What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid and What Does It Do?

If you own a diesel vehicle, you may have heard the term “diesel exhaust fluid” thrown around in mechanics’ garages. But do you know what DEF is and how it impacts your driving experience? Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a critical component of modern engine technology, helping to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explain what diesel exhaust fluid is, what it does, and what its pros and cons are. Read on to learn all about this essential part of your car!

What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid is a non-toxic, colorless liquid that reduces the number of air pollutants in diesel engines. DEF works through a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In SCR, DEF flows into the exhaust stream and converts harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmful nitrogen and water vapor. The result is cleaner emissions that meet stringent environmental standards.

What Are the Benefits of Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Now that you understand what diesel exhaust fluid is and what it does, you likely want to know what benefits it offers. DEF is an important and beneficial component of modern diesel engines. In addition to reducing the number of harmful pollutants entering the air, the use of DEF can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of a diesel engine.

What Are the Drawbacks of Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

DEF is a necessary component of SCR systems. While SCR and DEF are important features for reducing emissions and improving air quality, they also come with some drawbacks.

One of the most common issues is SCR breakage. Breakage can occur for multiple reasons, including overheating and excessive DEF contamination. When this happens, costly repairs or complete system replacement may be necessary to restore the engine’s performance. Therefore, many diesel vehicle owners choose to find a qualified ECU specialist to remove the SCR and DEF systems completely. This eliminates much of the risk associated with breakdowns, but it has implications in terms of environmental impact.

Modern diesel vehicles rely on diesel exhaust fluid for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. While DEF offers numerous benefits, there are some downsides as well, making it essential to understand how it works to make an informed decision about usage or removal from your vehicle.