AdBlue: What is it and why do we use it?

We have implemented a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which requires AdBlue, in all 2016 Toyota Hilux and Proace models, as well as 2016 Toyota Land Cruisers powered by the new 2.8-litre diesel engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser

An SCR system works by injecting AdBlue into the exhaust gas to generate ammonia, which reacts with the NOx on the SCR catalyst to generate nitrogen and water. Use of Toyota’s compact, high-dispersion urea SCR system eliminates up to 99 per cent of NOx emissions, one of the main causes of air pollution. This helps vehicles conform to the latest Euro 6 emissions regulations.

Read more: Toyota turbodiesel engines engineered cleaner and more efficient

AdBlue is the commercial name of a diesel emissions additive fluid consumed in the process of driving. Due to the SCR system, the AdBlue tank may sometimes need to be topped up between services.

After a full refill, a car can be driven for approximately 9,000 miles before the supply of AdBlue runs out. However, this is dependent on driving conditions and style.

Hilux at CVS 02

When AdBlue level is low

Always pay proper attention to the warning system if you are notified of low AdBlue levels. If your vehicle needs additional AdBlue, your instrument panel will begin warning you with sound and detailed instructions when 1,500 miles, 500 miles, and limited miles remain.

Here’s how the warning system works:

  • Low level warning at 1,500 miles
  • Second low level warning at 500 miles – the warning buzzer will sound and, if the displayed driving distance is exceeded, the engine cannot be restarted
  • Third low level warning when tank is empty – the warning buzzer will sound. If the engine is stopped, it cannot be restarted

Toyota Proace

AdBlue refilling guidelines

AdBlue is highly corrosive and should be handled with extreme caution. If accidentally spilled, it will cause damage to anything it touches. We recommend having your tank refilled at an authorised Toyota dealer.

If you need to refill the AdBlue tank yourself, in case of emergency, instructions are available in your owners’ manual. The tank is normally hidden within the body structure and the filler outlet is located within easy access – often in the engine bay or within the vehicle’s offside B-pillar, accessible when the driver’s door is open.

Although it is required much less frequently, having your AdBlue tank refilled is as necessary as refuelling your car. Your engine will not start without it. AdBlue solution is available for purchase from a variety of sources, including your local Toyota dealer, and some fuel stations may even have AdBlue dispensing points.

The price for an AdBlue refill bottle is £14.50* (including VAT), excluding any dealer labour cost. You can find your local Toyota dealer here.

* Correct as of January 2016

53 comments

  1. you state that a adblue bottle refill bottle costs £14.50 but you do not state the volume in the bottle – how many litres

    1. Hi Bryan,
      Thanks for your post. After speaking with out technical team, they have advised this price is for a 10 litre bottle of AdBlue. However, we would recommend visiting your local dealer for all AdBlue products and queries. Many thanks!

  2. Hi James,
    Thanks for your post. In order to get the accurate information please could you let us know which model you would like the information about? Many thanks!

  3. Hi Bryan,
    We’ve looked into your query further and a DIY top-up bottle is available for £7.78 and this contains 1.89 litres. Hope this helps!

  4. We can tell you that for all the newest Land Cruiser, Hilux and Proace vehicles:

    Land Cruiser- 12 litres
    Proace- 22.4 litres
    Hilux- 14 litres

    Hope this helps! If you have any other questions please let us know. Many thanks.

  5. I’m confused now – the service interval is 10k miles, AdBlue lasts for approx 9k miles, a refill bottle is approx 2/3rds of a tank full which equates to 6k miles, or buy two bottles and keep a half empty bottle of highly corrosive liquid on hand for when it’s next needs?

    1. Hi Dave. What’s important is to ensure that the AdBlue tank is kept filled. Your car will warn you when this is necessary, and AdBlue is widely available making it as convenient as filling up with petrol. If you have any concerns, your local Toyota dealer are always more than happy to assist. We hope this helps Dave.

  6. Hey, my car toyota hilux 2016 model is displaying adblue low level at 96 km. even after i refilled one liter of adblue it displays low level at 96 km. i have no adblue at hand now. is the adblue i refilled can drive me for extra more than 96 km? pls share me your experience.

    1. Hi there,
      Our technical team would advise checking the owners manual. However, when the AdBlue tank is depleted, the engine will fail to start. If there is some AdBlue in the system, you are probably best driving it into you local dealer. It may be a leak or sensor issue. Unfortunately, without inspecting your vehicle we’re unable to advise fully. Hope this helps.

    1. Hi Abdulkerin,
      Thanks for getting in touch. We’d advice contacting Toyota in your region for further details. Many thanks.

  7. Hi,I have serviced my Land cruiser Prado J 150 model and after leaving the garage it started to display AdBlue 1989km OUTSIDE 18C.what does it mean.

    1. Hi Todd,
      Thanks for getting in touch. The display means the Adblue will need refilling in 1989km. The counter will reduce and start to say non start in 1000km, non start in 500, non start in xxx and then eventually if run low enough it will not start up. We’d advise going to your local dealer. You can find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-your-dealer.json.
      Hope this helps.

  8. Hi I have a toyota hilux 2016 model do you know where the adblue tank is?please be specific it’s urgent thank you

    1. Hi John,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      The adblue tank is located in front of the main fuel tank, the filler is under the bonnet in the left hand rear corner.
      If you would like more information we’d be happy to email you a diagram.
      Thanks.

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