Sylvie Willis
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a non-toxic, colourless, and odourless liquid used in modern diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions. DEF is made of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water, which is injected into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine, where it breaks down harmful NOx gases into harmless nitrogen and water vapour. DEF is typically available at the pump at most major truck stops and some gas stations. It is more convenient and affordable for drivers to purchase DEF at the pump rather than carrying bulky containers. However, it can be challenging to identify which fuel stations offer DEF.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is DEF | Diesel exhaust fluid |
| What is DEF made of | 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water |
| DEF usage | Used in modern diesel engines equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce harmful emissions |
| DEF price range at the pump | $3.04 to $4.99 per gallon |
| DEF price range in retail stores | $3.55 per gallon (unbranded) to $7.99 per gallon (branded) |
| DEF price comparison | Buying DEF at the pump can be $0.51 to $3.00 per gallon cheaper than buying DEF containers at the store |
| DEF pump locations | Usually located near the truck diesel islands at major truck stops and some gas stations and CFN stations |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
DEF has become popular due to the 2010 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate to install SRC systems in diesel engines. These vehicles have a separate tank for DEF, usually located near the diesel fuel tank or under the hood in smaller vehicles.
DEF can be purchased at the pump at most major truck stops and some gas stations and CFN stations. It is typically more affordable and convenient to purchase DEF at the pump than buying pre-packaged containers at retail stores. However, it can be challenging to identify which fuel stations offer DEF. Interactive maps and state lists are available to help locate stations that carry DEF. At cardlock fuel stations, a cardlock fuel card specific to that location is required to purchase DEF.
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$11.99 $16.99
How to find DEF at the pump
DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is used in most diesel vehicles manufactured after the 2010 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate to reduce diesel vehicle emissions. It is a non-toxic, colourless, and odourless liquid used in modern diesel engines equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce harmful emissions.
DEF is typically available at major truck stops and some gas stations and CFN stations. The pumps are usually located near the truck diesel islands and can be used just like regular diesel pumps. DEF can be purchased with a company fuel card, credit card, or cash at most truck stops and retail gas stations.
If you are a motorist using diesel fuel, most gas station convenience stores also stock 2.5-gallon jugs of DEF. If you are a professional truck driver, many locations have bulk DEF pumps right at the diesel fuel lanes.
To find specific locations that offer DEF at the pump, you can refer to state lists and national or interactive maps that show stations carrying DEF fluid at the pump.
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What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. DPFs are crucial in reducing emissions from diesel vehicles by trapping soot and ash. They are made from a ceramic material and require periodic regeneration to burn off the accumulated soot.
Diesel engines produce a variety of particles during the combustion of the fuel/air mix due to incomplete combustion. Soot and other particles from diesel engines worsen the particulate matter pollution in the air and are harmful to health. New particulate filters can capture from 30% to greater than 95% of the harmful soot. With an optimal diesel particulate filter (DPF), soot emissions may be decreased to 0.001 g/km or less. The quality of the fuel also influences the formation of these particles. For example, a high sulphur content diesel produces more particles. Lower sulphur fuel produces fewer particles and allows the use of particulate filters. The injection pressure of diesel also influences the formation of fine particles.
DPF filters go through a regeneration process that removes soot and lowers the filter pressure. There are three types of regeneration: passive, active, and forced. Passive regeneration takes place normally while driving when engine load and vehicle drive-cycle create temperatures that are high enough to regenerate the soot buildup on the DPF walls. Active regeneration takes place when the engine isn't creating the heat it needs. Once the soot level reaches a certain point, fuel is injected into the exhaust stream, which goes over the oxidation catalyst and oxidizes the fuel to create heat. Forced regeneration, also known as parked regeneration, requires the vehicle to be stationary and can take up to an hour.
Regular filter maintenance is necessary to remove ash buildup, either through cleaning or replacement of the filter. DPFs can also fail due to poor servicing, incorrect oil, low-quality fuel, or running the vehicle on a low fuel level. Blockages can be caused by short, low-speed journeys, and failure to maintain the DPF can lead to costly replacements.
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How to prevent DPF blockages
A blocked DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) can be expensive to fix, with replacement costs ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Regular maintenance and understanding how DPFs work can prevent costly replacements.
DPF blockages are mainly caused by short trips and city driving, where the engine doesn't reach its optimal operating temperature. This results in the accumulation of soot and ash deposits in the DPF, leading to clogging and decreased efficiency. To prevent this, it is advisable to occasionally drive longer distances at higher speeds, allowing the engine to reach the optimal temperature and burn off the accumulated soot.
Using low-quality fuel can also contribute to DPF blockages. Lower sulphur fuel produces fewer particles and allows for the use of particulate filters, while high-sulphur content diesel produces more particles. Premium fuels or diesel fuel cleaners with additives can help burn off harmful particles. Additionally, using the wrong type of engine oil can block filters, as some oils contain additives that can contribute to clogging. It is recommended to use manufacturer-recommended low-ash engine oils to ensure cleaner combustion and reduce particulate buildup in the DPF.
Another way to prevent DPF blockages is to ensure that your vehicle is able to undergo DPF regeneration when it is full of soot. This can be done by paying attention to the warning lights on your dashboard and taking the necessary actions. For example, if the DPF light is on, driving at high RPM for a prolonged period can help clear the DPF by increasing the gases going through it and raising the temperature.
Finally, some preparatory tools, such as the K2 DPF, can be added to the fuel to aid in the burning of soot. These tools act as catalysts, making it easier for the DPF to burn off accumulated particles.
By following these guidelines, you can help prevent costly DPF blockages and maintain the performance and emissions standards of your diesel-powered vehicle.
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DPF regeneration
Diesel engines produce soot (black carbon) particles as a result of the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel. These particles include tiny nanoparticles—smaller than one micrometre (one micron). Soot and other particles from diesel engines worsen the particulate matter pollution in the air and are harmful to health.
Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are exhaust after-treatment devices that capture and store exhaust soot, which must be periodically burned off to regenerate the filter. New particulate filters can capture from 30% to greater than 95% of the harmful soot. With an optimal DPF, soot emissions may be decreased to 0.001 g/km or less.
It's important to perform DPF regeneration regularly to prevent blockages and maintain the performance of the vehicle. Blockages can be caused by short, low-speed journeys, poor servicing, incorrect oil, low-quality fuel, or running the vehicle on a low fuel level. Replacing a DPF can be expensive, so regular maintenance and understanding how DPFs work are crucial to prevent costly replacements.
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Frequently asked questions
DFP stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. It is an exhaust after-treatment device that traps and stores particulate matter, such as soot and ash, produced by the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.
DFP is necessary to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles. Soot and other particles from diesel engines worsen the particulate matter pollution in the air and are harmful to health.
DFP works by trapping and storing exhaust soot, which must be periodically burned off in a process called regeneration to restore the filter's performance.
Symptoms of a blocked DFP include reduced vehicle performance and a warning light on the dashboard. Blockages can be caused by short, low-speed journeys, poor servicing, incorrect oil, low-quality fuel, or running the vehicle on a low fuel level.
