Like water, DEF will expand up to seven percent when frozen and can damage a truck's DEF-storage tank if it is full or nearly full when it freezes. ... If DEF freezes in the vehicle, do not put any additives in the tank to help it melt. The fluid needs to remain pure for it to work correctly.

What happens when DEF fluid freezes?

At What Temperature Does DEF Freeze? The freezing point of DEF is 12 degrees Fahrenheit and -11 degrees Celsius. If you're driving in low temperatures, it's important to leave some room in the DEF tank. If the DEF tank is completely full, when it freezes, the water in it will expand and could crack the tank.

How do you know if DEF is bad?

The easiest way to spot bad DEF is by looking at it. DEF is naturally clear, so if the solution looks cloudy or colored in any way, it's probable that it's old or has been contaminated.

Does DEF freeze solid?

“DEF will begin to 'slush' before it freezes and will ultimately freeze into a solid state when the fluid temperature reaches 12 degrees F,” Kladder says. “However, the process of freezing DEF has no effects on its quality or performance.”

Can DEF be stored outside?

Keep DEF out of direct sunlight. If DEF is stored outside it must be kept shaded from the sun. DEF will begin to lose its urea potency if kept in direct sunlight for too long. Store DEF below 86°F (30°C) or in the coolest part of the storage facility.

You Have Been Filling Your DEF Tank Wrong Since Day 1: How to Fill Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank ⛽

What temperature should DEF fluid be stored?

According to ISO22241, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) needs to be stored in a cool, dry place. Ideally storage temperatures should be between 12°F (11°C) and 86°F (30°C). The reason of this recommendation is due to the fact that DEF can lose its potency if stored above 86°F for prolonged periods of time.

What happens when DEF expires?

If the truck is allowed to run out of DEF the engine's power is reduced, a solid red warning will be displayed and the vehicle speed will be limited to 5 mph until the DEF tank is refilled.

Will DEF freeze in my truck?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF Fluid

Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.

Does it hurt DEF to freeze?

DEF will begin to slush and then freeze. There is no harm to the product which means that the urea solution is still safe to use if it has been frozen.

What temperature does DEF crystallize?

A 32.5% solution of DEF will begin to crystallize and freeze at 12 deg F (-11 deg C). At 32.5%, both the urea and water will freeze at the same rate, ensuring that as it thaws, the fluid does not become diluted, or over concentrated. The freezing and unthawing of DEF will not cause degradation of the product.

Can you use urine as DEF?

The urea found in urine is not in the proper concentration needed for DEF, nor is it of a sufficient level of purity, in either urea or water. The bottom line, to spell it out just one more time… urine and DEF = Never. DON'T PEE IN YOUR DEF TANK!

Does DEF freeze?

Made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and needs to be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality.

Can you dump DEF down the drain?

Bad DEF should be disposed of immediately and ethically. Do not pour down a drain or dump it outside. Check with your local government and environmental agency to learn how to properly dispose of DEF.

How do you winterize a DEF fluid?

Push the DEF pump switch to "Trailer Fill". Allow the pump to run while squeezing the nozzle handle for 30 seconds. Unhook the quick coupler from the nozzle WHILE THE PUMP IS RUNNING. This will evacuate the DEF fluid from the nozzle.

What temp does diesel freeze?

It's right at the freezing mark, 32 degrees Fahrenheit, that the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to stiffen, leaving the fuel tank clouded.

Can I put water in my DEF tank?

Registered. If you put water in an EMPTY DEF tank, there will be no urea injected into the exhaust to convert to ammonia. Ammonia is an essential requirement to eliminate NOX (Oxides of Nitrogen) via the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reducer).

Is there an additive for DEF fluid?

If you're new to having a diesel truck or heavy equipment, there's a critical additive you need to know about. It's called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This additive is also called aqueous urea solution 32% or AUS 32. It's made from 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water.

How do you winterize a diesel engine?

1. Tip 1: Treat the fuel. ...
2. Tip 2: Drain the water separator and replace filters. ...
3. Tip 3: Check the coolant system. ...
4. Tip 4: Prepare the Battery. ...
5. Tip 5: Clean and inspect the exterior.

Why does DEF fluid crystallize?

DEF may be requested as needed through normal supply procedures. DEF crystallizes when stored for prolonged periods as the water evaporates.

When should I fill my DEF tank?

DEF is consumed at a rate of about 2-3% relative to the amount of fuel you are using. This means between 1.2 and 2.0 gallons of DEF will be required for a vehicle with a 65-gallon gas tank. If you have a five-gallon DEF tank, DEF should be replaced every third or fourth time you fill up.

Does DEF freeze Duramax?

Freezing and def is a non-issue. They get more than 1200 miles per gallon of def.

Can I use expired DEF?

If DEF has gone bad, do not attempt to use it. Dispose of it immediately and do so in an ethical manner. Do not pour DEF down a drain or dump it outside. Every area has proper DEF disposal regulations so check with the local government, municipal, and environmental agency.

Why does DEF fluid expire?

The shelf life of DEF is a function of ambient storage temperature. DEF will degrade over time depending on temperature and exposure to sun light. ... If stored between 10 and 90 deg F, shelf life will easily be one year.

What is a DEF delete?

A diesel delete involves taking out the DEF system, removing the catalytic converter and DPF, and installing a new exhaust. The vehicle's ECU (engine control unit) will also have to be reprogrammed using a tuner. ... After a diesel delete is completed, the soot-clogging issues are eliminated.

Can you store DEF in a aluminum tank?

It is more important to consider what materials will harm the diesel exhaust fluid itself rather than what materials the DEF can harm as DEF will not harm most materials. The metal from aluminum tanks can leach into the DEF causing it to become contaminated.