5 Best DEF Fluid For Powerstroke To Reduce NOx Emissions

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Best DEF Fluid

Are you suffering from DEF problems with your Powerstroke engine?

Feeling overwhelmed how to handle it. Here’s a way that nearly solves the problem like magic. And that is pouring the best DEF fluid into the vehicle that converts Nox into harmless emission and water. 

Sounds good. 

Sholl down and learn: what is DEF fluid, how it works, 5 best DEF fluids for Powerstroke, buying guide, and FAQs.

What is DEF In Diesel Engine?

DEF is the short form of diesel exhaust fluid. It is formulated with 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% carbamide/urea. 

Burning fuel in a diesel engine emits nitrogen oxide, a toxic and hazardous gas, into the air and pollutes the environment. 

To reduce the NOx gas (harmful emission) in the air, DEF fluid converts it into non-toxic gas and water. So the environmental pollution level will gradually decrease. 

How Does DEF Work?

There are four components in the diesel exhaust vehicle, and by running them, DEF fluid works. 

First, the DEF fluid is poured into the DEF tank. Then it runs through a particular filter, DEF injection system, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. While DEF fluid passes all those components, it chemically reacts to remove NOx pollutants and converts them into nitrogen gas (N2) and water (H2O).

Why Should You Need The Best DEF Fluid For Powerstroke?

DEF fluid to your Ford Powerstroke engine offers a lot of benefits. If you want to get these, there is no other way than to use DEF. These benefits are

  • Ensure maximum fuel economy and horsepower torque. 
  • No evaporation helps to increase oil changing interval
  • Cost economical price than diesel 
  • Incredibly reduce NOx emissions released in the environment to prevent global warming. 

What Are The Best DEF Fluid For Powerstroke Comparison Table 

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Best DEF Fluid For Powerstroke Review 

1. BlueDEF DEF002-2PK Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Best For Overall 

Our first choice for your 2018 Ford F-150, F-250 car, truck or pickup Powerstroke engine is BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid. There are so many reasons to pick it as the top. Some of these are

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It forms with 67.5% purified water and 32.5% ultra-pure automotive grade urea. That is the fundamental criteria to meet EPA 2010 regulations. So, it easily flows from the tank to the filter, injection, and SCR catalyst system. That’s why it can reduce NOx emissions to the environment. 

This DEF is stable, odorless, and harmless, so it’s completely safe for your skin, respiratory system, and clothing. If it accidentally comes to your skin or clothing or spills out. You can effortlessly clean the fluid with water from your skin, change your cloth, or wipe the floor with a damp rug. 

Though this DEF frizzles at 12°F, it won’t damage your car or truck’s Powerstroke engine and SCR system. The engine-produced heat will melt the DEF to reduce NOx exhaust emissions. 

Your Heavy Duty Diesel engine will require 2-3% less DEF than other brands. It offers you approximately every 7500 miles interval for 3-5 gallons of DEF. If you pour about a 23-gallon of DEF, it allows your truck to go for 7000 miles, like crossing the US and returning home, before needing to refuel the DEF tank. 

What We Like

  • Meets ISO Standards 22241 and gets API certificate 
  • Non-toxic, harmless, odorless, and safe for easy handling 
  • It won’t create any mechanical issues with the truck
  • Easier to refill the tank due to its included spout 

What We Don’t Like

  • Some users find it a little bit overpriced.

Verdict 

If you prefer to avoid going to a truck stop, interacting with weird people, and getting DEF at the pump, this Blue DEF will be a great pick. Quality, formation, mileage, and fuel efficiency are in your favor.

2. Ford Motorcraft PM27-JUG DEF – Best For OEM Recommendation 

Do you have any series or generation Ford cars, ATVs, UTVs, or pickup trucks? If so, none other than Ford Motorcraft PM27-JUG DEF is your best choice. Because it is the DEF fluid that its manufacturer supplies. 

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This fluid is formed from a perfect combination of purified deionized water and urea. So, it can reduce the harmful NOx emissions from diesel exhaust using the engine control unit to control the process. 

The injector sprays the reductant into the exhaust stream when injected into the exhaust. At that time, the Ford DEF mixes with the NOx gasses from the engine, converting them into more environmentally friendly nitrogen gas and water vapor. 

Ford 6.7 & 3.2 Diesel uses the same urea injection system. Ford DEF fluid offers a changing interval range of around 500 miles. But, it is only fixed for some drivers, as according to your driving experience, the range may be higher or lower. 

A Ford pickup DEF tank may require 2.5 gallons of DEF fluid to fill. But you should observe the tank to avoid overfilling and waste.

What We Like

  • Meet ISO 22241 and DIN70071 standards to ensure purity
  • Safe to use as there are no harmful ingredients 
  • Through SCR catalyst reduces NOx emissions to prevent air pollution
  • Affordable price, fast shipping, and friendly customer service 

What We Don’t Like

  • It doesn’t come with the nozzle

Verdict

You should choose the Ford DEF fluid for your Ford f150, f250 or other vehicles to fine-tune its performance. 

3. ACDelco GM Diesel DEF Fluid – Best For Budget 

ACDelco GM Diesel DEF Fluid is a cost-effective solution for your Chevy Cruze diesel or other Powerstroke engines. However, don’t think it is cheap in quality due to its reasonable price. 

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Rather, it meets ISO 22241 standards for purity and API regulations for quality. The company forms this fluid by maintaining a good percentage of deionized water and synthetic urea. 

So that it can efficiently reduce Nitrous Oxide release through its emission, which is why using this fluid in your DEF and SCR system is fruitful in controlling environmental pollution. 

Since this fluid is a mixture of urea and deionized water, it is undoubtedly non-toxic, non-flammable, and stable to provide top-notch performance. 

According to some users, they can drive their vehicles around 300 miles with 1 gallon of ACDelco DEF fluid, which is outstanding for fuel economy. 

This fluid’s only drawback is not including a flexible spout to make the DEF pouring process easier. But, it’s not a deal-breaker when having these advantages. 

What We Like

  • Safe to use due to its no harmful chemicals
  • Odorless and colorless is great even for sensitive people 
  • Reduce NOx emissions released to the environment
  • Comparatively reasonable price than other DEF fluid  

What We Don’t Like

  • No flex nozzle is included in the package 

Verdict 

You must love this DEF fluid for any diesel exhaust system because of its quality, competitive price, and volume. To explore a better driving and fuel-cost-efficient experience, choose it, at least for the next buy. 

4. Prestone HD1001-2PK Command Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Best For versatility 

No matter if you have a 2014 Ford F350 Powerstroke, 2015 VW SportWagen, 2014 Diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel, 2017 GMC Denali HD, or 2021 ram. The Prestone HD1001-2PK Command Diesel Exhaust Fluid will be compatible with them due to its versatility. 

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This DEF fluid has a great ratio of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% automotive-grade urea. So it can easily meet most of the authorities’ standards regarding purity and quality. 

Even the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipped diesel engines will offer you at least 2-3% of diesel fuel economy for this proportion. 

For a simple understanding, you’ll need around 1 gallon of DEF fluid every 50-75 gallons of regular fuel. That’s great to avoid frequent DEF fluid-changing hassle. 

As the fluid efficiently reduces Nitrogen Oxide gas releasing into the air. Using it not only boosts your diesel engine’s long life but also helps to take a fresh breath. 

The gallon of the fluid is designed to keep in mind your convenience. The finger shape handle is great for carrying the gallon, and the two sides spout easily pour fluid into the vehicle’s DEF tank. 

What We Like

  • Meet API & ISO 22241 specifications 
  • Non-toxic solution for safe and secure handling 
  • Great to use in Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cummins engine
  • It is cheaper than most local auto parts stores

What We Don’t Like

  • Packaging should be more airtight to avoid gallon damage and oil leakage while shipping. 

Verdict 

You should consider this fluid for easy handling, safe use, and versatility if you have multiple diesel-powered vehicles.

5. Valvoline Premium Blue Diesel Exhaust Fluid – Best For Off-Street Vehicle 

Valvoline is a reliable brand of engine and gear oils for its quality product supply. So, our final recommendation is Valvoline Diesel Exhaust Fluid for your on-street or off-street Vehicles with a 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

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It’s a premium quality DEF fluid that maintains all the government authorities’ standards to make it environmentally friendly. 

The first and foremost benefit of using this fluid is lower the NOx emission release to the air near zero. It is because the fluid is a mixture of adequate amounts of water and urea. When the fluid mixes with the (SCR) exhaust, it converts the NOx emissions into nitrogen gas and water.

However, you’ll need around 1 container of DEF fluid to drive 5000 to 7000 miles. It indicates excellent high mileage efficiency and fluid economy for most users. 

What We Like 

  • Meets ISO 22241 standards, approved by API, and AdBlue
  • Proper urea and water blending reduces NOx emissions
  • Great to use in most the diesel engines 
  • It won’t make a mess when adding to DEF tank 

What We Don’t Like 

  • Some users complain spouts are missing due to careless packaging. 

Verdict 

You must choose Valvoline DEF premium fluid for your vehicles to fine-tune the emission release system with around zero NOx. 

What Features Should You Check To Choose The Best DEF Fluid For Powerstroke

The more accurate DEF fluid you can choose, the better performance you’ll get from it. That’s why you must keep some features in mind before finalizing DEF fluid. Otherwise, you pour the DEF fluid, but that will not be worthwhile for your vehicle and the environment. 

  • The ingredients ratio matters a lot

The first important check out to DEF is to know the ratio of using ingredients. The more or less ratio will impact the liquid texture and performance. 

In most cases and according to ISO 22241 standard, which DEF fluid maintains 67.5% concentrated deionized water, and 32.5% high purity automotive urea is the best. You should check the ratio; if it is ok, choose it. Otherwise, ignore that. 

  • OEM Recommendations

Nothing is more worthwhile than choosing an OEM-recommended DEF fluid. Because, like the OEM engine and gear oil, OEM DEF fluid also performs better than others. 

Furthermore, the manufacturer-recommended fluid offers top-notch protection for your SCR system from damage. To know whether it has any recommendations, you should read the vehicle’s manual. 

  • Meeting Authority requirements 

Some national and international authorities like ISO 22241, API, EPA, and AUS 32 set a minimum standards to ensure the quality and purity of the fluid. As a beginner with little knowledge of petroleum engineering, you can trust the brand that meets or is approved by those organizations. 

Reading the label of the fluid container helps detect the license. Though we mentioned 4 authorities, your picked DEF fluid can meet all of them. Getting approval from any of these is alright to choose.

  • Consider The Fluid Age 

You may wonder about reading, considering the age of the fluid. But yes, the age of the DEF fluid matters for its working ability. The fluid, for more than 2 years, will lose its efficiency. 

So you should avoid choosing older fluid for your Powerstroke diesel engine. To know the manufacturing date of the DEF, you should carefully notice the batch number and its below 6 digits for manufacturing and expiration date.

  • Supportive Container Design 

The fluid container and bottle design is also important for easy and safe handling, pouring, and storing. The convenient gallon design will prevent DEF from spilling out, making the floor messy, and causing waste. Indirectly that saves your pocket, as you have to spend your cash for each drop of fluid. 

FAQs 

Can you add DEF while engine is running? 

Yes, you can add DEF while the engine is running because it’s important to add the DEF fluid as soon as it indicates the lower level through its indicator light. But the best practice is to check the fluid level before starting your trip. 

Should I keep my DEF tank full?

Yes, you can. But it’s not mandatory. You should add DEF fluid to the tank every 3-4 times while refueling diesel. 

Will DEF freeze in the tank?

Under 12° F of temperature, DEF fluid can freeze, but there is nothing to worry about as it’ll again turn into liquid for the engine’s heat. 

Is there an additive to keep DEF from freezing?

No, you shouldn’t add any additives with fluid to prevent freezing because the additives may change their formation and working ability. So it will reduce NOx emissions converting capacity than it is designed.

Does DEF increase mpg?

DEF increases miles per gallon or mpg by converting NOx emissions into harmless gas and water. And there is no skyrocket behind it. Lower fuel consumption means lower emission release and better engine optimization and performance. 

Can you use water instead of DEF?

Though water won’t harm the system, you shouldn’t use water instead of DEF because distilled water contains minerals like magnesium and calcium. Whereas DEF fluid contains deionized water. Even continuously using regular water in the DEF system will gradually derate it. 

Final Words

Whatever the Ford Powerstroke engine you have, you’ll get the maximum results from our top-notch recommendations. As our list contains pocket friendly to premium options, you can choose one that fits your vehicle and budget. Our suggestion will be to go with Blue DEF DEF002-2PK Diesel Exhaust Fluid due to its quality and versatile compatibility.

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