What Happens When You Put AdBlue in Diesel?

AdBlue is a high-purity urea solution used in modern diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Its introduction has been a significant step towards meeting stringent emission regulations. However, accidental misfuelling—putting AdBlue in a diesel tank—can cause severe engine damage and operational issues. Understanding the consequences of this mistake and the steps to rectify it is crucial for vehicle owners.

The Role of AdBlue in Diesel Engines

Before delving into the ramifications of misfuelling, it’s essential to understand the role of AdBlue in diesel engines. AdBlue is injected into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles. In the SCR system, it reacts with the NOx gases produced during combustion, converting them into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. This process significantly reduces the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.

Misfuelling

AdBlue in the Diesel TankDespite the different fillers and labels, accidents do happen. Misfuelling can occur due to various reasons—confusion at the pump, lack of attention, or unfamiliarity with the vehicle’s requirements. Unlike putting petrol in a diesel tank or vice versa, the consequences of putting AdBlue in a diesel tank are severe due to the chemical nature and purpose of AdBlue.
Immediate Consequences

1. Chemical Reaction and Corrosion: AdBlue is composed of deionized water and urea. When it mixes with diesel, it can form crystals and cause corrosion. Urea can break down into ammonia, which can corrode metal parts within the fuel system. This corrosion can damage the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and other critical components.
2. Fuel System Contamination: The presence of AdBlue in the diesel tank leads to contamination of the entire fuel system. Diesel and AdBlue do not mix, leading to the formation of a sludgy substance that can clog filters, injectors, and fuel lines. This contamination can cause the engine to run poorly, stall, or fail to start altogether.
3. Engine Damage: Running the engine with AdBlue-contaminated diesel can lead to severe damage. The engine may misfire, lose power, or even seize up. The urea crystals and corrosive properties can cause irreversible damage to the fuel injectors, combustion chambers, and other internal components.

Long-Term Consequences

1. Expensive Repairs: The immediate result of misfuelling is often costly repairs. Cleaning the fuel system, replacing damaged components, and ensuring no residual contamination can be a labor-intensive and expensive process. In some cases, the damage may be so extensive that it requires a complete overhaul of the fuel system or even engine replacement.
2. Voiding Warranties: Many vehicle manufacturers stipulate that misfuelling can void warranties. This means that the owner would be responsible for all repair costs out of pocket, adding a significant financial burden.
3. Operational Downtime: For commercial vehicles, the downtime resulting from such an incident can be particularly detrimental. It can lead to loss of productivity, delayed deliveries, and additional logistical costs.

Immediate Steps to Take If you realise that AdBlue has been added to the diesel tank, taking prompt action can mitigate the damage:

1. Do Not Start the Engine: If the engine hasn’t been started, do not attempt to start it. Starting the engine will circulate the contaminated fuel, leading to further damage.
2. Inform the Garage: Contact a professional garage or roadside assistance immediately. Explain the situation so they can prepare for the necessary procedures.
3. Drain the Tank: A professional mechanic will need to drain the diesel tank completely. This process involves removing all the contaminated fuel and cleaning the tank thoroughly to ensure no AdBlue residue remains.
4. Flush the Fuel System: The entire fuel system needs to be flushed to remove any traces of AdBlue. This includes the fuel lines, injectors, and filters. In some cases, components may need to be replaced if they have been damaged by the contamination.

Prevention Tips
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1. Awareness and Education: Ensure that anyone who refuels the vehicle is aware of the differences between diesel and AdBlue and the consequences of misfuelling. Clear labels and reminders can help prevent mistakes.
2. Use AdBlue Safeguards: Many vehicles come with safeguards, such as AdBlue filler necks designed to prevent diesel nozzles from fitting. Using these and ensuring the correct filler is used can prevent accidental contamination.
3. Regular Maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance can help identify potential issues early. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to suffer catastrophic damage from minor mistakes.

Putting AdBlue in a diesel tank is a mistake with serious consequences. The chemical nature of AdBlue means that it can cause significant damage to the engine and fuel system, leading to costly repairs and extended downtime. Immediate action and professional intervention are crucial to mitigate the damage. Awareness and preventive measures can help avoid such costly mistakes in the first place. For vehicle owners, understanding the role of AdBlue and the critical importance of correct fuelling practices is essential to maintaining the health and efficiency of their diesel engines.

Before you know it, you're driving off with a ticking time bomb of potential engine complications. So, what do you do in such a situation? Let's delve into the world of wrong fuel recovery.
How Do People End Up Putting the Wrong Fuel in Their Cars?

Distraction
Life can be hectic. Whether it’s kids arguing in the back seat, an urgent call, or simply a daydream, distractions can cause us to make simple but impactful mistakes like choosing the wrong pump.

Unfamiliar Vehicles
Borrowing a car or renting a different vehicle can lead to confusion. You might be used to filling up your petrol car and accidentally fill a diesel rental with petrol.

Misleading Nozzle Colours
Sometimes, nozzle colours can vary from station to station, leading to confusion.

Simple Forgetfulness
We're all human, and sometimes we just forget. What To Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

Do Not Start the Engine
This is crucial. Starting the engine circulates the mixed fuel around your car's system. If you haven’t started the car yet, the wrong fuel is still only in the tank, making the problem more manageable.

Move Away from the Pump
If possible, push the car to a safe spot to avoid causing a jam at the fuel station.

Notify the Fuel Station 
It’s a good practice to inform the fuel station of the mistake.

Call a Fuel Drain Provider
This is where professionals like Fuel Doctor come in. They have the expertise and equipment to drain the incorrect fuel from your car and ensure it’s safe to drive.

Introducing Fuel Doctor: The Lifesaver in Wrong Fuel SituationsWhen faced with the distressing realization of a wrong fuel mishap, it's comforting to know that there are professionals ready to come to the rescue. Fuel Doctor is a leading national fuel drain provider that covers the entirety of the UK.

Why Choose Fuel Doctor?

Prompt Response
We promise a 1-hour fuel drain service. This means that within an hour of your call, they'll be at your location, ensuring that your vehicle is free from the wrong fuel and safe to drive.

Nationwide Coverage
Regardless of where you are in the UK, Fuel Doctor has got you covered. Whether you're on a remote countryside road or in the heart of a bustling city, their network ensures that a technician isn't far away.

Expertise
Dealing with wrong fuel situations requires knowledge, experience, and precision. Fuel Doctor’s technicians are trained and have a wealth of experience in handling such issues. They'll not only drain the wrong fuel but will also provide advice to prevent future mishaps.

Affordability: Mistakes happen, and they shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. Fuel Doctor offers competitive pricing, ensuring that your wallet doesn’t take too big a hit.

In conclusion, while putting the wrong fuel in your car can be distressing, knowing what to do can save you from potential damage and costs.

Immediate action is crucial, and having professionals like Fuel Doctor at your beck and call ensures that the situation is managed promptly and efficiently. Remember, the next time you’re at a fuel station, double-check the pump, and always keep emergency numbers like Fuel Doctor's handy. Drive safe!

Something a little different today in BANBURY. This customer had put 300 ltrs of contaminated fuel into his barge in Banbury. Our Banbury fuel doctor drained the contaminated fuel from this 66ft barge and was soon back on the water.

We received a call from an employee of Royal Mail that had put petrol in his diesel royal mail van in Hawick. An engineer was at his side and had him back on within the hour of receiving his call. This customer was use to putting petrol in his family car on the weekends.

Our South Wales Fuel Doctor has recently had another busy week with wrong fuel recovery. Our fuel doctor has carried out a number fuel drains in the last week, its an easy mistake to make and thats why we are on call 24/7.

Just a few from yet another busy week for our Fuel Doctors. If you have put petrol in diesel or diesel in petrol at the petrol station then make sure you call us today so that one of our local fuel drain technicians can attend your location to drain the contaminated fuel from your car and put the correct fuel back in for you.

Our Local Fuel Doctor arrived at Sainsbury's in Carlisle to recover a Coastguard vehicle that had 80 ltrs of petrol in the diesel tank. This customer was so used to fueling up the family car with petrol during the day and forgot swapping cars.

Our Fuel Doctors have been crazy busy this weekend in Southwales, Gloucester, Cheltenham and Bristol.
These customers have either put Petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car. Our Fuel Doctors had these customers back up and running in under an hour.