Diesel Exhaust Fluid Service

Pacific Coast Petroleum is a full service provider of Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Service

Almost all diesel-powered vehicles built since 2010 require the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is made from pure urea and de-ionized water, is a non-toxic, colorless, odorless, and non-flammable fluid. DEF is responsible for moderating your vehicle’s emissions and meeting EPA guidelines. DEF is required for a process known as selective catalytic reduction.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a non-hazardous solution that is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. Diesel Exhaust Fluid is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by breaking the emissions into nitrogen and water. Ensure your emission system is working properly by having Pacific Coast Petroleum bring your Diesel Exhaust Fluid back up to an acceptable level.

Checking and topping off your diesel’s exhaust fluid level is a simple but important part of your routine vehicle maintenance. If your diesel runs completely out of DEF, a red warning indicator will light up and the vehicle’s speed will be drastically reduced. Once you turn the engine off, your vehicle will not re-start without any DEF, and you could be left stranded. If crystalized DEF is around the mouth of a container or on your SCR system, it is a sign of evaporation, not product damage from freezing. Essentially, crystallization is a sign that water has evaporated from the solution and the urea has simply “salted out.” The crystals can be flushed away with water as DEF is not harmful to the environment.

Why Do I have To Have Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Nearly all diesel vehicles made since 2010 have SCR, requiring the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid. This includes pickup trucks, heavy-duty trucks and vans, as well as several European diesel luxury cars and SUVs. As of 2014, off-road vehicles like those used in agriculture and construction, are also required to have SCR and use Diesel Exhaust Fluid for emissions reduction.

How Do You Check a DEF Fluid Level?

The storage tank is usually found either next to the diesel fuel tank on a truck, or near the area of the spare tire on a car. All vehicles with diesel engines meeting 2010 or later EPA guidelines have a dashboard warning system that alerts you when the DEF level is low.

How Long Does DEF Fluid Last?

Diesel exhaust fluid normally has a shelf life of about two years. However, exposure to sunlight or sustained high temperatures can compromise it. Any DEF purchased at a truck stop or auto parts store will have a clearly labeled expiry date — using DEF past this date can cause performance issues and potential maintenance problems.

DEF HAZARDS

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is considered an eye and skin irritant and is not flammable. If your skin comes into contact with DEF, wash immediately with soap and water. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.