Most diesel-powered passenger cars and trucks made after 2010 need DEF. These cars and trucks come standard with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to comply with DEF regulations.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 made a significant environmental shift with the legislation. This legislation represented a broad view of air pollution regulation at the national level.
The EPA began a process to establish emission standards in December 2000. These standards would eventually become the most stringent laws in the world. Impending regulations were introduced for heavy-duty highway motors starting with the 2007 model year.
What Is No X, And Why Is It a Huge Deal?
The carbon dioxide (CO 2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) compounds are not confused. They are responsible for acid rain and smog, and a host of other health problems that can be almost as severe as those caused by particulate matter. NO x could, for example, worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma and bronchitis. NO x can be produced during combustion in the presence of nitrogen. Diesel engines are very similar. Diesel engines have high compression ratios due to the nitrogen in our air, which is drawn into the engine for combustion.
What was the Last Time DEF Was Mandatory for Vehicles?
January 1, 2010, The EPA standards are enforceable for all current model years and beyond, developing several technologies to comply with the new rules, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
Diesel manufacturers explored numerous technologies to reduce nitrous dioxide emissions. There were three options for reducing nitrous oxide emissions: NOx absorbers, exhaust gases recirculation, and selective catalytic removal.
Builders chose SCR technology for large-scale deployment. SCR uses a water-soluble reducing agent. DEF is infused into the exhaust to convert NOx to simple gases.
Nissan Diesel was the first to adopt SCR technology in an automobile application in 2004. Since then, SCR technology has been used worldwide. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is the primary catalyst in SCR systems.
Duramax engines are a staple technology. Chevrolet GMC was installed for the first time in 2001. Duramax diesel is an option for a whole line of light- and medium-duty trucks and cars.
The Clean Air Act passed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 reduced pollution from cars, machinery, and businesses.
The agency has tightened regulations regarding diesel engines since 1970. Before 2008, there was no need to worry about their vehicles or equipment emissions. However, the EPA made the first move and required that all diesel engines weighing 3/4 ton or more have diesel particulate filters.
Duramax developed a new diesel particulate filter technology for its 6.6L engine in 2007. They did not use DEF until 2010 in response to the 2010 EPA regulations.
General Motors’ Duramax line released its latest version in 2011, dubbed the LML. SCR systems require constant diesel exhaust fluid flow.
The technology provided a better fuel economy than anticipated. DEF was affordable, and Duramax owners enjoyed the better performance.
Cummins bought Nelson Industries, an emissions subsidiary, and changed its name to Cummins Emission Solutions.
Cummins began with the 6.7L engine in 2007 and introduced complex components to combat toxic nitrous oxide emissions. From 2007 to 2012, SCR was a standard technology in the engine’s design. Dodge Cummins began using DEF in 2007
Since the 2011 model year, SCR required Cummins diesel Industries to expand its Urea-Dosing Technologies to provide emission control across a wide product range. The dosing system provides a comprehensive solution, from individual tanks to injectors.
Cummins Industries produces diesel exhaust fluid under its Fleet guard brand. Cummins Filtration Products can sell DEF. To combat toxic emissions, diesel engine builders employ several technologies. Manufacturers use these technologies in some or all of the following:
Exhaust Gas Recycling (EGR): This process reduces NOx emissions. It measures exhaust emissions from the intake. The system reroutes exhaust gases back through it.
Diesel Oxidation catalysts: Platinum and Palladium are used as catalysts to transform pollutants into water or carbon dioxide.
NOx Absorption catalyst: This NAC captures and traps nitrous oxide emissions during a rich fuel burner.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is used as a catalyst.
Which Ford Trucks Require DEF?
Navistar built the Powerstroke Diesel until 2010 when God took overproduction. The 2008 introduction of the 6.4L was not without its problems because it was the first vehicle to have a diesel particulate filter. Ford began using DEF in 2008, replacing the engine in 2010 with its 6.7L.
This engine is designed to burn low sulphur fuel (15ppm). A network of emission control mechanisms interlaced the 6.7L. The pickup was replaced by a chassis-cab design. But, the output was the same.
Ford’s selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid reduced the number of regeneration cycles needed for the diesel particulate filter. This technology advancement positively impacted gas mileage and increased the platform’s longevity.
Which Year Do Volkswagen Trucks Require DEF?
Volkswagen has been producing diesel engines since 1971 with the 1.5L Golf. The 80s saw technological breakthroughs in the form of direct injection and turbocharging. Volkswagen will forever be known for its emission state. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the company had broken the Clean Air Act.
The automaker programmed direct injection turbochargers during laboratory tests to activate emission controls. This fraud caused NOx emissions to be lower than required by the United States. Volkswagen cars emitted 40x more nitrous oxide than allowed in real-world driving.
This deceitful software programming affected nearly 11 million cars worldwide and 500,000 in the United States.
Its deliberate emissions cheating will eventually cost them approximately $14.7 billion globally. This scandal is far from being solved.
Which Trucks Are Clean Diesel Brands?
Some of the most well-known brands use clean diesel technology. Small compact cars, luxury cars, vans, and sports cars use diesel engines.
All of the following brands have introduced clean diesel technology to their vehicles. Each engine employs SCR technology using diesel exhaust fluids.
- BMW
- Chevrolet Express Vans
- Ford Transit Vans
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Land Rover
- Mercedes
Most diesel engine builders make their diesel exhaust liquid, and their diesel exhaust fluids must meet the ISO 22241 standards for purity.
Diesel exhaust fluid must contain 32.5% urea by weight and 67.5% deionized waters.
Diesel engines need pharmaceutical-grade urea, not an agricultural grade. Deionized water is another critical area—operators who do not use high-quality diesel exhaust fluid risk severe damage to their diesel engines.
Best DEFs
BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fuel Synthetic Urea Deionized water 2.5 Gallon
A gallon of gas is consumed approximately once every 300 miles. A truck equipped with a 20-gallon DEF tank can travel up to 6000 miles without refilling.
The NOx emissions from these engines will be reduced if used in an SCR system.
PEAK BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Engineered – For use in Selective Catalytic Reduction systems (SCR) on diesel engines
Efficiency: The BlueDEF diesel exhaust liquid is key to improving fuel economy by as much as five percent
Protection: Diesel exhaust fluid can be handled safely and is not toxic.
Quality: Colorless, stable, and odorless. It also meets ISO Standards 22241 regarding purity and composition.
Effortless: With a specialized dosing device, you can easily inject the fluid into your exhaust stream.
Key Takeaways
The selective catalytic reduction was chosen by diesel engine builders in 2007 to meet upcoming EPA regulations. Emission control systems can only be successful if diesel exhaust fluid is used. SCR systems allowed for better fuel economy. Engineers did not have to concentrate on the in-cylinder combustion process to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Diesel exhaust fluid and SCR make diesel engines and other systems more efficient and cleaner.
