FLEETBLUE: OUR OWN LICENSED ADBLUE®

AdBlue® is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) used in modern diesel vehicles and machinery equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Although many people assume AdBlue is a fuel additive, it is actually stored in a separate tank and injected into the vehicle’s exhaust system after combustion has taken place. Its purpose is to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and help diesel engines comply with modern emissions legislation.

AdBlue® is made from 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionised water, a specification commonly known as AUS 32. This precise formulation is critical to ensuring the SCR system operates correctly and delivers the emissions reductions expected by vehicle manufacturers and regulators.

Today, AdBlue is used in millions of diesel-powered vehicles, including HGVs, vans, buses, coaches, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and company cars. As emissions regulations have become stricter, AdBlue® has become an essential part of keeping modern diesel fleets compliant, efficient and operational.

You need to use AdBlue in your diesel vehicles to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. This is due to stricter emission legislation, which aims to neutralise exhaust gases from diesel engines to help the environment.

AdBlue® plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions produced by diesel engines. When injected into the exhaust system, the fluid reacts within the vehicle’s SCR catalyst to convert harmful nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapour before they are released into the atmosphere. This process significantly reduces the environmental impact of diesel vehicles and helps manufacturers meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

Without AdBlue, modern SCR-equipped diesel engines would not be able to achieve the low NOx emission levels required by current legislation. This is why most modern diesel HGVs, vans and many passenger vehicles rely on AdBlue® as part of their emissions control systems.

For fleet operators, AdBlue is not simply a compliance requirement. Maintaining the correct supply of high-quality AdBlue® helps vehicles remain road legal, prevents costly downtime, supports environmental targets and ensures engines continue operating as designed by the manufacturer.

The amount you use will depend on the number of miles you drive. If you use your vehicle a lot, you will find yourself going through more AdBlue. The good news is that licensed AdBlue® is inexpensive and easy to top-up yourself.

If your diesel vehicle has a black or blue cap adjacent to your main fuel cap, then it requires AdBlue.

If your vehicle runs out of AdBlue, it will go into “limp” mode. Most vehicles require a minimum amount of licensed AdBlue to be refilled before the engine will be able to be started again.

You should never let your car run out of AdBlue. If it does, the engine will go into ‘limp’ mode, drastically reducing power to keep NOx emissions within legal limits. If that happens, a warning will appear on the vehicle’s display panel, and you should always then refill the AdBlue tank as soon as possible.

AdBlue is ultimately a solution of urea (yes, a component of synthetic urine) and deionized water. It is completely colourless and non-toxic.

The urea in licensed AdBlue is pure and of a higher grade than the urea found in glues, cosmetic goods, or fertilisers. The water in AdBlue is also demineralised and purified, meaning it is much cleaner than water from a domestic tap.

AdBlue produces a chemical reaction when injected into the exhaust system of a diesel engine.

The chemical reaction neutralises the harmful nitrous oxide emissions produced by diesel cars.

This tackles air pollution by reducing exhaust emissions and enhancing air quality.

You will find that most vehicles will display a warning sign which will notify you if you are low on AdBlue. To check the AdBlue levels manually, please consult your vehicle’s documentation or contact the vehicle manufacturer for guidance.

For many fleet operators, AdBlue® is now just as important as diesel. Running out of AdBlue can trigger dashboard warnings, restrict vehicle performance and, in many cases, prevent a vehicle from restarting once the AdBlue tank is empty. This can result in unexpected downtime, missed deliveries and increased operating costs.

Businesses operating HGVs, vans, buses, coaches and specialist commercial vehicles therefore need a reliable and cost-effective AdBlue supply strategy. Whether this involves drums, IBCs, bulk deliveries or a fully managed Smart Tank solution, having the right AdBlue® solution in place can help reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and minimise the risk of vehicle downtime.

At Fleetmaxx Solutions, our FleetBlue AdBlue® range helps businesses purchase high-quality AdBlue directly from a trusted supplier while benefiting from competitive pricing, nationwide delivery options and innovative storage solutions designed specifically for fleet operators.