Is there a shortage of Def fluid?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 17, 2026
Diesel exhaust fluid is a critical component of every fuel program. Required since 2010 for on-road fleets and since 2015 for off-road fleets, most modern fleets require DEF to remain mobile. Yet a severe, worldwide shortage has spurred severe supply chain challenges.
Is the DEF shortage real?
The global microchip shortage, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic supply chain disruptions, has resulted in a shortage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors. These sensors are required on heavy-duty diesel vehicles to ensure that the emissions controls needed to meet clean air standards are in place and working.
What can I use instead of DEF fluid?
DEF is urea or otherwise known as aqueous ammonia. Windshield washer fluid that contains ammonia will do in a pinch.
Why is there a AdBlue shortage?
The fluid, which acts as anti-pollutant in diesel engines, is vital to the freight and logistics sectors. A global shortage saw a deal struck with Incitec Pivot to produce the urea-based fluid in Queensland. Freight and farming bodies say diversification is needed to secure the fluid's long-term supply.
Is there a diesel exhaust fluid shortage?
The world is facing a major shortage of the compound, a key ingredient found in the diesel exhaust fluid AdBlue and a large component in fertiliser. The main reason for the shortage is that China, which previously supplied 80% of Australia's urea supplies, has banned export of the product.
16 related questions foundCan I make my own AdBlue?
It can only be produced industrially. Making AdBlue® yourself may have adverse repercussions on your vehicle. the first involves dissolving granules of solid urea, called prills in demineralised water; the second involves mixing synthetic urea with demineralised water.
Can you use urine as DEF?
The urea found in urine is not in the proper concentration needed for DEF, nor is it of a sufficient level of purity, in either urea or water. The bottom line, to spell it out just one more time… urine and DEF = Never. DON'T PEE IN YOUR DEF TANK!
Is there a DEF shortage in the US?
While DEF markets will likely remain constrained for most of 2022, there are some things you can do to stay in control. Increase Storage Capacity. With logistics challenges causing issues, having more supply at your site can reduce supply chain strain and provide more time between replenishments.
Can I just put water in my DEF tank?
The DEF will be diluted by the added water, but depending on the ratio of water to DEF, the solution may still contain enough urea to deal with the NOX via an increase in the injection rate.
Is DEF fluid going up?
DEF prices have been rocketing higher over the past month, on the heels of a steady upward trajectory throughout 2021. The steep increase is due to rising urea prices. Urea, created from ammonia, has important uses in fertilizer in addition to being the main ingredient in DEF.
How long can DEF be stored?
Because it doesn't include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it's a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.
What does Blue def?
BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a mixture of high purity synthetic urea and deionized water that is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles. DEF is used to help convert NOx to harmless nitrogen and water.
How do you winterize a DEF fluid?
Push the DEF pump switch to "Trailer Fill". Allow the pump to run while squeezing the nozzle handle for 30 seconds. Unhook the quick coupler from the nozzle WHILE THE PUMP IS RUNNING. This will evacuate the DEF fluid from the nozzle.
Can you run a diesel without DEF?
Can You Run A Diesel Engine Without Def? There is no way modern trucks will run without DEF. Drivers of diesel trucks therefore need to check their fluid levels frequently in order to make sure they're as good as possible. It is everyone's responsibility to reduce emissions.
Can you put diesel in DEF tank?
DEF and diesel should never be mixed. Ever. Although safeguards have been designed to keep the diesel fuel separate from the DEF, it still happens: DEF is accidently put into the diesel tank or diesel into the DEF tank.
Why is there a shortage of DEF sensors?
The increased demand and price for urea worldwide has skyrocketed the price of DEF, nearly a spike of 45% according to Southern Counties Lubricants. The DEF quality sensor shortage is a global one and it has left many drivers off the road.
Who makes def fluid?
Yara International produces Air1 branded Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) for the North American market and has operations in all major global markets. Old World Industries produces BlueDEF branded Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) for the North American markets, with operations in other key global markets.
What is a DEF delete?
DEF Delete
The DEF (diesel engine fluid) system operates similarly to the DPF, removing soot from your engine and storing it in a canister within your exhaust system. Just like the DPF, the system will clear out excess soot by going into a regen cycle and using your vehicle's fuel to burn off and blow out the soot.
Is Blue DEF cow urine?
DEF is a mixture of (typically) 2/3 deionized water and 1/3 urea. It's carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute. Technically, urea is derived from one of the byproducts of urine. But it's synthetically made, so no cats are ever harmed in the production of the fluid.
Can DEF be used as fertilizer?
DEF is essentially 48-0-0 as a fertilizer. "32" is not urea, it's urea ammonium nitrate, which is a different thing. (If you were fertilizing something in a garden, for its proper nutrition, you'd need to add other substances to the "DEF" to create the right mixture.
Does DEF fluid have a shelf life?
Like many petroleum products, DEF has a shelf life. DEF can usually be stored for a year without contamination.
Can I use distilled water instead of AdBlue?
Using water instead of AdBlue - In short, you mustn't use water instead of AdBlue, or water down the AdBlue in anyway. AdBlue is a mixture of urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. Where as tap water contains a lot of minerals and ions that is harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system.
What brand of AdBlue is best?
The Best AdBlue
- GreenChem AdBlue.
- CleanAirBlue Adblue.
- Status Car Care AdBlue.
- Redex AdBlue.
- Cartec AdBlue.
Can you bypass AdBlue?
The only way is replace, but replace costs is even more than repair. But; With adblue delete you can make adblue bypass and use your truck or car without adblue def fuel. For this we use adblue removal software and emulators.
Is there antifreeze for DEF?
Do not add antifreeze to DEF. It is not recommended to add any sort of additive to DEF to prevent freezing, as this will prevent the fluid from performing as designed. The use of contaminated or non-manufacturer approved DEF may result in costly after-treatment system repairs.