What is an AdBlue® anti-crystallisation additive? What are the best AdBlue® crystal preventers? These are just some of the questions you may have about AdBlue® additives. Find out why they may be necessary for your vehicle to run smoothly, how much they cost, and which one is best suited to your use. Let’s get started!
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AdBlue® anti-crystallisation additive: what is it?
An anti-crystallisation additive for AdBlue® is a product that prevents the formation of cyanuric acid crystals (or dissolves them, if they are already present) in the AdBlue® tank, injectors or SCR catalyst. Indeed, crystallisation is one of the main drawbacks of AdBlue®. This occurs in two main situations:
- when the temperature of the exhaust gases is not high enough (below 260°C) for AdBlue® to play its anti-pollutant role
- when AdBlue® is exposed to a temperature of -11°C or less.
In particular, this crystallisation can lead to blockage of the catalytic converter, with the immediate consequence of the vehicle coming to a complete standstill and incurring significant repair costs.
In addition to its role as a preventive and curative anti-crystalliser, the AdBlue® additive also makes it possible to :
- clean the AdBlue® injection system
- protect the exhaust line from corrosion
- improve the efficiency and extend the life of the SCR catalyst
- increase the life of the AdBlue® tank
- avoid over-consumption of fuel and urea.
Anti-crystalliser for AdBlue® can be used on all diesel vehicles fitted with an SCR system: cars, vans, coaches, HGVs, agricultural vehicles and construction machinery!
Do you need an anti-crystallising AdBlue® additive?
As a general rule, it is advisable to use an anti-crystallising AdBlue® additive regularly to ensure that the SCR system works properly over time (if possible, before each tankful of AdBlue®). This is particularly the case for vehicles subject to the following conditions of use:
- frequent stops: this applies in particular to delivery, waste collection and public transport professionals
- short daily journeys: if your place of work is close to your home or if you travel locally as part of your profession (salesperson, craftsman, etc.)
- low frequency of use: your vehicle is only used a few days a month or is parked for several months (e.g. motor home, utility vehicle, agricultural vehicle or digger)
- particularly low outside temperature: if you live in a region where temperatures fall sharply in winter.
If one or more of these situations apply to you, you should take a close look at an AdBlue® anti-crystalliser. This will prevent you from damaging the exhaust system and incurring (very) high repair costs.
Depending on the damage caused by AdBlue® crystallisation, repairs can cost from £250 to over £1,000 for a car or light commercial vehicle (particularly if the SCR catalyst and/or AdBlue® tank have to be replaced). For a heavy goods vehicle, this type of repair can cost in excess of £5,000, not to mention the economic repercussions of the vehicle being out of action for several days. Imagine the potential costs for a fleet of diesel vehicles out of action for several months…
Best anti-crystallisation additive for AdBlue®: which one should I choose?
When it comes to choosing an AdBlue® anti-crystalliser, you shouldn’t rely solely on price and reviews. The concentration of the product also plays an important role. As a result, some more expensive anti-crystallisation additives end up being much more cost-effective to use than those that appear to be low-cost.
To help you choose the AdBlue® additive that’s right for you, we’ve selected a few references that are renowned for their effectiveness. Here they are:
1. 5in1 Blue+ AdBlue® enhancer (250 ml): a complete anti-crystalliser
Renowned for its effectiveness when it comes to dissolving AdBlue® crystals, the 5in1 Blue+ anti-crystalliser has a number of advantages:
- it cleans the AdBlue® tank, injectors and SCR catalyst
- prevents crystals from forming in the AdBlue® tank
- prevents clogging of the SCR catalysts and extends their life
- a single 250 ml bottle treats 100 litres of AdBlue® (25 to 50 ml of anti-crystalliser is enough for a full tank of AdBlue®).
5in1 Blue+ Adblue enhancer, AdBlue anti-crystallisation additive - 250ml
2. Wynn’s Crystal Clean & Protect AdBlue® additive (125 ml): an effective single-use product
If you’re looking for an effective one-off solution to prevent AdBlue® crystallisation, Wynn’s Crystal Clean & Protect additive is for you! This additive:
- is effective against AdBlue® crystallisation, both as a preventive and a curative measure
- cleans all the components of the SCR system, from the tank to the injectors and the pump.
However, bear in mind that a 125 ml bottle can only treat a full tank of AdBlue® (maximum 15 litre tank).
Wynn's Crystal Clean & Protect Car AdBlue Preventative Crystallisation Cleaner Additive - 125ml
£9.69
3. Forté’s Exhaust Crystal Preventer (150 ml): a good alternative to Wynn’s anti-crystalliser
If you run out of any of the above products, Forté’s AdBlue® additive will do the trick. Its main advantages are:
- it quickly dissolves the crystals in the AdBlue® tank
- it works as a preventive as well as a curative measure.
Like Wynn’s anti-crystallisation additive for AdBlue®, this is a single-use additive (for a single tank of AdBlue®).
Forté AdBlue Exhaust Crystal Preventer, anti-crystallising AdBlue additive - 150ml
£10.90
How do I use an AdBlue® additive?
Using an AdBlue® additive is extremely simple. All you need to do is follow 3 simple steps:
- Get a funnel with a built-in hose (you can find decent ones for around £8 on Amazon) and insert it into the AdBlue® tank.
- Pour a dose of additive into the AdBlue® tank (before topping up!) using the funnel: refer to the dose indicated on the label on the bottle or can.
- Top up the AdBlue® in the same tank.
Note: to prolong the effectiveness of the anti-crystalliser, remember to top up the dedicated tank before each tankful of AdBlue®.
Precautions for use:
- never put AdBlue® additive or AdBlue® in the fuel tank
- the additive must not be mixed with other products
- anti-crystallisers for AdBlue® are usually flammable, and their vapours are toxic
- to avoid skin and eye contact, wear protective gloves and goggles
- if you swallow or inhale AdBlue® anti-crystalliser, contact a poison control centre as soon as possible
- in the event of prolonged eye irritation, consult your doctor.
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