Diesel engines are the backbone of Australia’s transport and logistics industry, powering trucks, buses, and even some modern passenger vehicles. However, while well-renowned for their power and durability, diesel engines also generate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions – which is a significant contributor to air pollution.
Thankfully, there is an innovative technology that exists to address this exact environmental concern – which is where AdBlue comes into the equation; an emissions reduction solution playing a crucial role in reducing the negative impact that modern diesel vehicles have on our natural environment.
In this article, we’re going to address all of your burning questions regarding AdBlue in Australia, including what it is, whether or not it is mandatory, and how it impacts your vehicle’s performance.
Here’s what you need to know about AdBlue…
What is AdBlue? What is its purpose?
AdBlue is a colourless, odourless liquid made from a 32.5% solution of high-purity urea and deionized water. It’s not a fuel additive, but a separate fluid that is used in conjunction with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles.
SCR systems are designed to significantly reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines. Here’s the magic behind it:
- Injection: AdBlue is injected into the exhaust stream just upstream of the SCR catalyst.
- Chemical Reaction: The heat from the exhaust then triggers a chemical reaction between the AdBlue and the NOx in the exhaust gas.
- Conversion: This reaction then converts harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapour, which is then released through the exhaust pipe and into the atmosphere. Simply put: AdBlue helps transform pollutants into harmless components, thus leading to cleaner, greener air.
Why is it called AdBlue?
AdBlue is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The name itself doesn’t hold any particular meaning; it’s simply a brand name to distinguish this specific solution used in SCR systems.
In any case, blue is a refreshing colour associated with clean skies absent pollution, so there’s some nice imagery for you!
Do all diesel cars need AdBlue? Is it mandatory?
Not all diesel vehicles require AdBlue. It typically applies to modern diesels equipped with SCR systems, which became mandatory in Australia for:
- Heavy-duty trucks: Manufactured after January 1st, 2010, most large trucks require AdBlue.
- Commercial vehicles: Many vans and buses with modern diesel engines utilise SCR systems and require AdBlue to operate.
- Passenger vehicles: While less common, some newer diesel passenger cars might also have SCR systems and require AdBlue as well.
If you have a diesel vehicle that has an SCR system and requires AdBlue, you will be required to use it – otherwise, you may be subject to financial penalties from the Australian Government. It’s always better to play it safe!
How much is AdBlue per litre in Australia?
AdBlue’s cost per litre in Australia can vary depending on a number of different factors, such as your geographical location, the volume purchased, and your chosen supplier.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1.50 and $2.50 per litre. However, purchasing AdBlue in bulk quantities often leads to lower per-litre costs – which can lead to some very attractive savings.
Does AdBlue improve your vehicle’s performance?
In some cases, using AdBlue can indeed lead to improved fuel efficiency for your diesel vehicles. This is because SCR systems can allow for a more efficient combustion process.
While the improvement might be modest, the fuel cost savings can accumulate over time, especially for high-mileage vehicles!
More importantly, using AdBlue ensures your engine performs optimally as intended by the manufacturer. Modern diesel engines with SCR systems are designed to work in conjunction with AdBlue – which means that using it accordingly guarantees your engine will be operating at its peak efficiency.
What happens if I drive my Diesel car without AdBlue in Australia?
We strongly advise against driving your SCR diesel vehicle without AdBlue. Here’s why:
- Reduced Engine Performance: Most vehicles with SCR systems are designed to reduce the vehicle’s power if the AdBlue level is getting low or has been depleted. This in turn significantly reduces the engine’s overall performance (and more importantly, driver safety).
- Environmental Damage: Without AdBlue, the SCR system cannot function as it is intended and your vehicle will emit the harmful NOx pollutants that are contributing to excessive air pollution in Australia. Naturally, this defeats the purpose of having an SCR system in the first place!
- Potential Damage: Running an SCR diesel vehicle with a depleted AdBlue tank for extended periods can cause significant damage to the SCR system, ultimately leading to costly (and entirely avoidable) repairs.
Conclusion
Let’s have a quick recap of what we’ve learned today:
- AdBlue plays a vital role in reducing emissions from modern diesel vehicles in Australia.
- By utilising AdBlue and maintaining your SCR system, you’re not only complying with Australian Government regulations, but you’re actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone!
If you’d like to learn more about AdBlue, or if you are on the lookout for a reputable supplier, we highly recommend finding an established company like Ecoblue AdBlue Suppliers; an Aussie-owned and run company that is dedicated to providing high-quality emission reduction solutions and an exceptional customer service to boot.
And that about sums it up! AdBlue is an innovative technology that can help you significantly reduce your environmental impact while out on the road.
