For a long time, drivers of diesel-powered trucks were somewhat immune to the rules and regulations set forth by the EPA. Because of the way diesel burns, as well as the lower number of diesel vehicles on the road, it was thought to have less of an adverse impact than gasoline powered cars. However, in the mid-2000’s, that all changed. Suddenly, automakers were forced to reduce their emissions of Nitrous Oxide (NOx) or face steep fines. At first, it was believed that this would kill the power and torque provided by diesel engines, but, thankfully, that turned out not to be the case. The result of these stricter regulations was the creation of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which is be used to remove harmful NOx from the truck’s emissions. Because diesel exhaust fluid is applied to the exhaust, the vehicle’s power remains the same while reducing the environmental impact. Today we’ll discuss diesel exhaust fluid caps, as well as the benefits of DEF itself.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Basics
DEF is made of deionized water and urea, usually in a 2:1 ratio. Now, some of you may best know urea as a by-product of urine. However, urea is actually quite common in nature and serves a multitude of functions- including the creating of diesel exhaust fluid. This mixture is sprayed into the exhaust stream before it goes into the air, breaking down the harmful NOx into its separate components: nitrogen and water. Thus, the emissions from a diesel truck nowadays are cleaner than those from most cars.
Benefits of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Because DEF is what’s called an “after-treatment,” the diesel powered trucks do not lose any of the power or torque that they already had. In fact, most automakers have been able to increase the both, since the diesel exhaust fluid removes all pollutants, allowing them to focus more on fuel efficiency rather than emissions. The other benefits of DEF trucks are reduced maintenance, less wear and tear on the engine, and fewer regenerations.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Caps
Because your DEF tank is similar to your fuel tank, you need a cap to keep it stored correctly. Most diesel exhaust fluid caps are simple covers to keep the fluid from being contaminated and to prevent leakage. These caps are not quite as complex as standard fuel caps, but they do their job.
If you need a diesel exhaust fuel cap, MotoRad can help find you a replacement, as well as answer any questions you may have about DEF. Visit website for more information.
