Video about Adblue Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

AdBlue: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

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

Important information :

1.
*Distances are approximate and the warning light may come on sooner depending on driving style, journey type, engine and vehicle load and environmental conditions.
2.
Please refer to your Volkswagen Owner's manual for official guidance on use and operation of all our technology.

^If you are selecting a Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 or ID.7 then prices shown are the MDP (Manufacturer's Direct Price).  This is the price set by Volkswagen which you pay for the vehicle.  Volkswagen ID vehicles are sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited (please note that you will need to visit an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK) to order, purchase and take delivery of your Volkswagen ID vehicle).  The MDP includes delivery to an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK), number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%).  You can find out more about the Volkswagen model for selling ID vehicles by clicking https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/legal/mdp-explained.html.

If you are selecting any other Volkswagen vehicle (excluding the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7) then prices listed are Manufacturer’s ‘On the road’ Recommended Retail Price. Actual prices are set by Volkswagen authorised retailers in their sole discretion – always obtain these prices from your chosen Volkswagen Retailer.  Recommended On-The-Road (OTR) retail prices include: delivery charge, number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%). 

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information above. Prices are taken from the Volkswagen website - this website contains a large number of products and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the products listed may be incorrectly priced. Volkswagen may change prices at any time (this includes where there are government changes in regulation and/or legislation). There may be a delay to any price displaying correctly on our materials and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some vehicles may be incorrectly priced. Always check prices with your local retailer.

For fuel consumption and CO2 information for vehicles, view values in the configurator.

Please be advised we may not be able to provide valuations for vehicles which are outside certain age or mileage ranges, specialist or customised, or not registered in the UK. The actual sale price is dependent on a number of additional factors, which you can discuss further with your retailer. T&Cs will apply.