AdBlue is commonly mistaken as a fuel additive when it is actually an exhaust fluid that should never be mixed with diesel. AdBlue has its own tank and is stored completely separately to your vehicle’s fuel.
Adding AdBlue into your diesel fuel tank can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. To avoid confusion, and help prevent this, AdBlue is easily identified by a blue nozzle and a blue fill cap.
However, human error can occur and it is essential to act quickly in the unfortunate event of a driver adding AdBlue to the fuel tank.
Step 1 – Do not start your engine
Starting the engine will begin the process of circulating the fluid through the entire fuel system. As AdBlue is not compatible with any engine materials it can very quickly corrode all components and pipework within the engine. If this happens the entire fuel system will need to be replaced.
Step 2 – Drain the fuel tank
You must contact a professional to drain the tank immediately and dispose of all contaminated fluid. They will use a siphon system to suck all of the fuel out of the tank. Once the tank is empty it must be cleaned with warm water before you refuel with diesel.
Step 3 – Check for damage
Once you are sure no AdBlue remains in the fuel tank it is still essential to have a mechanic check for any damage caused. They can also replace the filters that will have absorbed the AdBlue.
Further prevention:
There are two options to help with preventing misfuelling when purchasing your AdBlue fuel pump.
Firstly, all kit can be easily identified in a bright blue colour. The blue nozzle is a clear reminder to everyone to put the AdBlue into the blue fill cap. Secondly, and more commonly in newer fleets, you can add a magnetic nozzle to the AdBlue pump. The magnetic nozzle only allows you to add fuel when it senses the magnetic fill point on your vehicle.