Can a China 5 vehicle continue to drive after running out of urea?
3 Answers
A China 5 vehicle cannot be driven after running out of urea. The function of urea solution is to chemically react with nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhaust to produce non-toxic nitrogen and water, thereby reducing the emission of toxic gases in vehicle exhaust and minimizing pollution. The SCR solution has significant advantages in the China IV diesel vehicle exhaust emission treatment system, and vehicle urea is an essential additive for the SCR solution. Precautions: 1. Regularly check the urea level in the urea tank and replenish urea solution in time. The consumption of vehicle urea solution is 4%-6% of diesel consumption. Estimate the amount of urea solution needed based on the trip and carry sufficient barrel urea solution if necessary. 2. When refilling vehicle urea solution, use a dedicated urea solution filling pipe to prevent impurities from mixing in. 3. Vehicle urea solution is alkaline and slightly corrosive. Avoid contact with metals (except stainless steel), as these materials react with trace amounts of ammonia in the urea solution to form compounds that affect SCR operation.
The urea for China 5 vehicles is called AdBlue, which is a key component for emission treatment. I've been driving diesel trucks for long-distance hauls for over a decade, and once ran out of urea on the road, triggering a red warning light on the dashboard. The truck immediately slowed down to less than 40 km/h, making it impossible to drive. I had to pull over and find a gas station to refill the urea. If you insist on continuing to drive, the system will automatically limit the power, not only delaying the trip but also potentially damaging the after-treatment components like the SCR catalyst in the long run, with repairs possibly costing thousands. More seriously, exceeding emission standards can result in fines from environmental inspections. So from experience, never wait for the warning light; checking the urea level before every long trip is the safest approach.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, I've studied the design of China V vehicles. The urea system reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. When depleted, the ECU triggers limp mode, limiting speed to 20-40km/h, making normal driving impossible. This is a regulatory requirement to prevent pollution. Forced driving may cause DPF clogging or sensor failure, leading to expensive repairs and environmental pollution. I recommend keeping a bottle of qualified urea in the car and refilling immediately upon alarm. Regular maintenance is crucial—avoid saving money by buying inferior products to prevent damage to the injector and pump. Sharing these tips to ensure worry-free long-distance driving.
