The important diesel additive Adblue is running out. High gas prices ensure that the production of the exhaust gas cleaning agent is becoming more and more expensive. Producing Adblue yourself from urine is not an alternative. Car manufacturers warn of damaged components and high costs.
Adblue: Urine is not an alternative
AdBlue is required as an additive by around ten million diesel vehicles in Germany. Bottlenecks are currently threatening due to rising energy prices. The nitrogen works Piesteritz as the largest manufacturer produce the indispensable exhaust gas cleaning agent not for several weeks. Some private diesel vehicle owners may also be wondering whether the aqueous urea solution could not be produced themselves. The short answer: no.
Although urea is an essential component of Adblue, we advise against producing it yourself. Even car manufacturers themselves warn against other diesel additives, as these affect the catalytic converter or others damage important components of the vehicle could. In addition, the manufacturer’s guarantee can become invalid (source: Auto Bild).
Urine with water as an Adblue substitute is not suitable because residual substances can accumulate in the tank and in the lines. The reaction with oxygen and other substances should ensure that the mixture begins to rot over time. Just one expensive repair can help then.
With industrially manufactured Adblue, the urea cleaned from other organic compounds. Numerous other substances, such as proteins, would otherwise cause problems for the catalyst.
E-cars do not need Adblue. Is the switch worth it?
Adblue price has increased sevenfold
According to the Federal Office for Goods Transport, the price of Adblue almost quadrupled between January 2021 and the end of August 2022. In September, the price continued to explodein some cases it is seven times higher than at the beginning of last year.