Can a Diesel Vehicle Continue to Run Without Urea?

[Jade]

Diesel vehicles can continue to run without urea, but it is necessary to replenish it as soon as possible. If a diesel vehicle operates without urea, its nitrogen oxide emissions will be even worse than those of a National III standard vehicle. Prolonged operation without urea can easily lead to crystallization, clogging, or high-temperature damage in the urea pump nozzle, pipelines, and urea pump, all of which are expensive to repair. Below is additional information: Function of automotive urea: The most basic function of automotive urea solution is to convert nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhaust into harmless nitrogen and water, saving energy and protecting the environment, thereby helping the vehicle meet national exhaust emission standards. Precautions: Automotive urea must use ultra-pure water of electronic grade. Since the SCR catalyst carrier is highly susceptible to metal ion poisoning, which can render it ineffective, automotive urea solution must use ultra-pure water of electronic grade.

[AbelMarie]

I've been driving a diesel car for several years, and it's best not to continue driving if the urea runs out. Adding urea is for emission control, and the system is called AdBlue. Without it, the car's warning light will come on. If you keep driving, the engine power will be limited, making it difficult to accelerate, which could be dangerous when overtaking on the highway. Emissions will increase, polluting the air and harming the environment. The SCR components are also prone to damage, and repairs can be extremely expensive. You can usually buy urea in barrels at gas stations—just top it up to solve the problem. It saves money, hassle, and ensures safety. Don’t overlook this small tip; checking the dashboard reminders before driving is essential.

[DeDaisy]

As an enthusiast who frequently tinkers with diesel vehicles, I understand that you shouldn't drive without urea. The vehicle uses urea to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. When it's insufficient, the system detects the issue and forces a speed limit into safe mode. Not only is it frustrating to drive, but prolonged operation can also lead to SCR catalyst failure, with high repair or replacement costs. It's recommended to top up as soon as the warning light comes on. A 10-liter bucket costs just a few dozen yuan at an auto repair shop. Don't underestimate this liquid—it's crucial for compliance and environmental protection. Driving without it may also result in failing emissions tests. Address the issue promptly to ensure your beloved vehicle maintains stable performance.

[VonIvan]

Don't risk driving when out of urea, safety comes first. The urea system protects the engine from harmful emissions. Without it, power drops and dangerous situations like overtaking can arise. The vehicle may stall or be limited to low speed, affecting traffic. It also pollutes the environment. Regulations require maintaining sufficient urea. Refill it promptly to avoid disrupting your driving plans.

[OwenLee]

From a cost-saving perspective, driving with insufficient urea must be stopped. Continuing to run without enough urea can cause the SCR system to lock or even fail, with repair costs starting from hundreds of yuan, far exceeding the price of a urea tank. I've experienced similar issues before and ended up spending nearly a thousand yuan on repairs. Exceeding emission limits can also result in fines. The smart approach is to refill immediately upon the warning—it's low-cost, highly efficient, and doesn't disrupt daily operations.