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Do all trucks use AdBlue?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 07, 2026

AdBlue is needed for any commercial vehicle equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to comply with emission standards Euro IV, V and VI in Europe. This legislation applies to: Commercial vehicles and LGVs (light-goods vehicles) with SCR such as trucks, refuse trucks and fire engines.

When did trucks start using AdBlue?

A large proportion of the heavy-duty vehicles complying with the Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards are equipped with an SCR system and therefore use AdBlue. This applies to most trucks after 2005; the first passenger cars with diesel engines and SCR were introduced in response to the Euro 6 standard in 2014.

Do all diesels need AdBlue?

Many diesel cars that meet Euro 6 emissions standards use AdBlue. By no means all do, though, as there are other systems that can be used instead to reduce NOx emissions. There are so many cars that use AdBlue that there isn't the space to list them all here.

Do diesel trucks use AdBlue?

According to a study conducted in 2018, more than 4-fifths of fleet drivers do not know that AdBlue is now standard for new diesel vehicles and is used to produce cleaner emissions.

Do trucks use AdBlue?

AdBlue is common in trucks and is now used in a number of late-model diesel cars and SUVs produced by a growing number of manufacturers including Renault, Citroen, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Mazda, and Toyota. Mercedes-Benz calls its AdBlue systems “BluTec”.

31 related questions found

Can trucks run without AdBlue?

Without AdBlue, most modern diesel engines will automatically de-rate and won't operate beyond moving the truck off the road.

Is it illegal to not use AdBlue?

"Engine manufacturers can choose either AdBlue or exhaust gas recycling to achieve this. "There are no specific state laws related to AdBlue delete devices but all NSW vehicle standards require vehicles to comply with the applicable ADRs."

Are there different types of AdBlue?

AdBlue is a proprietary name, like Hoover and iPhone: i.e. there are not different types or brands of AdBlue, though there may at any time be different brands selling other urea-based solutions that perform the same function. AdBlue is stored in a tank in the vehicle, and is injected into the SCR system as required.

Why do trucks use AdBlue?

AdBlue helps newer-model diesel vehicles meet emissions standards by breaking down harmful nitrogen oxides. If you own a diesel car with an AdBlue tank, your car's engine is programmed to not start once you run out of it. The good news is that a typical car can travel more than 1,000 km on 1 litre of AdBlue.

Is AdBlue universal?

Which cars can use AdBlue? Not all car manufacturers use AdBlue technology. But chances are if you've got a diesel from Jaguar, Land Rover or any French or German manufacturer, and it was registered new after September 2015, it'll use AdBlue.

Why is there a shortage of AdBlue?

In short, Australia is set to face an AdBlue shortage by February 2022, if not earlier. And due to offshoring, we produce very little of AdBlue's key ingredient – urea – domestically. We've done little of late to support local production that otherwise would struggle to compete in the global market.

Is all AdBlue the same quality?

Is all AdBlue® the same? While there are different names for AdBlue®, such as Bluedef, BlueTec and so forth, all mixes should contain the same solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionised water.

Do Ford Rangers use AdBlue?

Ford's latest member of the Ranger engine family is capable of meeting Euro 6 emissions with AdBlue, but it's a simpler Euro 5 specification in Ranger. With the latest in sequential turbocharging, this engine produces 157kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque within a 250rpm band between 1750-2000rpm.

Is AdBlue made from urine?

Is AdBlue® made from pigs' urine? AdBlue® is a synthetic, highly purified solution of urea and demineralized water NOT pigs urine. Whilst the chemical urea is in pigs' urine, it is found in much lower concentration alongside many other elements.

Does AdBlue use 4wd?

In the meantime, the selection of modern diesel cars, SUVs, 4WDs, utes and vans that do need AdBlue are unlikely at this stage to be impacted, as they do not use as much as heavy vehicles.

What happens if you run out of AdBlue while driving?

What happens if your car runs out of AdBlue? If you run out of AdBlue while you're driving, then the engine's power and performance will be reduced to 'limp home' mode to limit its emissions and once the engine has stopped, it won't re-start until the AdBlue tank is refilled.

Can you get different grades of AdBlue?

No, there are several different types of AdBlue. These are differentiated by International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 22241 numbers. Modern diesel cars run on ISO-22241-1, ISO-22241-2 or ISO-22241-3. Make sure you check your vehicle handbook to find out which type your car needs.

Can I refill AdBlue myself?

Can I top up with AdBlue® myself? Yes, you can top up with AdBlue® yourself. Every TotalEnergies service station sells standard 5L and 10L cans of AdBlue®. TotalEnergies is also gradually deploying special pumps for light vehicles.

Does Prado use AdBlue?

Toyota Adblue comes as a factory fitted system in all Hiace, Prado and Diesel engines. Also known as DEF or Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

How do you know when AdBlue tank is full?

Simply tip the solution into the car and when you're full, you're full! Most vehicles with AdBlue will have a gauge of how full the tank is buried somewhere in the car's infotainment. Keep searching until you find it, and you'll know how much AdBlue you need.

What Fords use AdBlue?

What is AdBlue®? Many new diesel vehicles, including Ford Everest, Ford Endura and 2.0L Transit & Transit Customs, now require the use of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid commonly referred to as AdBlue®. This fluid is automatically injected into the vehicle's exhaust system to help reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide.

Is AdBlue bad for paintwork?

AdBlue® is not a hazardous product, but it can damage the surfaces it comes into contact with. If you spill AdBlue® inside a vehicle, on a painted surface or on your clothes, rinse immediately with clean water to prevent stains from forming.

What is the lifespan of AdBlue?

Due to the limited durability of AdBlue®, AdBlue® has a 2 year lifespan from date of production. It is essential that AdBlue® is stored between minus 5 degrees and 20 degrees Celsius. AdBlue® can decompose if it is stored at 30 degrees or more for extended periods of time - ammonia can form in such instances.

Is AdBlue corrosive to paint?

That's important because AdBlue is highly corrosive and can damage paintwork. It needs to be washed off immediately with water if any lands on your car (or hands).

Can you buy AdBlue from petrol stations?

You can find portable containers of AdBlue in the majority of filling stations, at the majority of appropriate retailers and the big branded online platforms too.