AdBlue

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is a combination of urea and deionised water which is added to diesel-powered vehicles to lower their emissions of nitrous oxide. It functions by spraying tiny volumes of AdBlue into your diesel vehicle’s catalytic converter which then causes most of the nitrous oxide to turn into water. Most modern diesel vehicles require AdBlue and it’s added to the car right next to where you fill up with diesel – the AdBlue tank usually has a blue cap to differentiate between that and the diesel tank.

How to avoid the most common AdBlue problems:

• Don’t let the AdBlue run out. If the AdBlue runs out it can prevent your car from starting or put it into limp mode and of course, it will significantly increase the toxicity of the emissions from your car. It’s likely that you’ll have to top up the AdBlue in between services so keep an eye out for a light on the dashboard and make sure you don’t ignore it if it comes on.
• Don’t put anything into the AdBlue tank apart from AdBlue. It may sound obvious, but any contamination of the AdBlue can lead to all sorts of engine problems.
• Try to prevent AdBlue crystallisation. The chemical reaction that is required for AdBlue to do its job only happens when the catalytic converter reaches a certain temperature. This means that you have to give your car enough driving time for the catalytic converter to heat up. If it never gets to the required temperature, the AdBlue is left unused and evaporates and crystallises within the system. These crystals create obstructions that can harm your car’s catalytic converter and other exhaust system parts.

What should I do if the AdBlue warning light comes on?

In this case, get in touch with the team at Mowbray Motors as this could mean that there’s a sensor malfunction – a fairly common AdBlue problem. If the sensor malfunctions, then the system can inject too much or too little solution into the exhaust gas which eventually causes engine problems. We also sometimes see clogged nozzles or faulty pumps. These are all issues that we can fix here at Mowbray Motors, the key is to get in touch with us as soon as the AdBlue warning light comes on so that we can pinpoint the issue and get it sorted before it has a chance to cause any serious damage.

All the work we do is carried out to the highest industry standards. We are assessed annually by both the Motor Ombudsman and Servicesure, adhering to their strict Codes of Practice. All our work is covered by Servicesure’s National Warranty scheme – parts and labour for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Rest assured the work your vehicle requires will be done quickly and efficiently so it’s back on the road as soon as possible.

To find out more about our AdBlue in Edgware, get in touch online or call us directly on 0208 958 8282