Blue Monday? It's all a marketing tool, but AdBlue is very real

Banish the Blue Monday Blues with AdBlue: A Van Owner's Guide

Happy Blue Monday, everyone! While today might traditionally be dubbed the most depressing day of the year (By some), we're here to inject a little "blue" positivity into your day – not with sad songs, but with a crucial topic for any van owner: AdBlue.

It turns out that Blue Monday wasn't discovered by scientists, but rather "invented" as a marketing tool.

The term was coined in 2005 by a tutor named Cliff Arnall. He was commissioned by a UK travel agency called Sky Travel to come up with a "scientific formula" that would pinpoint the most depressing day of the year.

The Strategy

The goal was simple: if people believed they were at their lowest point, they’d be more likely to book a summer holiday to cheer themselves up.

The formula looked at a mix of factors:

• W: Weather (cold and grey)
• D: Debt (those post-Christmas credit card bills)
• d: Monthly salary
• T: Time since Christmas
• Q: Time since failing New Year’s resolutions
• M: Low motivation levels
  
  

The Reality

Most scientists and mental health charities (like Mind and the Samaritans) have since debunked the formula as "pseudoscience" or complete nonsense, as it's impossible to measure things like "motivation" or "weather" for everyone in one equation.

Even Cliff Arnall has since distanced himself from the idea, acknowledging that it has become a bit of a gloomy self-fulfilling prophecy. Today, many people try to reclaim the day by focusing on "Brew Monday" (getting a cup of tea with a friend) or, in your case, keeping your van in top shape!

Anyway - Back to something that is also not Blue but has the name in its title!

If your a Van owner, you might have seen the distinctive blue cap next to your fuel filler, or perhaps heard it mentioned at your last service. But what exactly is AdBlue, and why is this "blue" liquid so vital for keeping your van running efficiently and environmentally friendly? Let's dive in!

What is AdBlue and Why the "Blue" Name?

First off, let's clear up a common misconception: AdBlue is not a fuel additive. It's a high-purity, aqueous urea solution (32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water) used in conjunction with diesel engines that feature Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

So, why "AdBlue"? The "Ad" comes from "additive," though as we've established, it's not strictly an additive to the fuel. The "Blue" part simply refers to the branding and the distinctive blue color often associated with the product and its filling caps. It's a memorable and widely recognized name for this essential fluid.

So there you have it! 

Now enjoy your cuppa and have a good Monday!