How using AdBlue can lower nitrogen oxide emissions

AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) we stock at select Z and Caltex truck stops and retail sites.

There are four regulated pollutants covered by Euro standards – nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and fine particles (PM). 

AdBlue has been designed to help vehicles with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology reduce their NOx emissions. 

Why should you consider using AdBlue in your SCR vehicles?

Businesses are always looking for ways to save money and curb their emissions. While our customers wait for electric and hydrogen technology to achieve critical mass, right now they can invest in diesel vehicles that use SCR technology. And it’s easy to see why you should. In the commercial trucking industry, some operators report reductions of regulated emissions – especially for nitrogen dioxide and NOx – of up to 90% compared with non-SCR vehicles. This is based on average usage by SCR technology vehicles and provided as a guide only. Individual use may vary based on various factors including vehicle type and age, the route and the driver. 

Where can you get it?

We want to make it even easier for our customers to find and use AdBlue. It’s available at over 50 Z and Caltex Truck Stops across the network, with more AdBlue sites planned making it New Zealand’s largest DEF network as of December 2024.

So you don’t run out, it’s a good idea to know where your nearest AdBlue location is (visit locator.z.co.nz to see our network of truck stops).  You can also buy AdBlue brand 10-litre packs at select Z and Caltex retail sites to use as handy backups. 

How to use AdBlue

If your vehicle doesn't have a separate AdBlue tank, then you don’t require any AdBlue as the vehicle isn’t equipped with SCR technology. But if your vehicle does have a separate AdBlue tank, you can use AdBlue. 

AdBlue is kept in a separate tank in each vehicle and added to the engine exhaust gas after combustion has occurred. It is not a fuel additive and must not be put directly into a diesel tank as this can seriously damage the vehicle. If you accidentally put AdBlue in the diesel tank or diesel into your AdBlue tank, don’t start the vehicle. Immediately contact the vehicle dealer to ask for advice. If you do start your vehicle after the diesel has been contaminated with AdBlue or AdBlue has been contaminated with diesel, major damage to the vehicle could occur.

If you’re a business looking to reduce harmful NOx emissions from your diesel vehicles, look for AdBlue at Z and Caltex.