Does DEF go bad if left open?

Because it doesn't include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it's a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues. RDO Equipment Co.
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Can you use DEF after it has been opened?

Generally, use it within one year from opening. A full tank will yield around 10,000 miles without towing.
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Can DEF fluid be left outside?

If DEF is stored outside it must be kept shaded from the sun. DEF will begin to lose its urea potency if kept in direct sunlight for too long. Store DEF below 86°F (30°C) or in the coolest part of the storage facility.
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How do you know if your DEF fluid is bad?

The easiest way to spot bad DEF is by looking at it. DEF is naturally clear, so if the solution looks cloudy or colored in any way, it's probable that it's old or has been contaminated.
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Can DEF be exposed to air?

While pumping DEF will not cause significant exposure, inhalation may occur if exposed to DEF in a closed area and/ of if DEF is misted into the air. Under normal conditions of use, harmful effects are not expected.
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DEF Failure or What Happens When You Put BAD DEF In A Diesel Truck / Lessons Learned



Can I store DEF outside?

If you store DEF outside, it must be kept out of direct sunlight and stay under shade. If it is kept in direct sunlight for any sustained period of time, it begins to lose its urea potency. DEF must be stored below 86°F or in the coolest area of your storage facility.
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What is the shelf life of BlueDEF?

The shelf life of DEF is directly related to the temperature at which it is stored. Storage temperature between 12º and 86º F are recommended to maintain optimal shelf life of up to two years. If BlueDEF freezes, its efficacy will not be effected upon thawing.
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Can I pee in my DEF tank?

The urea found in urine is not in the proper concentration needed for DEF, nor is it of a sufficient level of purity, in either urea or water. The bottom line, to spell it out just one more time… urine and DEF = Never. DON'T PEE IN YOUR DEF TANK!
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What happens if you use bad DEF?

If DEF goes bad, several adverse effects can quickly follow: The consumption of DEF is increased in vehicles to make up for poor quality. Increasing your DEF fuel costs. Potential equipment malfunctions and issues, such as unexpected engine shutdowns.
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Can u put water in your DEF tank?

The DEF will be diluted by the added water, but depending on the ratio of water to DEF, the solution may still contain enough urea to deal with the NOX via an increase in the injection rate.
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How does DEF degrade?

DEF will degrade over time depending on temperature and exposure to sun light. Expectations for shelf life as defined by ISO Spec 22241-3 are the minimum expectations for shelf life when stored at constant temperatures. If stored between 10 and 90 deg F, shelf life will easily be one year.
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Can you store DEF outside in winter?

Made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11F and needs to be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality. Like water, DEF will expand up to 7% when frozen and can damage storage tanks if they are full or nearly full when it freezes.
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How do you clean a DEF system?

Containers, funnels and other equipment that will contact or store DEF should be cleaned before use. Wash thoroughly and rinse with distilled water. If distilled water is unavailable, rinse with tap water, then rinse with DEF.
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How long does DEF last in tank?

The American Petroleum Institute recommends that you determine when DEF was put in the vehicle. The storage life of DEF is about 12 months in optimal conditions. If DEF has been stored in the vehicle over the past 12 months, it is recommended that it be drained and replaced.
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Why does DEF fluid crystallize?

DEF crystallizes when stored for prolonged periods as the water evaporates. Do not use DEF that shows signs of crystallization and always completely use a container to avoid storing opened containers.
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Can you replace DEF fluid with water?

Subject: RE: Anyone replace DEF with water? Water won't hurt the system but it will de-rate you pretty quick. ECM compares NOx values pre/post, if conversion is low it will start throwing codes and will eventually derate.
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How do you clean a contaminated DEF tank?

There is no way to clean out the drum after the Diesel Exhaust Fluid has been contaminated without compromising the integrity of any remaining product. Drums are the easiest to get contaminated, simply because anyone can open and close them. Drums are one way systems, and should be thrown out after each use.
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Can you pour DEF down the drain?

Bad DEF should be disposed of immediately and ethically. Do not pour down a drain or dump it outside. Check with your local government and environmental agency to learn how to properly dispose of DEF.
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Is there a shortage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid is a critical component of every fuel program. Required since 2010 for on-road fleets and since 2015 for off-road fleets, most modern fleets require DEF to remain mobile. Yet a severe, worldwide shortage has spurred severe supply chain challenges.
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How long does DEF fluid last after opened?

Shelf Life

Because it doesn't include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it's a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.
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What is the difference between BlueDEF and BlueDEF platinum?

As far as what the fluid is used for, which is the actual DEF, there is no difference. The difference is in the proprietary ingredients that was put into Platinum that they say keeps the DEF from crystalizing in the exhaust over time.
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How should DEF be stored?

Storing DEF in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place is recommended to maximize shelf life. It will degrade over time, but if stored at temps between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, DEF has an expected shelf life of one year. You can extend the shelf life to two years by storing at a temperature that stays around 75 degrees.
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