The Motor Trade Association and vehicle insurer IAG are concerned about the increasing amount of engine damage caused by adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to fuel tanks.
IAG has seen a rising number of insurance claims from customers who have incorrectly poured these fluids into their fuel tank, says Dean MacGregor, general manager, claims services at IAG.
“These additive products are for the exhaust systems of trucks, buses and some high-end European makes,” he says.
“In all cases there is a completely separate tank to hold the product. They are never intended to go into the fuel tank.
“The products, including Ad Blue and Go Clear, are sold at the pump and their purpose is to reduce vehicle exhaust pollution.”
MacGregor says adding accidently adding DEF, can “cause catastrophic damage to the entire fuel system and the motor”.
“At IAG, we are consistently receiving claims related to this, but the issue has significantly increased recently as these additive products become more available in some fuel station forecourts and unstaffed truck stops.
The cost to put the vehicle back on road can be tens of thousands of dollars and take several weeks to repair.
“To date the most expensive repair was on a near new Toyota Landcruiser which cost approximately $40,000. In addition to the cost to repair, the customer was also without their vehicle for a significant period of time.
“It is important to note that not all insurance policies will provide cover for damage caused by DEF and others have a sub-limit which may not cover the full cost of repairs.”
The MTA, which includes approximately 850 service station members, says any part of the fuel system and engine contaminated by additives cannot be cleaned out.
“All parts have to be replaced and in the case of a vehicle still under a manufacturer’s warranty, not having the vehicle repaired to an approved process could void the warranty,” warns Ian Baggott, MTA sector manager – energy and environment.
Baggot also warns about the dangers of putting petrol in a diesel vehicle, or vice-versa, with about 30,000 incidents of the wrong fuel being used occurring every year.
“Should petrol be put in a diesel vehicle or vice versa, the most important thing to remember is to not to start the vehicle. The fuel needs to be drained and replaced.
“Some service stations are equipped to handle such situations but if not, they should be able to put you in touch with a service provider who can assist,” Baggott says.
