How long does Adblue keep? What is an Adblue

Without Adblue, modern diesel cars don’t even go a meter. The urea solution goes into an additional tank and cleans the exhaust gases. But how long does it last? And what happens afterwards?

Adblue is available in hardware stores, at the gas station, in workshops and sometimes even in discount stores – from small bottles to ten liter supplies. The urea solution belongs in every modern diesel car. But only as long as it lasts. But how long is that?

What is Adblue?

Adblue is the trade name of an aqueous urea solution. The owner of the brand is the lobby association VDA. Drivers of newer diesel cars with SCR catalytic converters must fill up the solution regularly alongside the diesel. The cars have an additional tank for this purpose. The solution consists of about one third urea and two thirds demineralized water.

It is injected into the exhaust flow and reduces the emission of toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is only through this after-treatment that modern diesel cars are able to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard. The consumption is around three to five percent of diesel consumption, says the automobile club ADAC.

Since the AdBlue additional tanks are very different in size, they have to be refilled after about 5,000 to 15,000 kilometers. The car then gives appropriate warnings. You should follow the request to refill quickly. Many a car automatically refuses to start if there is not enough Adblue in the tank.

How long does Adblue keep?

If you store Adblue, you should definitely protect it from direct sunlight and heat (temperatures above 30 degrees). In addition, the warehouse should be well ventilated. At temperatures between minus 5 and plus 20 degrees, Adblue can be kept for at least a year.

What happens after the end of shelf life?

When the shelf life is exceeded, the Adblue starts to decompose. If it is then used anyway, damage to the catalyst system may occur. This can result in consequential damage to the engine.