What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid helps to reduce the harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx), concentrations in your diesel exhaust stream. It also turns it into safe water and nitrogen. It contains 32.5 percent of urea and 67.5% deionized waters and is non-hazardous. It is used in a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

Diesel exhaust fluid is not in direct contact with diesel fuel and is kept in a separate tank.

How does diesel exhaust fluid work?

Diesel engines have a set air-to-fuel ratio to ensure full combustion. Excess air can cause nitrogen oxides. The harmful pollutants of nitrogen oxides can be created by the excess air. The SCR must reduce NOx emissions from the exhaust pipe before they pollute the air.

Chemistry is the key to understanding how diesel exhaust fluid DEF functions within this system. Diesel exhaust fluid is injected into the exhaust system. The urea component of the diesel exhaust fluid vaporizes, creating carbon dioxide and ammonia. The exhaust steam will release ammonia, which "catalyzes" the reduction of nitrogen oxides. It turns it into regular nitrogen and water. These elements are safe for the environment.

Are all diesel engines equipped with a selective catalytic reducer system?

Although selective catalytic reduction SCR technology is available for decades, it is still relatively new for diesel trucks. An SCR catalyst system is standard on all diesel truck engines made after 2010. Your truck will typically have a gauge to show the level of diesel engine oil. It is similar to a regular fuel gauge. They may also have a flashing light that alerts you when the fluid is low. You could lose your vehicle's speed if your DEF tank is empty or you fail to fill it up. It should be back to normal once it is added. Revolution Motors' diesel repair professionals can help you determine if your diesel has this system. It is important to ensure that your truck meets diesel engine emission standards.

Where can I buy diesel exhaust fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid can be purchased at all gas stations and retail shops that sell automotive parts, as well as at most auto parts stores. Most diesel vehicles made after 2010 use SCR. A truck stop will have DEF pumps near the fuel pumps if you are traveling.

What happens if DEF freezes

Frozen fluid can be a problem, but diesel engine fluid isn't as dangerous. DEF can freeze at around -11 degrees Celsius. You can still start your truck even if your diesel engine fluid has frozen. The DEF tank's heater is built into the engine. Once it is running, it will heat up the tank. This stuff quickly thaws and flows fast. This is why it is important to let your engine warm-up in winter.

Important note: The heater is the most likely point of failure in the system. The heater can fail if the DEF tank isn't heated up or the fluid doesn't freeze. You will notice a decrease in vehicle performance. This is similar to when your DEF tank runs on empty. The vehicle will appear slow and slower until it is repaired. Revolution Motors can help you with this problem. We will inspect your heater and DEF tank.