For most people, summertime means beaches, fun times, celebrations, and hot weather. For fleet managers, summertime can present some challenges that could potentially cost them money if they are not careful. Diesel fleet owners and managers know the importance of proper fleet maintenance and regularly using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to help reduce harmful emissions produced by diesel engines. As useful as DEF is, it’s important to note that its shelf life can be severely affected during the summer if fleet owners and managers aren’t careful about how it’s stored. Let’s go over some of the most common DEF storage mistakes that could cost your fleet money.
The first mistake is leaving a DEF container outside in direct sunlight. Temperatures across the United States can often rise above 90°F (32.22°C) during the summer, and with direct sunlight, the temperature inside an enclosed DEF container can get even hotter. According to the ISO 22241 standard, the ideal storage temperature for DEF is between 12°F (-11.1°C) and 86°F (30°C). Higher temperatures will shorten the shelf life of DEF, potentially causing the solution to lose effectiveness or requiring you to repurchase DEF more frequently. The solution to this mistake is to ensure that DEF is stored in a climate-controlled environment, whether that means storing DEF inside a cooler warehouse or investing in a canopy to keep it out of direct sunlight.
The second mistake that we’ve seen with DEF storage goes hand in hand with the way it’s handled. This is a bigger concern with jugs and drums because these containers can be prone to contamination if people are not careful when opening them. DEF containers should have their own dedicated dispensing equipment. This means you should not reuse funnels, pitchers, hoses, or other equipment. When you reuse dispensing equipment, you run the risk of contaminating the DEF and being left with a product that can no longer be safely used. Another way DEF can become contaminated is by storing it outside, where wind could potentially blow dirt, debris, or even rainwater into the DEF container. Again, the ideal solution would be to store DEF inside a warehouse. If that isn’t feasible, it is highly encouraged to take extra care when handling and storing DEF to prevent contamination.
Speaking of the shelf life of DEF, it’s also important to note that the average shelf life of DEF is about one year for businesses across the United States. Mistake number three is buying more DEF than your fleet can use up. We understand the mentality of buying in bulk to save money, which is why some fleet owners might think that purchasing a 330-gallon tote offers better value. However, if your fleet isn’t going through all 330 gallons in a timely manner, you could be left storing unused DEF that eventually expires. Keeping expired and ineffective DEF in storage will only end up costing your company more money. The solution is to track diesel fuel and DEF consumption to determine how much DEF your fleet will use within its shelf life. As a general benchmark, the average DEF consumption ratio is typically between 2% and 3% of diesel fuel consumption. In other words, for every 100 gallons of diesel consumed, a vehicle will generally use 2 to 3 gallons of DEF.
If you keep these three common DEF storage mistakes in mind, you should be able to get the most out of your DEF, which will ultimately save you and your company money. We know the hotter summer months present many businesses with challenges, and they can also become costly if fleet maintenance slips or gets neglected. Don’t let your DEF go bad before its expiration date, become contaminated, or lose its potency simply because of improper storage or handling during the hottest months of the year. You can get the most out of the DEF you’ve purchased by following better storage and handling practices.
At Energie Fuel, we not only supply businesses with DEF and deliver it straight to their lot or warehouse, but we are also here to empower fleet owners with knowledge about how to properly maintain their fleets and use the products we supply. Our team of specialists can help monitor your fleet’s DEF usage. By checking in periodically to review your DEF levels, we can better determine when it’s time to reorder. Our system can also be set up for automatic DEF deliveries based on your business’ specific needs. Energie Fuel aims to be your one solution for both fuel and DEF needs.