Euro 6 AdBlue SCR may cause issues for fleets

Business mobility specialist Alphabet has warned that organisations could face issues regarding the AdBlue Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) additive used on some new diesel cars from September 2015.

Under the new Euro 6 requirements, many new cars and light commercial vehicles under 1305 kg (unladen) will require the AdBlue exhaust additive to reduce the effect NOx emissions.

If not properly managed, AdBlue can result in the immobilisation of the vehicle, and Alphabet has warned that drivers should pay close attention to AdBlue warning lights, as failing to do so could result in the vehicle breaking down or failing to start.

Matt Sutherland, Chief Operating Officer at Alphabet said: “Fleet Managers need to ensure that their organisation’s vehicle policy includes clear instructions around the use and misuse of AdBlue, in the same way that they do currently with mis-fuelling petrol with diesel or adding other fluids like oil. Similarly, some drivers depending on their driving style and the types of journeys they make, will require AdBlue top ups outside of their regular servicing so Fleet Managers need to consider their policy and how they handle that.”

He added: “Like engine oil or washer fluid, drivers need to be familiar with how to top up their vehicle with AdBlue and make sure the fluid is put in the right place according to their vehicle handbook. Similarly drivers have a responsibility to keep an eye on any dashboard AdBlue warnings and take the appropriate corrective action in accordance with their employer’s vehicle policy – otherwise the vehicle will come to a halt or won’t start next time.”

Alphabet have released an ‘AdBlue driver guide’ that can be found here