AdBlue: The Clean Secret of Modern Diesel Vehicles

In practice, when AdBlue is injected into a vehicle's exhaust system, it reacts with the hot exhaust gases. This chemical reaction transforms nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, two non-polluting compounds: a significant reduction in harmful emissions from the car's exhaust, allowing diesel vehicles to comply with stringent Euro 6 standards.

AdBlue is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), but the product itself can be manufactured by various producers. However, the chemical companies that produce it must adhere to strict quality standards and advanced synthesis processes to obtain a pure and impurity-free product, essential for the proper functioning of SCR systems. It is available at service stations (in dispensers and cans), auto parts stores (cans and bottles), supermarkets, and of course, online. The cost can vary, but it averages around 0.50-1.50 euros per liter.

From the consumer's perspective, there are two or three basic pieces of information that are good to know:

AdBlue consumption is low, about 3% of fuel consumption, so a full tank can last a long time.

There are many variables that affect consumption (driving style, road conditions, temperature, etc.), but on average, about 2 liters of AdBlue are needed for every 1,000 kilometers. Modern cars alert the user when the level is low, but be careful not to forget to refill: Euro 6 compliant models will not allow the engine to restart once it is turned off and AdBlue is depleted. In this case, it will be necessary to take the vehicle to a workshop for a system reset and refueling.