According to fleet management business Arval, many LCV fleets are “underprepared”, especially in terms of ensuring their drivers understand AdBlue requirements.
“Certainly, it is not uncommon for drivers to find out that they have an AdBlue equipped Euro 6 vehicle when the low tank warning message flashes on the dashboard for the first time,” says Eddie Parker, Arval’s commercial vehicle consultant.
AdBlue is not difficult to deal with, he adds, but fleets need to put basic policies in place: “Will you always make AdBlue a dealer responsibility? Will you note the time or distance between servicing intervals? Will you allow drivers to refill? If the latter, will you allow them to use only manufacturer-supplied AdBlue, or will other brands be made available?”
Other points include whether drivers should wear protective gloves and/or goggles when refilling, and whether the manufacturer’s mileage recommendations for refills are accurate.
“It is obviously early days but this is something that we are monitoring quite closely,” says Parker.
“While AdBlue should not be a significant element in vehicle running costs, having to top-up the tank much more regularly than envisaged will soon mount up and is an interruption to the operational life of the vehicle.”