What is the Purpose of DEF

What is the Purpose of Using DEF in Diesel Trucks

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is pumped at fuel stations into a separate tank and is used to cut down the effects of harmful air pollution. The DEF tank is mounted to the truck frame next to the fuel tank. The DEF tank has a blue cap while the fuel tank has a green cap in order to warn the driver not to mix the two fuels. To do so could cost the truck’s owner an expensive repair bill.

DEF normally has a shelf life approaching two years, but it doesn’t last as long if it’s exposed to high storage temperatures. DEF acts by limiting Nitrous oxide being released into the atmosphere. Many truck owners and drivers concluded that the use of DEF in large trucks was nothing more than a stepping stone to the production of lower powered trucks. But that did not materialize. OEMs continue to produce high-powered tractors with lots of torque.

Diesel powered cars and trucks produced since 2010 are equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and require the use of DEF which is readily available at most fuel stations wherever diesel fuel is sold. SCR reduces tailpipe emissions of nitrous oxide.

The Creation of DEF

DEF is created by combining deionized water with urea which turns harmful nitrous oxide into harmless water escaping into the atmosphere. But while eliminating the harmful effects is certainly great, it’s only one harmless gas in the fight against climate change. The planet is still bombarded by others. In fact, cars, trucks, vans and SUVs using gasoline give off carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and particulates.