Is diesel exhaust fluid needed?

Is diesel exhaust fluid needed?

A: Because almost all diesel-powered passenger cars and trucks built since 2010 are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), it is readily available at most fueling stations and automotive parts retail stores. Truck stops often have a DEF pump right on the fuel island.

What is the benefit of diesel exhaust fluid?

DEF eliminates the toxic emissions in the engine after combustion. This enables manufactures to tune engines for greater power, reduce power consumption and increase the period between oil changes. Extra cooling or engine overhaul isn’t required for the DEF system.

What happens when you run out of diesel exhaust fluid?

Exhaust is injected with DEF before entering the SCR catalyst, where it is then transformed into clean air that exits the tailpipe. If you let the DEF tank run dry, you could experience days, weeks or even months of downtime — along with thousands of dollars in potential repairs.

Why is DEF used in diesel engines?

DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. This system is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and can be found on 2010 and later model year trucks and many diesel pickups and SUVs.

Is DEF fluid necessary?

DEF is a requirement for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with diesel engines produced after 2010. The vehicle is programmed to inject the DEF into the exhaust stream to meet emissions requirements. If the vehicle is allowed to run out of DEF, the engine performance will be reduced, and lower speeds are imposed.

Can you use water instead of DEF fluid?

Subject: RE: Anyone replace DEF with water? Water won’t hurt the system but it will de-rate you pretty quick. ECM compares NOx values pre/post, if conversion is low it will start throwing codes and will eventually derate.

What is the purpose of DEF?

What is the Purpose of Diesel Exhaust Fluid? In 2010, the EPA required diesel engines to reduce their production of (NOx) nitrogen oxides. That reduction is accomplished with the additive Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This fluid reduces NOx and air pollution.

Is DEF necessary?

What happens if you don’t use def fluid?

If you ignore the DEF warning the truck will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers allow the engine to go into reduced power mode so the truck can “limp home” or limit the number of times you can turn the engine over. At some point though the diesel engine will not start.

What happens if you dont use DEF?

Can you bypass DEF fluid?

If you’re thinking of bypassing any of your diesel’s emission controls, remember that that it’s highly illegal and the fines can be steep. The chances of getting caught may be low, but the consequences are costly.

Can you pee in DEF tank?

The urea found in urine is not in the proper concentration needed for DEF, nor is it of a sufficient level of purity, in either urea or water. The bottom line, to spell it out just one more time… urine and DEF = Never. DON’T PEE IN YOUR DEF TANK!

Why is DEF so expensive?

DEF prices have been rocketing higher over the past month, on the heels of a steady upward trajectory throughout 2021. The steep increase is due to rising urea prices. Urea, created from ammonia, has important uses in fertilizer in addition to being the main ingredient in DEF.