TECH HELP EDITOR
Base vehicle expert
Q Does AdBlue only have a one-year lifespan and can I use it after this?
I purchased a new Peugeot Boxer-based Elddis Riva 115 in November 2022. For a number of reasons, I have only used it for 1,900 miles in the past 14 months and, so far, have not replenished the AdBlue in that time.
I understand that AdBlue has approximately a 12-month lifespan. If I now top up with the two five-litre containers of AdBlue that I purchased last year, will that dilute what is in the tank and allow its continued use?
One of the containers is marked April 2023, the other August. I like to carry five litres during my trips, but wonder if this may lead to that becoming out of date if it is not used in the year.
I have been unable to get a satisfactory response from Peugeot to my enquiry. I am sure that there are many owners of recently built motorhomes that are unaware of the lifespan of the AdBlue that they are carrying as a safety reserve.
Malcolm Russell
A Let’s cover some basics first. The generally stated lifespan for AdBlue is 12 months. This relates to the product in a sealed container, or added to the vehicle with a securely closed cap.
If the container is opened and some remains in there, the life will be shortened. You may see crystals being formed or the colour may change but, in any case, the exposure to air is degrading it.
Most of the sources of information about AdBlue seemed to agree that 12 months is a conservative estimate because of the wildly differing conditions under which the product is stored and used. In reality, when used in most trucks, vans and diesel cars, this lifespan is normally not a problem because of the mileage typically covered in 12
