DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

Yes. If DEF becomes cloudy, discolored, or contaminated, its effectiveness can decline and damage to SCR systems may follow.
Signs include increased DEF consumption, warning lights, or sluggish engine performance.
If DEF is bad, draining and replacing it is safer than risking damage to the engine or emission system.

Keep temperatures between ~40°F and 80°F to maximize shelf life (DEF can last up to ~2 years under good storage).
Avoid exposure to sunlight and heat.
Use proper containers (stainless or DEF-approved plastics), and avoid contamination or mixing with other fluids.

A useful rule of thumb: 2.5 gallons of DEF lasts about 800 miles.
Another rough ratio: about 1 gallon of DEF per 50 gallons of diesel fuel.

Newer vehicles are equipped with warning systems or gauges to alert low DEF levels.
If DEF runs out, the vehicle may enter a “limp mode” and reduce engine speed (sometimes to ~5 mph) until DEF is replenished.

DEF is a mixture of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionized water.
It is used in diesel engines equipped with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems to reduce NOx emissions.

Ricochet Fuel offers DEF at the pump (e.g. at its Euless location) 24/7.
We also supply DEF in 2.5-gallon jugs, 55-gallon drums, 330-gallon totes, and bulk tanks with electric dispensers.

Since around 2010, many diesel vehicles (especially medium- and heavy-duty) are required by law to use SCR systems to meet emissions standards. DEF is essential to make that system work.
DEF chemically converts harmful NOx emissions into nitrogen and water, drastically reducing pollutants.