How to maintain a BS6 diesel car: Explained with the help of a Mahindra Marazzo on Video

The Indian government has implemented the stricter BS6 emission norms in the Indian automobile market from 1st April 2020. While it is easier for the petrol vehicles to meet the new stricter emission norms, a few diesel engines, especially the larger displacement ones require additional fluid to meet the emission norms. Here is a video showing how to add the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is also known as AdBlue in different parts of the world, to the BS6 compliant Marazzo.

How to add Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Cars that require Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF will have a separate tank but the nozzle to fill up that tank is located close to the fuel filling nozzle. DEF tank has blue caps that help customers distinguish from the fuel tank. To add the DEF, this Mahindra branded bucket comes with an additional pipe that can be used to fill up the DEF tank. The process is explained in the video clearly.

What is DEF?

DEF is a fluid that has been specially made to treat the exhaust gases of diesel vehicles and reduce the harmful NOx coming from it. It is a mixture of demineralised water and urea. When the exhaust gases are sprayed with DEF vapours in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) chamber, it forms water and nitrogen vapours, which are not harmful to the atmosphere and environment.

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It is not a new feature. In many international markets and developed countries like the USA and the UK, DEF has been in use for more than ten years and it is a proven technology. It is used in passenger cars, tractors, and heavy vehicles like trucks and buses to meet the emission norms.

Does your vehicle need DEF?

Not all vehicles require DEF. Many vehicles meet the emission norms without the need for SCR and DEF. Most of these vehicles are powered by small displacement engines that do not pollute much and the emissions can be controlled without the DEF. However, there are vehicles that do require the DEF like the Marazzo, Scorpio, new Endeavour and many more such vehicles. These vehicles have separate inlet and tank for the DEF and the same is mentioned in the manual of the vehicle too.

Do you need to add DEF yourself?

The level of the DEF will be checked during the regular service. However, just like all the other fluids in your car, you should keep an eye on the level of DEF and top-up if required. DEF has a shelf-life of around 1 year 6 months. Most of the cars will require DEF top-up every 10,000 km but that depends on the DEF tank capacity and the vehicle itself.

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