AdBlue: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
Advanced emissions control for diesel engines
Advanced emissions control for diesel engines
Your Volkswagen car is fitted with an advanced emissions control system, which helps your vehicle meet the latest Euro 6 exhaust gas regulations.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) using AdBlue®
Your Volkswagen car is fitted with an advanced emissions control system, which helps your vehicle meet the latest Euro 6 exhaust gas regulations.
How does the system work?
AdBlue®, a water/urea based operating fluid, is stored in a tank (like diesel fuel), however, unlike fuel it is not injected into the engine, but directly into a specially modified part of the vehicle’s exhaust. This begins a chemical reaction which removes the polluting oxides of nitrogen (NOx), converting them into harmless water and nitrogen in a process known as Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR for short. SCR is only applicable to diesel engines and the more economically you drive, typically, the less AdBlue® you will use.
The size of the AdBlue® tank fitted to your car will vary depending on which Volkswagen model you have, therefore the interval between top-ups will vary. In addition, many factors such as mileage, journey type, driving style and environmental conditions can influence how much AdBlue® is consumed. A passenger car can consume approximately 1.5 litres of AdBlue® every 620 miles (1.0–1.5 litres for the Passat and Passat Estate). The chart below details the AdBlue® tank size and location for all Volkswagen models that use SCR.
How will I know if the system needs topping-up?
A series of warnings will be given via the driver information system, accompanied by advice/messages.
The first message is displayed when the remaining range is approximately 1,500 miles1, and is repeated every 62 miles until the range reaches 1,000 miles, at which point the warning turns amber. This warning is repeated every 31 miles and is accompanied by an audible tone. If these warnings are not acted upon, the warning turns red; once this happens the car will not restart once the ignition is turned off. This is not a fault, but a required feature of the system. If this stage is reached the system will need a full top-up before the car can be restarted. Further information is available in the vehicle handbook.
Model (SCR derivatives only) | Tank Size (Approximately) | Adblue® tank filler location | Initial warning of low AdBlue (2400 km / 1500 miles to go) can be expected to occur at: |
|---|---|---|---|
Passat | 13 litres | Next to fuel filler nozzle | 4,000 to 6,500 miles or sooner1 |
Passat Estate | 13 litres | Next to fuel filler nozzle | 4,000 to 6,000 miles or sooner1 |
Tiguan | 12 litres | Next to spare wheel well (under plastic liner of the luggage compartment floor) | 3,000 to 4,000 miles or sooner |
New Tiguan 2016 | 12 litres | Next to fuel filler nozzle | 3,000 to 4,000 miles or sooner1 |
Touran | 11 litres | Next to fuel filler nozzle | 3,000 to 4,000 miles or sooner1 |
Sharan | 16 litres | Left-hand side of luggage compartment | 5,000 to 6,000 miles or sooner |
Touareg | 19.5 litres | Spare wheel well (in luggage compartment) | 6,000 to 7,000 miles or sooner1 |
Passat
13 litres
Passat Estate
13 litres
Tiguan
12 litres
New Tiguan 2016
12 litres
Touran
11 litres
Sharan
16 litres
Touareg
19.5 litres
Why should I use a Volkswagen Authorised repairer for top-ups?
- AdBlue® top-ups at authorised repairers are extremely competitive and charged by the litre, so you only pay for what you need
- Authorised repairer staff are trained to handle AdBlue®
- AdBlue® tanks need special adaptors on fillers to ensure there are no spillages
- Volkswagen do not recommend keeping top-up bottles in cars
The top-up bottles supplied by Volkswagen have a capacity of 1.89 litres, and come complete with the adaptor nozzles that fit the Volkswagen AdBlue® tank. These are available from all Volkswagen Authorised repairers.
Important Information2
AdBlue® is not a fuel additive. This is why there is a separate AdBlue® tank
If you put AdBlue® in your fuel tank by mistake, please do not start the engine, but contact a retailer for help
Put only AdBlue® in the AdBlue® tank; do not fill the AdBlue® tank with any other liquids
Prevent anything from contaminating AdBlue®
If small quantities of AdBlue® come into contact with the vehicle’s paintwork, for example, wipe them off and if necessary rinse the area with water