Departure check: what happens if you run out of AdBlue during the journey?

As we’ve told you, AdBlue is an essential element for your diesel car, as it has a very important role: reducing emissions to comply with Euro 6 regulations and beyond. We know these are dates when many trips are made, which is why we recommend topping up your AdBlue before setting off on a journey. However, what happens if you run out of AdBlue during the journey?

First of all, let’s go over a few things. What is AdBlue? It is a urea solution used in diesel vehicles with SCR technology. Consumption of this precious liquid can vary depending on the model being driven, but they usually consume between 1 and 2 litres every 1,000 kilometres. The tank capacity is usually 30 litres at most. You should not run out of AdBlue in your diesel, as a warning usually appears on the instrument cluster indicating the remaining range.

AdBlue: what happens if I run out of it during a journey?

Don’t panic! You won’t break down, but you may get a few scares. If you are about to start the car and have no AdBlue, the car may not start. In that case, you will need to call a tow truck, go to the workshop so they can clear the fault code and refill the tank.

On the other hand, if you run out of AdBlue during a road journey, the vehicle won’t stop, but you will notice some differences in performance. It will accelerate more slowly and you will notice a loss of power. Our advice? Stop at a petrol station with AdBlue. If you don’t do this and stop for any other reason, the car will not start.

Driving without AdBlue has some dangers

We want to remind you that driving without AdBlue can bring some unpleasant surprises. If traffic officers stop you, they can fine you when they check that the tank is empty.