AdBlue is the most common form of diesel exhaust fluid currently on the market and is used in many Land Rovers and Range Rovers to ensure they run properly. Without it, the vehicle will not comply with the EU6 regulations, and due to the technology incorporated within it, will not restart once switched off.
We recently spoke about the importance of diesel exhaust fluid in a blog, and today, we look at how long the most common variety known as AdBlue lasts, so you can keep your Land Rover compliant and roadworthy.
Which Land Rovers use AdBlue?
All diesel Land Rovers manufactured from 2016 onwards will require the use of AdBlue for them to work. This is due to the introduction of SCR technology. A technology that allows Land Rovers to meet EU6 regulations by reducing the nitrogen oxide emitted by the exhaust system by as much as 90%.
Current Land Rover models that require the addition of AdBlue are:
- Discovery
- Discovery Sport
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover
- Range Rover Sport
How much AdBlue shall I fill my Land Rover with?
If filling your Land Rover with AdBlue from empty, you will require approximately 10 litres, perhaps a little more, to completely fill it up. This will vary on the size of the vehicle though, so always check the manual for your Land Rover for specific guidance.
If the AdBlue warning light comes on, your tank will still have some AdBlue in it so a full top-up will not be required but you may wish to add a little.
How many miles can I drive with AdBlue?
Much depends on your driving style. One litre of AdBlue should cover you for approximately 500/600 miles. This can vary significantly though. The more fuel you use up, the more AdBlue your vehicle will consume.
It is recommended that every 5000 miles warrants a top-up and that 7000 miles will see your tank completely empty.
How do I know when AdBlue is running out in my Land Rover?
The Land Rovers that use AdBlue have a system to indicate when AdBlue is low, and when it needs to be topped up. Your instrument panel will indicate that your AdBlue is low. At this stage, you do not need to top up, but you should be aware that you are getting low.
The next message indicates that a top-up is needed. You may still get several hundred miles from your Land Rover at this stage, but you may also only get a handful. It all depends on how you drive!
A third message will indicate how many miles you have left until you are totally out of AdBlue. This would be a good time to top up if you haven’t already.
A final message will appear if you have not topped up after the third warning, and this will inform you that your Land Rover will no longer start. At this point, AdBlue must be added before being able to start your Land Rover again.
How Should I store AdBlue to make sure it lasts?
AdBlue should never be stored in the vehicle. Instead, it should be stored according to the specific instructions on the product. This will commonly mean storing the bottle upright, sealed, and in a cool dry place. It should remain in its original container and not be split into multiple bottles or permanently transferred to another bottle or container.
Does AdBlue go off?
A sealed bottle of AdBlue can go off, so it is best to check how old your product is before using it. In most cases, you can expect the shelf life of a full bottle of AdBlue to be approximately 18 months. Once opened, you should aim to use the bottle within a year to ensure it gives the best results for reducing emissions and keeping your Land Rover compliant. If you have a small part of one bottle of AdBlue remaining, you should not add it to another bottle. Mixing two different bottles of AdBlue could cause a reaction between the two.
Is AdBlue hazardous?
AdBlue is a non-hazardous chemical, but it should be stored safely and used carefully. Incorrect storage could not only see it no longer working properly but could see spills that stain clothing, furniture and other materials. If you ever do spill it, you should use cold water and a damp cloth immediately to remove clean it up as best you can.
Shall I use a specific AdBlue for my Land Rover?
Your vehicle handbook will stipulate the correct AdBlue to use for your Land Rover, but you should only ever look for those that carry the following ISO numbers:
- ISO-22241-1
- ISO-22241-2
- ISO-22241-3
Can I top up AdBlue in my Land Rover?
If you have noticed your AdBlue is low and requires a top-up, you can do it yourself. Just ensure you do not put the product into the fuel tank. If you happen to make the error of putting AdBlue into a Land Rover fuel tank, you should not start the vehicle, and instead, contact a Land Rover specialist like RCV for advice.
Assuming you are not going to accidentally fill the fuel tank, you can manually top up your AdBlue quite easily. Using a funnel, pour the AdBlue into its tank. This is normally located under the bonnet or near the fuel cap, but your handbook will show exactly where it is. Use as much AdBlue as needed to fill the tank, pour it slowly so you don’t get a sudden overflow. Once filled, make sure that the onboard system has validated the top-up, otherwise the vehicle won’t start. Don’t worry if this isn’t indicated right away. Sometimes it can take a minute or two for the system to register the addition of the AdBlue.
AdBlue is essential to the running of your diesel Land Rover and without it, you won’t be able to drive. The team at Roberts Country Vehicles can help. Selected Land Rover servicing includes the addition of an AdBlue top-up where required, ensuring your vehicle can remain running and remain compliant. Why not contact our team to have your Land Rover given the premium service treatment it deserves? With Land Rover MOTs and wheel alignments available too, choose RCV for all your Kent and London Land Rover servicing needs.