AdBlue & DPF
Using AdBlue
Is all AdBlue the same?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 4 industry sources
Yes, all genuine AdBlue is chemically identical — a precisely mixed solution of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionised water. What matters is not the brand name on the bottle, but whether it meets the ISO 22241 quality standard.
AdBlue Is a Standardised Fluid
Fixed formula:
AdBlue must contain exactly 32.5% automotive-grade urea in deionised water. This ratio is fixed by the ISO 22241 standard — no manufacturer can legally call it AdBlue if the formula differs.
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ISO 22241 certification:
Always check the packaging for ISO 22241 compliance. Any product carrying this certification contains the same fluid regardless of whether it costs £5 or £25.
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AdBlue is a registered trademark:
The name 'AdBlue' is a trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), so only certified fluid meeting the standard can legally carry the name.
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What Can Go Wrong
Avoid unbranded or diluted fluid:
Non-certified products labelled as 'diesel exhaust fluid' or 'SCR fluid' may not meet the correct concentration, which can damage your SCR catalyst and trigger fault codes.
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Contamination is the real risk:
Using the wrong container or a dirty funnel can contaminate AdBlue. Even small amounts of diesel or oil will degrade the fluid and can damage the SCR system.
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SCR and emissions system damage:
A faulty SCR system caused by poor-quality AdBlue can lead to an MOT failure, as emissions control systems are checked during the test.
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Where to Buy and What to Pay
Petrol stations vs. retailers:
AdBlue is available at most motorway service stations, supermarket forecourts, and motor factors. Petrol station prices are typically higher per litre than buying a 10-litre container from a retailer.
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Bigger containers save money:
A 10-litre container from a supermarket or motor factor is usually significantly cheaper per litre than the pump dispensers at service stations, and the fluid inside is exactly the same.
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Sources
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