What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)? Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.

Is DEF fuel the same as diesel?

DEF is never added to diesel fuel. It is a non-hazardous solution of 32.5% urea in 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is clear and colorless, and looks exactly like water. It has a slight smell of ammonia, similar to some home cleaning agents.

Can you put diesel in DEF?

DEF and diesel should never be mixed. Ever. Although safeguards have been designed to keep the diesel fuel separate from the DEF, it still happens: DEF is accidently put into the diesel tank or diesel into the DEF tank.

Do all diesels use DEF?

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.

Can DEF be mixed with diesel fuel?

Misused, an operator could be facing a disastrous problem. DEF is a solution of urea and water. Diesel fuel and water-based DEF have different densities and will not mix.

Does DEF ruin engine?

If DEF enters the fuel system and spread throughout the engine it will ruin the diesel engine eventually. The fuel system lines are not compatible with DEF and slowly corrode and over time.

Does DEF hurt your engine?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not toxic, harmful or dangerous. In fact, of all the fluids used in a truck, such as diesel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen wash, DEF is the least hazardous.

Can you pee in your DEF tank?

Please do not urinate in your DEF tank, the SCR system will be damaged and it will cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Can you run a diesel without DEF?

Can You Run A Diesel Engine Without Def? There is no way modern trucks will run without DEF. Drivers of diesel trucks therefore need to check their fluid levels frequently in order to make sure they're as good as possible. It is everyone's responsibility to reduce emissions.

Will DEF freeze in my truck?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF Fluid

Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.

Is DEF fluid made from urine?

DEF is a mixture of (typically) 2/3 deionized water and 1/3 urea. It's carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute. Technically, urea is derived from one of the byproducts of urine. But it's synthetically made, so no cats are ever harmed in the production of the fluid.

What does DEF do to diesel?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a solution of urea and water that's injected into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to turn NOx gases (harmful emissions) into nitrogen and water. This system is called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) implemented by vehicle manufacturers to meet EPA emissions standards in 2010.

What is the best DEF fluid?

The best diesel exhaust fluid meets the Environmental Protection Agency's standards and is free from impurities. Valvoline's Premium Blue Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a top choice because it is compatible with all selective catalytic reduction systems and meets the EPA's near-zero nitrogen oxide emissions levels standard.

What does Blue def do for diesel engines?

BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a mixture of high purity synthetic urea and deionized water that is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles. DEF is used to help convert NOx to harmless nitrogen and water.

What happens when you run out of DEF?

The Cost of Running Out of DEF‍

In a best-case scenario, running out of DEF simply means refilling the tank and restarting your machine. If you have DEF nearby, you could be back to work within minutes. But sometimes it isn't so quick and easy.

Is DEF made from pig urine?

Urea is an organic compound produced when a body metabolizes protein. (And yes, we expel it as urine.) But despite DEF earning the nickname “pig urine,” Diesel Exhaust Fluid is actually made of commercial-grade urea—synthetic ammonia and carbon.

Is DEF bad for your truck?

Studies show that it would have to be a constant 120 °F for about two years before the DEF would turn into ammonia and disappear. And it's not a toxic chemical either. In fact, many fluids in your truck (like diesel fuel, engine oil, wiper fluid, brake fluid and more) are much higher in their toxicity level.

How much DEF does a Duramax use?

Assuming that you have a 65-gallon fuel tank and DEF usage is 2.5 percent, you'll use 1.6 gallons of DEF for every tank of diesel fuel. With an average DEF storage of five gallons, you'll need to replenish DEF only every fourth time you refill with diesel fuel.

Is it illegal to bypass DEF system?

Given the open availability of this service, a farmer could be forgiven for believing that DEF modifications are legal. They're not. In the U.S., the EPA Clean Air Act prohibits anyone from tampering with an emission control device on a motor vehicle by removing it or making it inoperable.

Is Blue DEF cow urine?

Contrary to popular myth, cow and bat urine and DEF are not a thing. The urea used in the manufacture of DEF is synthetically derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide, and urea production plants are often adjacent to other sites where ammonia is produced, such as coal and natural gas refineries.

Why is there a DEF shortage?

Skyrocketing natural gas prices in the EU have driven up manufacturing costs, significantly increasing the cost of DEF. Chinese and Russian Restrictions – China, a key supplier of urea, has restricted exports to curb domestic shortages.

Is DEF expensive?

A typical tankful of DEF will need to be refilled approximately every time you change your oil. It's mostly water too, so it's not going to break the bank. A 2.5-gallon pack of BlueDEF (as opposed to the stuff your dealer might sell) will set you back well under $20.

What is the problem with DEF?

Dirt / Metal Contamination: Contaminated DEF can cause abrasion of the DEF pump. Dirt, rust or tank scale can occur with improper of DEF storage or handling (e.g. res-using disposable DEF containers). UREA Concentration (Dilution): Diluted DEF (too much water) reduces its NOx neutralization effectiveness.

How much does DEF cost?

DEF, available at most service stations for $6 to $10 per gallon, is a fluid consisting of urea and deionized water in a 1:2 solution. It's contained in a reservoir separate from the fuel tank and is metered into the engine's exhaust stream to control certain emissions.