Diesel exhaust fluid
What Are the Benefits of Using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (AUS 32)?
Diesel exhaust fluid, commonly known as DEF, has become an integral part of modern diesel vehicles (commercial buses, trucks, cars) powered with Euro (4,5,6) diesel engines. As the environmental regulations continue to tighten up globally, the need for DEF becomes an indispensable product in the automotive market in maintaining a cleaner environment. DEF minimizes toxic emissions and enhances efficiency in an engine. But what exactly is Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and what benefits are associated with its usage? This blog will cover the benefits of DEF that made it a must for diesel engine operators.
What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a colourless and non-toxic solution that contains 32.5 per cent high-purity urea and 67.5 per cent deionized water. It is used in vehicles equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction system, meaning it’s used to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted by automobiles. It gets injected into the exhaust stream, which undergoes a chemical reaction to change NOx emissions into nitrogen and water vapour. This can lead to reducing overall emissions into the air, and thus, it makes diesel vehicles adhere to emission regulations.
Significant Benefits of Using Diesel Exhaust Fluid
- Reduces harmful emissions:
The most significant benefit of DEF is its ability to reduce the production of hazardous NOx gases, one of the gases causing air and smog pollution. NOx gas has been proven to cause respiratory issues and acidity in rain; therefore, controlling the release is crucial. DEF can let diesel engines easily comply with strict emissions standards, such as Euro 6 and EPA regulations, to breathe a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.
- Fuel Efficiency Improvement:
DEF provides great fuel efficiency. Indeed, diesel engines which use SCR technology and DEF run more efficiently as compared to other forms of engine systems which try to reduce smoke by other means. With SCR, engines can maintain a greater combustion temperature, which helps optimize fuel economy; with DEF, operators can use an efficient fueling system without compromising the environment.
- Increased Engine Life and Reduced Maintenance Cost:
DEF also aids in increasing the life of an engine since it does not allow the creation of carbon deposits. In diesel engines that do not have SCR technology, there is more likelihood that carbon will accumulate, which will eventually increase the rate of wearing parts in an engine. Minimizing these deposits by DEF ensures that there is less possibility of expensive repairs and increases the long life of the engine. In addition, vehicles using DEF and SCR systems require less frequent changes of their oil, which contributes to less maintenance cost in the long term.
- Compliance with Emissions Standards:
Most parts of the world have instituted strict regulations on exhaust emissions, which a diesel vehicle has to comply with for the vehicle to be granted access. When using DEF, the owner of a diesel vehicle or a fleet operator will be made confident that their diesel engines are in line with the regulations. This avoids the possibility of suffering penalties and other forms of punishment for not being compliant with regulatory requirements, especially for commercial fleets that may require traversing various regulated areas.
Vehicles equipped with SCR systems and serviced with DEF tend to have a higher resale value. As consumers become increasingly conscious of emissions and environmental standards, vehicles with SCR and DEF systems offer a greater appeal to the buyer. They ensure that they are buying an efficient compliant vehicle and one that has fewer maintenance issues, hence an intelligent investment for the future.
Conclusion
Using a significant amount of Diesel Exhaust Fluid can bring numerous benefits, including reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.DEF is more than a regulatory compliance for owners of diesel vehicles, public transports, fleet managers, or heavy equipment users; it is a valuable tool for optimizing performance, extending lifespan, and supporting sustainability goals. By choosing to include DEF in your vehicle maintenance routine, you can enjoy the long-term advantage of a cleaner, more efficient diesel vehicle with minimal negative environmental impact.