DEF for new truck

[Too many Kubotas]

I wouldn't, unless you get a heatwave.

And you could always add another jug and freshen up the mix. But at some point you'll have to use some DEF.

In my case I would've used about 10 gallons in those miles, but I'm always towing something.

 

[TractorGunn]

I bought my 2024 f350 new in sept. of 2024. It now has 5000km (3000mi) on it. I added a jug (2.5 gal?) when it got low of DPF last spring. Do I need to worry about it going bad?

Concerning DEF:

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) generally has a shelf life of one to two years when stored in ideal, cool, and dry conditions (ideally between 12°F & 86°F). While it can last up to two years at 75°F, high temperatures above $90^{\circ}F$ or direct sunlight can significantly reduce its effectiveness. If stored for over a year, or if it appears cloudy or crystallized, it should likely be replaced. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]


Key Factors for DEF Shelf Life:

• Optimal Conditions: Storing in a cool, dry, and sealed container keeps it usable for 1–2 years.
• Temperature Impact: If average temperatures exceed $95^{\circ}F$, the shelf life can drop to as little as 6 months.
• In-Vehicle Storage: If a vehicle has sat idle in summer heat, the DEF may degrade faster.
• Identification: Contaminated or expired DEF may turn cloudy or develop crystals. [1, 2, 4, 5, 8]

Properly sealed containers often have manufacturing dates or expiration dates stamped on them. Always try to use the freshest fluid available to ensure it meets the necessary $32.5\%$ urea concentration. [5, 9, 10]

AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] Know the Shelf Life of Diesel Exhaust Fluid - Blue Sky Diesel Exhaust Fluid
[2] https://www.truckinginfo.com/102416...ine-your-truck-storage-shelf-life-safety-tips
[3] DEF Fluid Shelf Life: Essential Temperature Tips & Chart
[4] Recognizing and Preventing DEF Expiration | Retif Oil & Fuel
[5]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Diesel/comments/1b6ubz0/so_ive_been_told_def_goes_bad_after_so_long_first

[6]

[7] Shelf Life of Diesel Exhaust Fluid DEF | Envirosafe Tanks
[8] https://www.motorcraft.com/content/dam/ford-motorcraft/en_us/motorcraft_global/products/pdf/Diesel_Exhaust_Fluid/DEF Shelf Life and Fluid Quality.pdf
[9] How Long Does A Bottle Of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Last Once Opened?
[10] https://www.powerblanket.com/blog/ultimate-def-reference-guide/


Now that Ford is another matter.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

AI responses may include mistakes.

So true.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

Probably because they don't fuel at the pumps the big rigs use. I've yet to see a diesel/DEF pump in the section where autos and pickups fuel. I've been a diesel pickup owner for many many years and not once have I fueled with the big rigs.

Get the Mudflap app and get a better price on diesel but you typically have to use the big rig pumps. $3.30 at the pump but I get it for $3.05.

You can fill up at the big rigs for def. Go to a truck stop that has it and head inside. Prepay for it and then go ahead and fill it up.

Where I am we have car locks with def. I just went and got a car lock card and I fill up with fuel and def all the time.

What is a car lock card?

 

[deserteagle71]

Get the Mudflap app and get a better price on diesel but you typically have to use the big rig pumps. $3.30 at the pump but I get it for $3.05.

In my area diesel is cheaper than regular so I just buy it at the local Maverick.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

Get the Mudflap app and get a better price on diesel but you typically have to use the big rig pumps.

I use the Openroads app which looks similar. The money is withdrawn directly from your checking account. People with trust issues open a separate bank account just for fueling. I don't know that it makes diesel cheaper at regular stations but it gets the insane price of diesel at truck stops like Love's down to the same as smaller stations. I prefer to use truck stops in my RV since it's really too big for regular stations. It's also convenient because I get a fuel card I can use at truck stop pumps that don't take credit cards.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I use the Openroads app which looks similar. The money is withdrawn directly from your checking account. People with trust issues open a separate bank account just for fueling. I don't know that it makes diesel cheaper at regular stations but it gets the insane price of diesel at truck stops like Love's down to the same as smaller stations. I prefer to use truck stops in my RV since it's really too big for regular stations. It's also convenient because I get a fuel card I can use at truck stop pumps that don't take credit cards.

I just enter a number at the pumps at KwikTrip and don’t need my card or any money with me, just my phone.

 

[Hay Dude]

I bought my 2024 f350 new in sept. of 2024. It now has 5000km (3000mi) on it. I added a jug (2.5 gal?) when it got low of DPF last spring. Do I need to worry about it going bad?

YES, of course you do.
Ask yourself this, is $20 worth of old DEF worth taking out your DEF system?
Chuck it and buy new DEF.

 

[not2old]

YES, of course you do.
Ask yourself this, is $20 worth of old DEF worth taking out your DEF system?
Chuck it and buy new DEF.

I'm scheduled for a reverse shoulder replacement tomorrow morning and now I have to figure out how I'm going to drain it from my truck and install some new when the truck is off the road for the winter. I added the jug sometime in the early summer last year and there's about 1/4 tank left in the truck. More diesel maintenance that I hadn't expected.

 

[oosik]

I'm scheduled for a reverse shoulder replacement tomorrow morning and now I have to figure out how I'm going to drain it from my truck and install some new when the truck is off the road for the winter. I added the jug sometime in the early summer last year and there's about 1/4 tank left in the truck. More diesel maintenance that I hadn't expected.

I wish you a speedy recovery. Feb 2025 I fell and fractured my lower spine. In the beginning I needed the assistance of a walker. That lasted a month - then a cane for another month. Then I was "free wheeling". I had/have pain but it continues to get better. I always take my cane with me when walking outside. Uneven gound - you know.

 

[outdoorsman123]

Get the Mudflap app and get a better price on diesel but you typically have to use the big rig pumps. $3.30 at the pump but I get it for $3.05.

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What is a car lock card?

That should have said card lock. Gas station without the station. Just pumps outside and you use a card for that place to fill up on account.

 

[greenie]

In my area diesel is cheaper than regular so I just buy it at the local Maverick.

View attachment 4889053

I can't remember the last time I saw diesel less expensive than unleaded. It must have been a very long time ago. That $2.73 is .55 less than home heating oil in Maine currently is. Nevada has .52 per gallon states and federal road use tax on diesel. Maine heating oil has no taxes - not even sales tax. Diesel in Maine is around $4.10 a gallon.

 

[BigBlue1]

I can't remember the last time I saw diesel less expensive than unleaded. It must have been a very long time ago. That $2.73 is .55 less than home heating oil in Maine currently is. Nevada has .52 per gallon states and federal road use tax on diesel. Maine heating oil has no taxes - not even sales tax. Diesel in Maine is around $4.10 a gallon.

Same. That's really odd that diesel is cheaper out in NV. Here in MN where unleaded is often seen for $2.39 to $2.59 diesel is close to $1/gal higher. Until the price of unleaded started to come down last year the costs were much closer but diesel has been higher for forever.

 

[TimberFarm]

In my area diesel is cheaper than regular so I just buy it at the local Maverick.

View attachment 4889053

Wow! Lucky dog. Around here it hovers at $3.50 and forget about truck stops, almost $4. More than "Premium" costs.

 

[JK22]

My Ram dealer told me never buy DEF at the pump it's not as fresh I just looked at him sideways and told my wife I didn't believe that.

I get "Poor Def Quality" notifications on my 2017 Duramax every time I get pump DEF. There might be some truth to this. The fill port on the DMax is also too small for the pump nozzles. Ironic, since the DMAX has one of the biggest DEF tanks on the market. I ultimately decided it's not worth the effort or risk to get pump DEF. Trying to keep the stupid DEF system running as long as possible, so I stick to Blue DEF. The "Platinum" version of Blue DEF seems to piss off the sensors too.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

The "Platinum" version of Blue DEF seems to piss off the sensors too.

That's interesting. Not that I've ever wasted money on the Platinum version, but your DEF quality sensor must be quite picky.

And for what it's worth, '16 and older Rams can supposedly have the DEF diluted with distilled water. They claimed it'd work on a '17, too. It didn't on mine.

 

[LouNY]

That's interesting. Not that I've ever wasted money on the Platinum version, but your DEF quality sensor must be quite picky.

And for what it's worth, '16 and older Rams can supposedly have the DEF diluted with distilled water. They claimed it'd work on a '17, too. It didn't on mine.

Or on my 2015 1500

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Or on my 2015 1500

An Ecodiesel?

Nothing seems to work on those. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

 

[TimberFarm]

An Ecodiesel?

Nothing seems to work on those. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

Wife's EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee has been the most reliable vehicle she has owned, tied with a Honda Accord she once had.

 

[Hay Dude]

An Ecodiesel?

Nothing seems to work on those. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

Well if he’s had it since 2015 (11 years) it must work pretty well.