Additive has become more expensive: this is what you should know about AdBlue

Some cars with diesel engines not only have to fill up with diesel, but also regularly with AdBlue. The prices for the additive are rising significantly – but why? And is it best to stock up on AdBlue? The most important questions and answers.

Apart from minor relaxations, petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply in recent months. But AdBlue has also become more expensive. Modern diesel cars need this urea additive to clean their emissions. Without him they stop. But the price for the colorless liquid has multiplied in 2021 and in some places the supply has already become scarce.

According to the ADAC, however, there is no nationwide supply gap. And panic buying AdBlue doesn’t make sense for a variety of reasons. A small reserve, however, already. The most important questions and answers:

Why has AdBlue become so expensive?

The basic substance of AdBlue is ammonia. According to the ADAC, gas is required for production, which has become massively more expensive. This has corresponding effects on the prices and availability of AdBlue.

Which cars need AdBlue?

In addition to many transport vehicles such as trucks, many newer cars with diesel engines need the additive. These are mostly cars with the Euro 6 standard, in some cases also with the Euro 5 standard. According to the ADAC, about every tenth car in Germany is affected.

How high is AdBlue consumption?

According to the ADAC, that depends entirely on the vehicle in question. Basically, AdBlue consumption is around three to five percent of fuel consumption.

When do I have to refill AdBlue?

A display and, if necessary, an acoustic signal warn you when the supply is running low. According to ADAC, it is mandatory that the warning begins as soon as a distance of at least 2400 kilometers can be driven before the tank is empty.

Optionally, the manufacturer can also start the warning when a level is reached that is sufficient for 150 percent of the average range with a full diesel tank. Or when the AdBlue tank has reached ten percent of its capacity – whichever comes first. As the level continues to fall, the warning signal is intensified to prompt refilling. This happens, for example, every time the ignition is switched on.

Where do I buy the additive?

At some petrol stations, cars can fill up with AdBlue at the payment column. You can also buy the substance in canisters from workshops, gas stations or hardware stores. The ADAC recommends comparing prices before buying: the price ranges from around 1.50 to 4 euros per liter. According to the Autoclub, the price of car fuel pumps is usually much cheaper than filled canisters.

How much AdBlue should I fill up?

Depending on availability and price, ADAC recommends filling the AdBlue tank as full as possible in order to avoid any bottlenecks. Depending on the model, current cars have tanks for 8 to 33 liters.

Should I stock up on AdBlue?

Buying hamsters does not make sense: on the one hand because of the high prices and on the other hand because of the short shelf life of a maximum of 18 months. However, a small reserve is helpful. The ADAC recommends a supply with which the AdBlue tank can be completely filled once. This means that a driving distance of 5,000 to 15,000 kilometers is possible before it has to be refueled again.

Where is the best place to store my reserve?

Smaller amounts can be stored at home. AdBlue must be protected from direct sunlight and temperatures above 30 degrees. A well-ventilated place and storage temperatures between minus 5 and plus 20 degrees are ideal. Although AdBlue freezes from minus 11.5 degrees, it can be used after thawing without any loss of quality.

Over time, AdBlue naturally decomposes into ammonia – which depends on the storage temperature. At temperatures below plus 25 degrees, the shelf life is at least 18 months, at temperatures up to plus 30 degrees at least 12 months.

Is AdBlue dangerous?

AdBlue is neither toxic, explosive nor flammable. However, it can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. If the skin comes into contact with it when refilling, the liquid should be rinsed off with plenty of water.

This also applies to splashes that get onto the car. Paintwork and plastics can be damaged by prolonged exposure to AdBlue. According to ADAC, if the additive dries, it forms white, crystalline spots, which can also be washed off with water.

(This article was first published on Saturday, November 05, 2022.)