avoid any fines.
The rules can vary from one local authority to another, so it is best to check your compliance in your local area and if you are planning a journey to another city with LEZ & ULEZ zones.
Local authorities, such as London offer a simple online tool that uses your vehicle registration.
Benefits of AdBlue for Reducing Emissions
AdBlue is a solution introduced by car manufacturers to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful to the environment. Since 2015, with stricter environmental regulations, existing technologies like EGR alone were no longer sufficient. AdBlue, a urea-based additive, is used in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems to break down NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, reducing pollution without sacrificing engine performance.
It’s important to regularly refill AdBlue to avoid engine shutdown. If the tank runs empty, the vehicle won’t start, so it’s essential to monitor levels and refill at designated stations or with special containers. Also, be cautious of accidental spills on the car’s bodywork, as AdBlue becomes solid at room temperature and could cause damage if not cleaned promptly.
This solution is now a key step in making diesel engines more eco-friendly, helping to reduce emissions in line with European regulations.
For vehicle owners looking to reduce emissions and maintain their car's performance, MOTRIO offers a range of services and products which ensure your vehicle continues to operate efficiently while meeting modern environmental standards.