If you drive a 2010 or later model diesel engine, you already know the importance of diesel exhaust fluid. To have high-quality diesel exhaust fluid, you should know everything about diesel exhaust fluid shelf life.
Watch the video to know how DEF should be stored for optimal shelf life.
Contents
Why Azure?
Ten years of experience supplying and processing diesel exhaust fluid and some other chemical products such as high-quality coolants turn Azure chemical into the first DEF and coolant manufacturer and wholesaler in Southern California. Azure delivers AdBlue and other products to help all distributors and customers fulfill their handling and storage goals.
Delivery options and Proper DEF storage are some matters that enhance the shelf life of diesel exhaust fluid. Bulk DEF solutions, DEF tanks for diesel-powered vehicles, and mini-bulk storage are options that Azure chemical provides. High-quality DEF fluid helps diesel engine owners meet the nitrous oxides reduction and let them be ready to promote a green planet for living.
Is there a shelf life on diesel exhaust fluid?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) believes that the storage life of DEF is around 12 months in optimal condition. So, it recommends that If DEF fluid has been stored in the diesel vehicle for over one year, it should be replaced. It is also said that when a car sits unused on hot summer days for a long time or has been contaminated, it should be drained as soon as possible. The AdBlue’s color change may be indicative of compromising fluid.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Diesel Exhaust Fluid?
Although the diesel exhaust fluid shelf life has been announced as 12 months by API, DEF manufacturers and wholesalers usually maximize the shelf life of the fluid by storing it in a dry, cool, and adequately ventilated place anyway. Diesel exhaust fluid should never be used more than three years past its manufacturing date.
Temperature Ranges Effect on the DEF Shelf Life
Storing DEF at temps 10 – 90 degrees extended the shelf life to one year. If you want to extend the shelf life to more than one year, you can store AdBlue at a temperature around 75 degrees. Sunlight exposure can also affect the DEF quality and decrease its shelf life. However, outdoor storage is not recommended; you can store diesel exhaust fluid in a constantly shaded area.
Cold Temperature
The good news for those living in cold areas is that freezing does not harm diesel exhaust fluid. It can be used after being frozen and then thawed with no issues. So, don’t add chemicals to prevent freezing because doing so may ruin the fluid.
What Happens When DEF Was Expired?
- lead to various equipment issues (engine de-rating, shut-down, etc.)
- lose effectiveness
- Potential damage to components
- SCR system Malfunctions
Conclusion
Although the AdBlue doesn’t include any preservatives, it has a reasonably long shelf life and can usually be stored for up to one year without any problems. In this blog, we pointed out some matters that can extend the shelf life of diesel exhaust fluid. Under no circumstances should DEF fluid be kept for more than three years. So, estimating your DEF annual usage is necessary to realize how much you can save on hand without expiring.
Resources
Tyrussum, (July 10, 2019), Shelf Life of Diesel Exhaust Fluid DEF, above ground fuels to rage tanks.
https://abovegroundfuelstoragetanks.com/2019/07/10/diesel-exhaust-fluid-def-shelf-life/
Dave Solberg, (June 20, 2022), All about DEF shelf life and how long it lasts in the tank, RV travel.
https://www.rvtravel.com/ask-dave-def-shelf-life-and-how-long-it-lasts-in-the-tank-rvdt-1887/
Karbasetti, (October 16, 2018), Know the Shelf Life of Diesel Exhaust Fluid, Blue sky diesel exhaust fluid.
http://blueskydefna.com/know-the-shelf-life-of-diesel-exhaust-fluid/
Jeffrey Harmening, (January 14, 2021), How Old Is Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid? Business Fleet.
https://www.businessfleet.com/10134704/how-old-is-your-diesel-exhaust-fluid
RDO Equipment, (22 Jun 2021), What Happens When Good Diesel Exhaust Fluid Goes Bad, RDO Equipment.
https://www.rdoequipment.com/resources/blogs/what-happens-when-good-diesel-exhaust-fluid-goes-bad
