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Using AdBlue in diesel company cars can lower emissions significantly

AdBlue
Some cars' diesel engines are designed to run with AdBlue to reduce emissions

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26 April 2016

ONE of the highest priorities in the motor industry is finding ways to lower harmful exhaust emissions. These emissions contribute to climate change, and have been the subject of several pieces of EU legislation over the last decade or so including the introduction of using AdBlue to reduce diesel emissions.

The most recent, the Euro 6 standard (as outlined here by the AA), recommends the use of AdBlue in diesel engines to reduce the amount of harmful gases released into the atmosphere. If your business issues company cars to employees, this is something that must be addressed.

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is an additive that is designed to be used with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The two work together to combat the harmful gases produced during the combustion process in diesel engines. The chemical is clear, non-flammable, non-toxic, and should be handled carefully.

The solution actually derives from the urine of cows; the primary chemical is ammonia which, when injected into the SCR system, converts harmful nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water – both healthy elements that are already found in the atmosphere.

Impact on businesses

While this is something that will impact all owners, distributors, and manufacturers of diesel engine cars, it is also very relevant to businesses who offer company cars to employees.

While the requirement to use AdBlue is not, as of yet, set in stone, it may soon be the case that the solution must be used as specified in every vehicle operating with a diesel engine – the obligation to ensure this is honoured is entirely on the car owner, which in the case of company cars is the company itself.

Incentives

As well as AdBlue reducing the amount of pollutants produced in your car, meaning components will stay functional without becoming clogged up, cars equipped to use AdBlue produce lower emissions which affects the amount of company car tax you pay, as explained here on the Government website.

Where can I get AdBlue?

With AdBlue not being toxic or harmful, it is easy to purchase in automobile or DIY shops. One stumbling block, however, is that there are a number of ineffective products that are passed off as AdBlue. The genuine article will have the text ‘AdBlue according ISO 22241’ on the container. This means that it has been approved by the International Standards Organisation, which has set the specifications for the chemical composition of AdBlue.

As the solution will be used regularly, it may be more cost-effective to purchase it in bulk — particularly if your business issues a number of company cars. Consider trying to negotiate a deal with a manufacturer or fuel supplier. Rix Petroleum supplies AdBlue in small, 10-litre packs as well as in vast quantities, so you can make savings by purchasing in bulk, if necessary.

While it is important for all types of industries to help combat climate change, using AdBlue could extend the life of your company car as well as save you money.

 

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