More than 20,000 diesel car drivers could have a breakdown this year because they run out of AdBlue and are ignorant of its importance, according to the AA.
The motoring organisation says it is currently attending more than 1,000 AdBlue-related breakdowns a month. It also claims that this number could nearly double if consumers and companies don’t learn more about AdBlue.
AdBlue is a colourless, non-toxic liquid made of both urea and water. It is used for a piece of technology called selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which is designed to remove harmful nitrogen oxide particles which come from the emissions of a diesel car’s exhaust. Diesel cars will not start up if their AdBlue tank is empty.
Depending on how many miles are covered, drivers of diesel cars may be required to top up their car with AdBlue before the vehicle’s next service. However, the AA says that although AdBlue is used for many modern diesel engines, it’s not yet widely understood by motorists.
Most breakdowns involve hire and company cars
The AA does mention though that many of those requiring assistance were driving hire cars and company cars, rather than private vehicles. The AA’s president, Edmund King, said: “Drivers are not familiar with the technology, and on a short-term hire shouldn’t be expected to have to top up the AdBlue.
“Hire car companies and fleet managers need to take more responsibility for vehicle maintenance, which shouldn’t be difficult as cars typically give 1,500 miles’ notice that the fluid level is running low.”