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FAQs

What is DEF?
What is the brand name for Terra Environmental Technologies Inc.'s DEF?
What purpose does DEF serve?
How often will I have to refill my DEF tank?
Will my truck sustain any damage if I do not refill the DEF tank?
What will occur with my truck if I do not refill the DEF tank?
How much will DEF cost?
Where can I purchase TerraCair®?
Who will sell TerraCair®?
Will TerraCair® be readily available?
Does it matter what DEF brand I purchase?
How can I know what to buy?
What are the benefits of using TerraCair®?
Is DEF usage required by Law?
Are there legal penalties for not using DEF?
If I buy extra TerraCair® product, can I store it in my truck?
Are there any storage considerations/limitations for DEF?
What if my bottle of TerraCair® is several years old, and still sealed? Can I still use it?
Will my vehicle sustain any damage if I accidentally spill the DEF on the engine or other surface?
Why is it necessary to use DEF now?
What factors degrade the DEF?
Should my DEF tank be emptied if my truck is placed in storage?
What if DEF gets on my hands or in my eyes?
What does DEF look like?
What does DEF smell like?
Where can I find more information on DEF?

1. What is DEF?
DEF is Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

2. What is the brand name for Terra Environmental Technologies Inc.'s DEF?
The brand name for Terra Environmental Technologies' DEF is TerraCair®.

3. What purpose does DEF serve?
DEF is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to change the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions in diesel exhaust to Nitrogen and water. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the air we breathe every day.

4. How often will I have to refill my DEF tank?
That depends upon the size of your DEF tank and the dosing rate chosen by your automobile/truck manufacturer. DEF tanks range in size from approximately 6 gallons to 30 gallons.

5. Will my truck sustain any damage if I do not refill the DEF tank?
No.

6. What will occur with my truck if I do not refill the DEF tank?
Performance degradation to be followed by an inability to start your vehicle will occur if you do not fill the tank.

7. How much does TerraCair® cost?
TerraCair® will be competitively priced in the marketplace.

8. Where can I purchase TerraCair®?
Car and truck dealers, truck stops, and eventually retail and convenience stores.

9. Who will sell TerraCair®?
In addition to those outlets mentioned in #8, TerraCair® will be sold by Terra Environmental Technologies in bulk, chemical distributors, and small packagers.

10. Will DEF be readily available?
Yes. Infrastructure is being developed today. It's important to take the time to select a DEF producer with a high-quality, robust supply chain that can meet your specific company or personnel needs.

11. Does it matter what DEF brand I purchase?
Yes, it does! TerraCair® is an ultrapure, aldehyde-free DEF.

12. How can I know what to buy?
High quality DEF will be produced and distributed by companies that have demonstrated their domestic expertise in production and distribution and will bear the API Certified symbol. This designation implies that the fluid meets the stringent product quality standards established by ISO 22241. TerraCair® is an API Certified DEF, has six production facilities in North America and has partnered with a North American distributor that has vast European DEF distribution experience, well over 120 North American locations and has an ISO quality process in place to consistently deliver superior DEF fluid to customers.

13. What are the benefits of using DEF?
Diesel engines equipped with SCR using DEF not only meet the 2010 tailpipe standard, they also deliver significant fuel economy.

14. Is DEF usage required by Law?
Yes, in diesel engines produced after January 1, 2010, DEF is required for emissions after-treatment.

15. Are there legal penalties for not using DEF?
Yes.

16. If I buy extra TerraCair® product, can I store it in my truck?
Yes, but avoid direct exposure to sunlight so that the product does not get hot.

17. Are there any storage considerations/limitations for DEF?
Yes, since DEF can degrade over long periods of time (>1 year), and at temperatures over 90°F, long term storage should be limited, if possible.

18. What if my bottle of TerraCair® is several years old and still sealed? Can I still use it?
Yes, the reagent in sealed bottles of TerraCair® that are less than 2 years old are probably just as effective even though, upon opening the bottle, you may notice a slightly greater ammonia odor.

19. Will my vehicle sustain any damage if I accidentally spill the DEF on the engine or other surface?
20.DEF can be mildly corrosive to some materials, particularly aluminum, copper and other alloys. It should be washed off with water.

20. Why is it necessary to use DEF now?
21.Diesel engines purchased after January 1, 2010, require the use of DEF to meet the EPA 2010 tailpipe standards.

21. What factors degrade the DEF?
Product should be stored in temperatures between 12° F and 86° F.

22. Should my DEF tank be emptied if my truck is placed in storage?
Not required. Vehicle on-board controls are designed to store and handle DEF.

23. What if DEF gets on my hands or in my eyes?
According to OSHA, DEF is mildly irritating to the eyes and skin. If the liquid should contact either, the DEF should be flushed out/washed off with plenty of clean water. For more health and safety information, refer to the TerraCair® MSDS.

24. What does TerraCair® look like?
25. TerraCair® is clear like water.

25. What does DEF smell like?
The liquid can have a slight ammonia smell.

26. Where can I get more information on DEF?
The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, has developed a document detailing the specification, testing methodology, storage, handling, transportation requirements, and the refilling interface for DEF. That document is ISO 22241 parts 1, 2, 3, and 4. This copyrighted document is available for purchase at the International Organization for Standardization web site. Here is the link: http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=42941

AUS 32 Quality Assurance Guidance Document (version 2.1 - August 2008) - the document was developed in order to safeguard the integrity of the urea solution in production, storage and distribution. It provides very useful background information. It can be accessed for free download at: http://www.petrochemistry.net/?HID=113