The clean operation of diesel technology and engines has seen a significant increase in the past few years. The 2010 EPA regulations are directly responsible for this increase. Modern diesel engines have a ruggeder design and better fuel economy.
Many industries worldwide have seen improvements in diesel design and cleaner operation.
Best DEF Fluids for Different Trucks
The 2010 EPA regulations greatly improved diesel technology. Manufacturers were required to supply better low-sulfur fuels and specialized converters to reduce the harmful nitrous oxide exhaust fumes.
The addition of DEF to diesel technology made a significant improvement. DPF can be poured into special tanks and injected into the exhaust pipe to reduce emissions.
It transforms toxic nitrous oxide into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which are manageable gases combined with exhaust fumes.
This article will discuss the best DEF fluids for various diesel engines. Let’s get started!
1. Best DEF Fluids: Most Pure
BlueDEF DeF003
Peak Commercial and Industrial Products, founded in 1973 during a peak of petrochemical scarcity, has full bulk distribution capabilities. The company offers drum storage and extensive distribution networks. BlueDEF is a popular choice when it comes time to choose the right solution.
BlueDEF is API certified and conforms to ISO 22241 standards. BlueDEF utilizes synthetic urea that has the lowest possible impurities and deionized water.
Pros and Cons
- Customers recommend BlueDEF with various auto types. Some customers reported BlueDEF to have tripped their check engine light.
- All retail outlets offer reasonable prices but Container seals could be improved
2. Best DEF Fluids: Most Versatile
Prestone HD 1001 Command DEF
Prestone is synonymous with high-quality automotive products. Prestone is an American icon and has been in business since 1927.
Their DEF is compliant with all government regulations. The Prestone brand is available in all truck stops and automotive shops worldwide.
You can use Prestone DEF with any modern SCR system. According to the company, operators will require one gallon of DEF for every 50-75 gallons of fuel.
Pros and Cons
- Worldwide brand but not suitable for all diesel engines. It could distort an engine code.
- Truck stops offer cheap DEF for as low as $2 per gallon
3. Best DEF Fluid for Duramax Engines
Genuine GM fluid 88862659 by ACDelco
ACDelco provides a full line of automotive fluids and parts. ACDelco is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors.
Duramax recommends that their engines use ACDelco DEF. This GM DEF explicitly functions for Duramax engines.
ACDelco DEF is certified to meet all purity standards, and you should refill every 1000 miles.
Pros and Cons
- ACDelco’s long history of OEM parts manufacturing for General Motors is a testament to its commitment to quality. It may be a bit expensive if you buy in 1-gallon increments
- Compatible with all GM brands
4. Best DEF Fluid for a Cummins
Sinopec DEF, Two 2.5-Gallon Jugs
Sinopec is a major distributor of many Diesel motor products, from engine grease to hydraulic oil,
and is functional in cars, trucks, and heavy machinery. This DEF meets the ISO 22241 standard of urea purity.
This product meets the strict requirements of modern SCR systems.
Pros and Cons
- DEF serves several purposes.
- Compatible with all GM brands
- Some customers have reported seeing a check engine light after installing this DEF.
The Fleetguard AdBlue DEF from Cummins Filtration Products is another option. Cummins Diesel endorses Fleetguard DEF as the only DEF. It is, however, not readily available for purchase.
5. Best DEF Fluid for Ford PowerStroke
Ford Motorcraft PM27-JUG DEF 2.5 Gallon
Ford Motor Company has been a partner of Motorcraft for over ten years. Motorcraft offers a wide range of automobile products designed with Ford in mind.
This AUS32 fluid meets the requirements of ISO 2234 and DIN70071 to ensure purity. Motorcraft DEF is compatible with any Ford Diesel engine and many other machines.
Pros and Cons
Motorcraft DEF does not create any vehicle warranty issues. Compare prices to pick the best deal and improve Original OEM products, Packaging, and seals.
Are all DEF Fluid Brands Similar?
DEF products are different. All DEF fluids must comply with the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) quality standards. The first requirement is that DEcontainsin a minimum of 32.5% urea.
The SCR system is better because the impurities are lower and clearly defined.
Definition: If the DEF doesn’t meet the ISO standard, the material cannot be considered DEF.
Counterfeit products flood markets, causing damage to the SCR system
Implications Of Using Counterfeit DEF
A DEF that is not ISO Certified can cause severe damage to a diesel engine.
Diesel failures may occur for longer durations. The DEF urea must be of pharmaceutical quality. Excessive biuret and other impurities are prevalent in agriculture-grade urea.
DEF will not use deionized water, causing SCR adverse consequences. Non-deionized water contains zinc, magnesium, iron, and other dangerous substances.
How to Use DEF
Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a safe, non-toxic,c, and non-corrosive fluid. Diesel exhaust fluid is the most hazardous of all the fluids required in a diesel vehicle.
DEF can be detrimental to certain metals, such as aluminum. ISO 22241 provides a recommendation list of storage containers.
A spouted container will transfer DEF to a truck tank. Consumers can purchase DEF in quantities ranging from one to a hundred gallons.
A pro will choose a larger capacity tank over carrying smaller quantities. It would help if you immediately cleaned up any spillage with a cloth. The DEF will crystalize when dry and is wiped off by mounting a dedicated diesel exhaust fluid tank on the car. Spray the fluid into the exhaust using metering equipment.
The injection flow equals 2% to 6% of the diesel capacity. You will experience longer refill times because the meter is more accurate.
Extra steps require operators who live in cold climates. DEF has an operating temperature of 12degF. To allow the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to work correctly, you must thaw it.
EPA regulations dictate that the engine must have full DEF flow within seventy minutes of operation. Operators will install tank heaters to regulate the DEF temperature to comply with statutes.
Benefits of Using DEF
Although DEF fluid is harmful to your car, many people believe it is an efficient way to preserve the environment from toxic emissions. Here are the benefits of DEFs.
It is less toxic. It is safer than other fluids such as brake oil or diesel fuel. Many DEF fuel brands use biodegradable materials that occur naturally.
- It doesn’t evaporate.
- People living in cold areas don’t have to worry because it doesn’t freeze
- Fuel proficiency and
- High power
- Better performance from DPF and fewer regenerations.
- ISO standards, reducing maintenance and wear on the engine.
- This fluid reduces emission gases because these harmful substances (NOx, for example) are the leading cause of acid rain and rising greenhouse gasses, worsening global warming and smog.
The Key Takeaways
Make sure your engine chooses the proper DEF fluid when choosing the best oil for your diesel. Selecting the wrong fluid could cause engine damage that can be costly.
