What’s DEF? | The Day by day Drive


A bit of DEF cleans lots of air.

Fuel-pump side DEF dispenser.
Gasoline-pump aspect DEF dispenser.

Generally known as DEF, diesel exhaust fluid is an emissions after remedy, launched to the exhaust fuel of a diesel engine to diminished nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions.

You will have seen DEF (often known as AdBlue, which is a model identify) within the aisles of a truck cease or ironmongery shop. The fluid, which is comprised largely of urea and water, is usually offered in 1- and a pair of.5-gallon containers, in addition to bigger vessels to be used in over-the-road vehicles. DEF can be retailed at truck-stop gas pumps in bulk type, which is handy for truck operators, as large tractor trailers usually have DEF tanks as massive as 20 gallons. Diesel-powered pickup vehicles have smaller DEF tanks, sometimes 5-6 gallons.

What’s DEF?

Emissions

Essential to the operation of what’s generally known as the Selective Catalytic Discount (SCR) system, DEF employed accurately may also help to scale back NOx emissions by as a lot as 90 %. One of the crucial harmful byproducts of diesel combustion, NOx emissions contribute to respiratory issues, acid rain, and ground-level ozone, often known as smog. Environmental Safety Company (EPA) rules mandating the usage of DEF had been handed into regulation in 2010, requiring that each one heavy-duty diesel engines constructed starting in 2015 make use of the SCR system.

Diesel Emissions Fluid in 1-gallon jug.
DEF in 1-gallon jug.

DEF Packaging and Costs

The fluid itself, which is about two thirds water and one third artificial urea, isn’t particularly costly, and may run from $8-$12 per gallon, relying on the retailer and bundle dimension. The pump-side dispensers are typically the least-expensive buy possibility. A 20-gallon DEF tank will present a typical over-the-road truck with about 6000 miles of operation.

Limp Mannequin

By regulation, as soon as a car’s DEF speak is depleted, the truck in query will function in “limp” mode, which reduces engine energy output till fluid is added to the tank. A warning that the DEF tank is approaching empty sometimes seems on a truck’s instrument panel roughly 100 miles upfront of full depletion.

Tampering

Whereas it was briefly in style for the operators of diesel-powered vehicles to take away the SCR techniques, that motion has confirmed detrimental to long-term possession of the car. Not solely is tampering with the SCR system unlawful, many dealerships will decline to take an clearly tampered-with truck in commerce.

Autos

Truck requiring DEF use embrace diesel-powered heady-duty variations of the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Collection pickup, GMC Sierra, and Ram pickup. These along with all diesel-powered medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

DEF filler port.
Within the case of many pickups and medium-duty vehicles, the DEF filler port (blue cap) is situated subsequent to the gas port.

Deal with with Care

Dried DEF tends to crystalize on car surfaces, so care must be exercised when including the fluid to your car. Left to dry, DEF could fade painted physique panels.

Diesel Emissions Fluid SCR System
DEF SCR system.

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