What happens if DEF freezes?

The freezing point of DEF is 12 degrees Fahrenheit and -11 degrees Celsius. If you're driving in low temperatures, it's important to leave some room in the DEF tank. If the DEF tank is completely full, when it freezes, the water in it will expand and could crack the tank.

Is DEF OK after it freezes?

Cycles of freezing and thawing have no effect on DEF fuel quality, regardless of how many times the cycle is repeated. This is especially important for vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems regularly subjected to harsh winter conditions.

Can you use DEF that has been frozen?

DEF will begin to slush and then freeze. There is no harm to the product which means that the urea solution is still safe to use if it has been frozen.

Does DEF fluid go bad if it freezes?

DEF isn't harmed by freezing, good news for those who live in colder climates. Because it's 2/3 water, it begins to turn slushy at 12 degrees Fahrenheit and will freeze solid. One thing to keep in mind is DEF will expand when frozen, so it's best not to fill containers completely full to avoid damage to them.

How do you thaw a DEF tank?

If DEF has frozen up in your vehicle, do not put any additives in the tank to help it thaw - DEF much to remain pure for it to work correctly. Your vehicle should start without a problem and the DEF tank has a heating element that can quickly thaw the DEF.

Cold weather and DEF fluid

How do you winterize a DEF fluid?

What temp does DEF go bad?

DEF shelf life is reduced when temperatures are not properly regulated and reach above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause the DEF to decompose, making it unusable or even harm your vehicle.

Can you use diesel after it freezes?

If the temperatures drop cold enough, the fuel can freeze all together and no longer flow, becoming unusable until the fuel re-liquifies.

What makes def fluid go bad?

DEF only goes bad if contaminated by another material like diesel fuel, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, dirt, and water. If that happens, the DEF should be disposed of as per the instructions in the SDS sheets and local regulations. Unlike with other diesel fuel and chemicals, DEF doesn't go bad with age.

What are the symptoms of bad DEF fluid?

To tell if your DEF has gone bad, you can often look at the fuel itself. When DEF is in good shape, the liquid should look clear – free of any contaminants or discoloration. If you find that your DEF is colored, cloudy, or hard to see through, you will want to replace your DEF immediately to avoid issues.

Does DEF go bad if unopened?

Like many petroleum products, DEF has a shelf life. DEF can usually be stored for a year without contamination.

Can DEF 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. If storing DEF below 86 °F (30°C) is not possible, manage the inventory accordingly.

Can you leave DEF fluid 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.

What can I substitute for DEF fluid?

Is there a substitute for DEF fluid? DEF is urea or otherwise known as aqueous ammonia. Windshield washer fluid that contains ammonia will do in a pinch. It contains less AA than needed but will get you to a town where you can get DEF.

Can DEF go bad in truck?

Sealed containers of DEF come with date codes that indicate when the DEF expires. High heat and direct sunlight cause DEF to degrade more quickly. This is particularly important when you are dealing with a single gallon of def, which will heat quickly even in the bed of a truck.

How long can DEF sit in truck?

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.

Is there an additive for DEF fluid?

MotorKote® DEF Reducer™ is a Diesel Fuel Additive that helps reduce regen. burn cycles and extend Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) life. While using MotorKote® DEF Reducer™ the combustion fuel catalyst allows the fuel to burn clean and efficiently with minimal soot and contamination.

How long does it take for gelled diesel to thaw?

Quick-Thaw will completely thaw the entire fuel system in about 20 minutes when used according to directions. Great for diesel vehicles operating in colder climates where ambient temperatures can encourage filter plugging by wax crystals present in low- and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels.

How cold is too cold for diesel?

The diesel fuel in your fuel tank will become like gel at a temperature of 15ºF or -9.5ºC and you will have trouble starting your engine. Anything below 15ºF / -9.5ºC can and will cause problems for your diesel vehicle.

Can DEF freeze while driving?

If DEF freezes in the vehicle, do not put any additives in the tank to help it melt. The fluid needs to remain pure for it to work correctly. The engine will start without a problem, and the tank has a heating element that can quickly thaw the DEF.

Does Blue Def have a shelf life?

WHAT IS 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.

Does DEF shorten engine life?

If DEF enters the fuel system and spread throughout the engine it will ruin the diesel engine eventually. The fuel system lines are not compatible with DEF and slowly corrode and over time.

Can DEF fluid be stored outside in winter?

DEF packages and bulk storage should be kept indoors in temperature-controlled environments, or in heated sheds or tanks if required to be stored outside. Check the expiration. Urea is vulnerable to degradation from sunlight and extreme temperatures making DEF's storage life variable.

Should you keep your DEF tank full?

Like water, DEF will expand up to 7% when frozen and can damage the storage tank if it is full or nearly full when it freezes. Keeping your DEF tank less than full in cold temperatures is a good idea.

Can you add DEF while engine is running?

The short answer is that you can add DEF while the engine is running. But you should only do it if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and the DEF tank is in the back. If you're driving a manual transmission vehicle, you'll need to stop the engine and wait for it to cool down before adding DEF.