If you’ve ever noticed a warning light come on in your dashboard, you know that you’ve run out of DEF. While this is never an encouraging sign, it isn’t necessarily the end of the world. A simple refill of the DEF tank and restart of the vehicle should take care of the problem. If left untreated, however, running out of DEF can cause serious problems, including the exhaust system clogging. This will reduce engine efficiency and could lead to a breakdown.
The best way to keep your truck running smoothly is to regularly check the level of DEF in your truck. If it is below 10%, the warning light will start flashing. Once the level drops below 5%, the warning light will be flashing and then becoming brighter. DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is a non-toxic solution composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. It is designed to reduce emissions of harmful NOx gases, and is a necessity for modern trucks. It works by converting the NOx in exhaust into harmless nitrogen. If you don’t put DEF into your truck, the ECM will start to see the difference, and you’ll experience a reduction in speed and mileage.
When you don’t put DEF into your truck, your engine will start to run on a low power mode. Typically, you can expect a maximum of 18-22 mpg while driving. However, if you’re towing, you’ll see less than that. Your vehicle will give you plenty of warnings, so you can get more DEF in.
How Long Can You Go Without DEF?
If you’re running low on DEF, you need to fill up your truck right away. The good news is that you can easily purchase it from most truck stops and auto parts stores. It’s also available at major distributors and OEM locations. Some truck stops have DEF pumps right next to the fuel pumps, making it easy to top off both fluids without having to move your truck. It’s also best practice to flush the tank if you notice a DEF level warning.
When DEF level drops below 10%, a warning light will illuminate. If you don’t fill the tank, the warning light will begin flashing. If you’re running low on DEF, your engine will slow down to 5% mpg, and you’ll lose speed and engine power. Then, you’ll need to stop driving until you get the DEF back.
DEF has a manufacturers date on it, which is often found on the front of the container near the bottom. This date tells you when the batch of DEF was produced. It also tells how old the bottle is. The date code on a one gallon bottle is laser-printed on the container, while a two or five-gallon tank will have a small label applied to the front. A large drum or tote will have a larger label. Reading these codes is sometimes tricky, and they vary from one manufacturer to another.
Can I Use Water Instead of DEF?
AdBlue is a mixture of urea and de-ionized water. It is highly corrosive to aluminum and should be handled with gloves. If a spill occurs, clean the area with soap and water. Urea is a byproduct of urine, but it is synthetically produced. There are no animals harmed in the production process. Because of this, urea is not a good substitute for DEF.
The problem with using water in place of DEF is that it dilutes the DEF solution. Water will not deal with NOX as effectively as DEF. It can also cause engine damage. If you remove the DEF and then run water through your injectors, you may not be able to restore normal operation to your truck.
Although it’s tempting to substitute water for DEF, it’s not recommended. Although DEF is safe to use, water can damage the engine. It can also corrode and ruin your SCR catalyst. If this happens, it will be very expensive to repair.
What Can I Use Instead of DEF?
While the purpose of DEF is to reduce emissions, removing it from the truck engine can hurt the engine. It can lead to the engine freezing and causing a performance loss. Besides, DEF consumes only 2% of diesel fuel. The amount is diluted 50 to one when mixed with diesel.
Some gas stations sell DEF, but it isn’t always available, and it can be expensive. You can also buy DEF at a store like Walmart, but it won’t last long and may deteriorate your paint. DEF will leave a white film on your truck’s paint, which dulls the appearance of the vehicle.
Another common DEF alternative is windshield washer fluid. It contains ammonia and can be used as a substitute for DEF in trucks. If you can’t get DEF in your town, you can use windshield washer fluid with ammonia.
Should I Keep My DEF Tank Full?
If you own a truck, you may be wondering, “Should I keep my DEF tank full in my pickup truck?” Fortunately, DEF is easily available from a local parts store, such as a NAPA Auto Parts. You can also find it at a fuel station or truck stop.
When deciding how much DEF you need, look at your estimated usage. A truck that sits in a garage for a month isn’t the best place to store DEF, and a tank that’s half-full isn’t ideal.
Diesel exhaust fluid is a non-hazardous mixture of urea and water that is sprayed into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. It breaks down the dangerous NOx emissions that contribute to smog and acid rain. This non-hazardous substance is used in the exhaust system of diesel vehicles to prevent the formation of nitrogen oxides, which cause the pollution that harms our environment.
How Much Does DEF Cost Per Gallon?
If you are thinking about purchasing DEF fuel, it’s worth knowing how much it costs per gallon. It is widely available at truck stops and auto parts stores, and has a shelf life of two years at room temperature and one year at higher temperatures. According to the DEF Tracker service from Integer, the average price at a Canadian pump for DEF is $0.799 per litre, or $3.16 per gallon. This increase is partly due to movement. The EIA also reports that gasoline prices rose 6.7 cents this week, with the largest jump being in the Midwest. The West Coast, however, saw the least increase, at 3.3 cents per gallon.
Although DEF can be purchased in jugs at retail outlets, it is more cost effective to purchase at the pump. It is commonly used in semi-trucks and other large vehicles. Prices for DEF vary greatly by location, but most big-box retailers charge about $11 to $15 for 2.5 gallons. Walmart, on the other hand, sells DEF for $6 per gallon.
How Long Does a Gallon of DEF Last?
When you get a new DEF fluid for your truck, check the expiration date on the container. This date will tell you the exact date the batch was made. It will also tell you how old your DEF fluid is. The date code will be printed on the front of the bottle or in the label. Most one-gallon containers have a laser code, and larger tanks or drums will have a label with a larger date code. It’s tricky to read the date code, however, because the dates are different for each batch.
You should also take care to store your DEF correctly. Since DEF is composed of about two-thirds water, it can freeze solid at temperatures around 12 degrees Fahrenheit. The DEF in your truck’s DEF tank can also freeze, which can damage the SCR and DEF.
Can You Run a Diesel Without DEF?
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is essential to a diesel vehicle’s engine. Without it, a truck’s exhaust will not burn cleanly and could cause the engine to break down. It can take weeks to clean out a clogged exhaust system, and replacing a broken part can cost thousands of dollars.
DEF is a blue fluid used in modern diesel engines to help clean exhaust emissions. Some brands use urea, such as AdBlue. This additive works in catalytic converters to convert toxic nitrogen oxide into water and simple nitrogen. DEF is sold at most gas stations and usually costs $15 for 2.5 gallons. It must be replenished every four fill-ups.
While DEF is mandatory in newer diesel vehicles, it’s in short supply. As a result, diesel owners will have to search harder to find a DEF tank. If you have an empty tank, however, you can still run your vehicle. But you’ll have to perform additional tuning in order to get it to start again.
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