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Shehani WickramasingheMarch 21, 2025Uncategorized

AdBlue Chemical Shortage Might Render Diesel Vehicles Off The Road

In Australia, a shortage of AdBlue, a crucial fuel additive, threatens to render diesel vehicles inoperable, potentially causing significant disruptions. AdBlue is essential for modern diesel vehicles to reduce emissions, and the current shortage could impact the diesel trucking industry, posing a risk to the economy.

Understanding AdBlue

AdBlue is a fluid used in the catalytic converters of diesel vehicles’ exhaust systems to break down harmful nitrogen oxides. It’s injected into the exhaust gases and burned at high temperatures to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. AdBlue is common in Euro Six-compliant vehicles manufactured after 2015 and has been adopted by both European and Japanese automakers.

Vehicles Using AdBlue

AdBlue is widely used in trucks and an increasing number of late-model diesel vehicles and SUVs from brands like Renault, Citroen, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Mazda, and Toyota. Mercedes-Benz refers to their AdBlue systems as “BluTec.”

How AdBlue Works

AdBlue is stored in a separate tank and is sprayed into the exhaust stream in controlled doses. It reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gases, transforming it into nitrogen and water via the catalytic converter, thereby reducing emissions.

The AdBlue Shortage Crisis in Australia

The shortage of AdBlue affects both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, with the transport industry particularly hard-hit. Passenger cars use minimal amounts of AdBlue, but trucks and prime movers require significantly larger quantities. The shortage poses a threat to Australia’s supply chain, as many truck drivers rely on AdBlue for their vehicles.

The rising prices of AdBlue in Europe have led to drivers rushing to fill up before supplies run out. Although Australia has three manufacturers of AdBlue, the majority of the Asia-Pacific’s urea supply, a key component of AdBlue, comes from China, which has paused exports to control domestic fertilizer prices.

Supporting Local Manufacturers

Cam Dumesny, Chief Executive of the Western Roads Federation, emphasizes the need to support local AdBlue manufacturers by sourcing the base agent globally. Without strategic sourcing, rationing might become necessary, prioritizing certain areas of transport over others.

For more information on pre-purchase inspections, contact Greasemonkey Inspectors. We offer top-notch on-site vehicle inspection services in Melbourne and across Australia.

Secure Your Vehicle with Our Inspection Packages

If you’re looking to ensure your vehicle’s reliability, explore our Inspection Packages. At Greasemonkey Inspectors, we provide comprehensive pre-purchase inspections to give you peace of mind.

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Shehani WickramasingheFebruary 19, 2025Tips, Uncategorized

What to Look for When Buying a Second Hand Car in Australia?

Second hand cars in the Australian car market have seen high demand lately as more and more people switch to this form of budget and environment-friendly option. A guide that will enable you to make an informed choice in finding your used car.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Car

Mileage and Age – Mileage and age go hand-in-hand when assessing a used vehicle’s condition. A car with lower mileage might seem appealing, but don’t overlook its age.

Reliability and Service History – Watch out for red flags like missed services or repeated mechanical issues. This is where reviews of the car model will also help—research about “the best used cars to buy” to find reliable options and “used car prices” of the same model for a reference price.

Overall Condition – Inspect every aspect of the vehicle on your used car search:

➔ Interior Condition: Look for wear and tear on seats, controls, and carpeting.

➔ Exterior Condition: Examine for scratches, dents, or rust, and check if the paint matches across the panels.

➔ Under the Hood: Look out for any leaks, corroded parts, or unusual engine noises.

➔ Electrical and Mechanical Inspection: Examine all the electronics and mechanical aspects of the vehicle

For this, you can also hire an expert like Greasemonkey Inspectors and get a pre purchase inspection done. You can read our blog about pre-purchase car inspection costs to learn about the costs involved in the process.

The Importance of a Test Drive

Never skip the test drive! This is your chance to assess the car’s brakes, suspension, steering, and overall ride quality. Pay attention to how the car handles and whether there are any unusual sounds or delays in response.

Final Thoughts

Buying a second hand car in Australia doesn’t have to be stressful. By checking mileage, service history, and overall condition and insisting on a test drive while at places that buy used cars, you can make an informed decision. To ensure you’re getting the best value and avoid costly repairs down the line, book a pre-purchase inspection with Greasemonkey Inspectors.