If you own a business with a fleet transport or cater to vehicle owners, you likely know the basics related to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). It is a nontoxic, clear fluid that is used as part of selective catalytic reduction to meet the requirement for cutting emissions. It’s made of water and urea and is injected into the exhaust stream of a vehicle. It’s easy to use, and storage is simple, but some questions still come up that are worth answering.
What Temperature Should DEF Stay At
The most favorable situation for storing DEF is in a warehouse without direct sunlight with a temperature between 15 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. In this type of environment, the DEF will keep its quality for around a year. However, if higher temperatures or more sunlight is unavoidable, the storage life may begin to drop.
Understanding DEF Freezing
With diesel exhaust fluid in Florida being water-based, it should come as no surprise that it freezes when it gets cold. The urea content makes the freezing point lower than it would be for just water, however. At around 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the liquid will begin to get slushy and end up freezing. The good thing is that even if this happens, it won’t affect the quality of the mixture once it is thawed.
The Correct Container
Another thing that is important to know is that DEF can be slightly corrosive and should not be stored in some containers. The best choice would be stainless steel or HDPE plastic containers. Using other metals may cause corrosion and other problems and is not recommended. If at all possible, it should also be stored inside a temperature-controlled warehouse.
Handle Like You Would Handle Fuel
According to the EPA guidelines, vehicles that use DEF have to have included sensors that analyze the quality of the fluid while it is being used. If there is a problem, such as an imbalance, the sensors will shoot out a fault code to let the driver know. This often occurs because of rainwater or foreign matter. As with fuel, it’s best to keep it away from moisture or debris and in a shaded, cool area.
Buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid in Florida
At Jack Becker, we provide diesel exhaust fluid for those in South Georgia, Southeast Alabama, and North Florida. If you want more information about our products, you can reach the office at 800-488-8411.