Heat is AdBlue®'s biggest enemy. While freezing gets more attention, high temperatures cause far more quality problems in Australia. Victorian summers regularly exceed AdBlue®'s optimal storage range, accelerating degradation and reducing shelf life. This guide shows you how to protect your investment during hot weather.
Above 30°C, AdBlue® quality deteriorates rapidly
Unlike freezing (which doesn't damage AdBlue®), heat causes permanent chemical breakdown of urea. Once degraded, the product cannot be "fixed" and must be disposed of properly.
Shelf life at 10-25°C
Shelf life at 25-30°C
Shelf life above 30°C
Victorian summers can be extreme, particularly during heatwaves:
High temperatures cause urea to decompose into ammonia and other byproducts. This changes the concentration, reduces effectiveness, and can damage SCR systems.
Water evaporates faster than urea, increasing urea concentration beyond the required 32.5%. This throws off the precise balance needed for SCR systems.
Repeated heating and cooling cycles, combined with evaporation, can cause crystals to form. These crystals clog injectors and damage pumps.
Degraded AdBlue® must be replaced, costing you money. In bulk storage, a full 5,000L tank going bad represents significant financial loss.
Store all AdBlue® containers indoors in climate-controlled or insulated facilities. Even uninsulated sheds offer significant protection from direct sunlight.
If outdoor storage is unavoidable, install shade structures over bulk tanks. Even simple shade cloth can reduce tank temperature by 20°C+.
Choose white or light blue tanks instead of dark colors. Light colors reflect heat rather than absorbing it.
Insulation blankets or foam wrapping reduces temperature fluctuations in both summer and winter.
Order smaller quantities more frequently in summer. Fresh product that gets used quickly has less time to degrade.
Evaporation accelerates in heat. Always seal containers immediately after use. Check bulk tank caps and seals regularly.
Inspect your AdBlue® regularly during summer. Do not use if you notice:
EZ Fluid Solutions delivers fresh, ISO 22241-certified AdBlue® with frequent summer deliveries to ensure you always have quality product. We can advise on storage solutions for Victoria's hot weather.