There are a few different ways you can top up your AdBlue. Most big-branded service stations have AdBlue filling stations and they also sell portable containers of AdBlue. You can also find AdBlue containers at the majority of appropriate retailers and online platforms.
Before we discuss AdBlue filling stations, and the benefits they can bring for fuel card holders, let’s take a look at some key points regarding AdBlue and what it’s used for.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a non-toxic liquid solution made of a mixture of urea and deionised water. It is automatically injected into your vehicle's exhaust to help reduce harmful emissions in diesel vehicles.
The AdBlue solution is made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionised water. The urea in AdBlue is made by heating up synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide. The urea is then added to the de-ionised water to create AdBlue.
When the AdBlue solution is sprayed into the exhaust, it reacts to the gas (nitrogen oxide) produced during the combustion process. This helps to reduce harmful emissions by turning it into steam and nitrogen.
There are several ways you can top up your AdBlue tank. Firstly, most big-branded service stations have AdBlue filling stations, particularly in HGV lanes.
Alternatively garages and other retailers, both in store and online, also sell portable containers of AdBlue. A high mileage driver will often carry one of these containers with them should the warning light come on.
Another alternative is taking your vehicle into your local dealership which is recommended by some manufacturers. The dealership will fill up your AdBlue for a fairly low, fixed price.
As an alternative to filling AdBlue up yourself or at a dealership, most major networks of fuelling stations should have AdBlue filling stations available. The majority of these networks should also have AdBlue filling stations in HGV-friendly lanes on most of their sites, particularly on bunker sites and those on motorways.
These fuelling brands include the likes of:
• BP
• Esso
• Texaco
• Shell
The list of sites using AdBlue filling stations was originally chosen based on popularity and convenience, with fuelling stations on key routes and motorways taking priority. More sites have been gradually added to each network since then.
AdBlue filling stations are beneficial for vehicles and fleets, as it means drivers can refuel and fill up their AdBlue at the same time.
From a business perspective, this is a lot more efficient and will remove the need for drivers to return back to base to fill up their AdBlue. Instead, they can fill up on the move whilst they take their usual routes.
Fuel card customers can purchase AdBlue with their fuel card, along with their fuel, at the networks their card is linked to. For example, any companies who have any BP fuel cards will be able to use these cards for both fuel and AdBlue at any BP site that falls within their cards BP network.
If your company or fleet uses AdBlue, and you would like the process of filling this up to be more efficient and to save money on fuel, then check out our compare fuel cards tool and see which fuel card would work best for your fleet.
Or, if you would like to know more about fuel cards, their benefits and how they work, then check out our complete guide to fuel cards.
