Can you leave DEF in the sun?

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.

Does sunlight degrade DEF?

Both can cause DEF to degrade. 50 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered to be a good temperature at which to store DEF. And even if kept in approved containers in a cool area, direct sunlight is harmful to DEF so ensure it's stored indoors or in well-shaded areas.

How long does DEF last in heat?

If a package of DEF is exposed to periods of heating the fluid will last approximately one year.

Can DEF fluid sit outside?

DEF INVENTORY STORAGE LEVELS

Store DEF out of direct sunlight. If DEF is stored outside it must be shaded from the sun. SHELF LIFE SHOWN IN THE BELOW CHART, IF AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURES WILL CONTINUALLY EXCEED THOSE SHOWN IN THE CHART BELOW. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD DEF BE KEPT FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS.

Experts Shares Critical DEF Fluid Info Saving You Major Engine Repairs

Does heat affect DEF?

DEF shelf life is reduced when temperatures are not properly regulated and reach above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause the DEF to decompose, making it unusable or even harm your vehicle.

Can I store DEF outside?

If you store DEF outside, it must be kept out of direct sunlight and stay under shade. If it is kept in direct sunlight for any sustained period of time, it begins to lose its urea potency. DEF must be stored below 86°F or in the coolest area of your storage facility.

Can you store DEF in the heat?

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.

Can def fluid go bad?

Like many petroleum products, DEF has a shelf life. DEF can usually be stored for a year without contamination.

How long does DEF fluid last after opened?

It will degrade over time, but if stored at temps between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, DEF has an expected shelf life of one year. You can extend the shelf life to two years by storing at a temperature that stays around 75 degrees. If you see a color change, the fluid is likely compromised.

What is the life span of Def fluid?

The American Petroleum Institute recommends that you determine when DEF was put in the vehicle. The storage life of DEF is about 12 months in optimal conditions. If DEF has been stored in the vehicle over the past 12 months, it is recommended that it be drained and replaced.

Can you store DEF outside in winter?

DEF should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. The ideal storage temperature for DEF is between 15ºF and 65ºF (-9ºC and 18ºC). It should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time as the urea will decompose.

How does DEF degrade?

DEF will degrade over time depending on temperature and exposure to sun light. Expectations for shelf life as defined by ISO Spec 22241-3 are the minimum expectations for shelf life when stored at constant temperatures. If stored between 10 and 90 deg F, shelf life will easily be one year.

What is the shelf life of BlueDEF?

The shelf life of DEF is directly related to the temperature at which it is stored. Storage temperature between 12º and 86º F are recommended to maintain optimal shelf life of up to two years. If BlueDEF freezes, its efficacy will not be effected upon thawing.

Why does DEF fluid crystallize?

DEF crystallizes when stored for prolonged periods as the water evaporates. Do not use DEF that shows signs of crystallization and always completely use a container to avoid storing opened containers. Refill DEF only when the level indicator reaches 1/2 or less.

What happens if you use expired DEF?

DEF that has aged past its shelf life or has gone bad due to heat or sunlight exposure can cause problems with components of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, such as the DEF dosing pump or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), leading to downtime and repair expense.

Will DEF crystalize in tank?

Yes, DEF can crystallize in the tank if it is low and left sitting.

How do you unfreeze a DEF fluid?

Most after-treatment systems have a built-in DEF tank heater that will thaw the fluid during normal vehicle operation. If your vehicle's SCR has a built-in DEF tank heater, turn the vehicle on to initiate the thawing process.

Can you put DEF in a metal tank?

Because of what DEF is made of, when it comes in contact with steel, it will immediately rust and corrode. This means that when you are storing and dispensing diesel exhaust fluid, you must use stainless steel or plastic. DEF storage - You must store the DEF in a plastic or stainless tank.

Is DEF fluid made from urine?

Contrary to popular myth, cow and bat urine and DEF are not a thing. The urea used in the manufacture of DEF is synthetically derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide, and urea production plants are often adjacent to other sites where ammonia is produced, such as coal and natural gas refineries.

Where should I store my DEF?

Since DEF is primarily de-ionized water, its shelf life is affected by fluctuating temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight and ambient air. Storage temperatures should not exceed 86°F (30°C) or go below 12°F (-11°C) and tank caps should be closed tightly to avoid evaporation, re-ionization and crystallization.

What causes DEF pump failure?

Dirt / Metal Contamination: Contaminated DEF can cause abrasion of the DEF pump. Dirt, rust or tank scale can occur with improper of DEF storage or handling (e.g. res-using disposable DEF containers). UREA Concentration (Dilution): Diluted DEF (too much water) reduces its NOx neutralization effectiveness.

Are DEF tanks heated?

DEF fluid is a urea based product, it freezes at -11°C (12.2°F). The heating element (6) is used to prevent the fluid from freezing while the engine is running.