Can a Diesel Vehicle Continue to Run Without Urea?
4 Answers
Diesel vehicles can continue to run without urea, but it is necessary to replenish it as soon as possible. If a diesel vehicle lacks urea, its nitrogen oxide emissions will be even worse than those of a National III standard vehicle. Prolonged absence of urea can easily lead to crystallization blockages or high-temperature damage in the urea pump nozzle, pipelines, and the urea pump itself, and repairing these parts can be very expensive. For trucks without urea, the emission light on the dashboard will illuminate, restricting torque and causing insufficient power, making the vehicle feel particularly sluggish. Crystallization Issue: It might be a urea crystallization problem. If the vehicle also exhibits symptoms like weak acceleration or white smoke from the exhaust pipe, professional equipment should be used to clean the urea crystallization inside the exhaust pipe. Malfunction Occurrence: If the urea pump or sensor malfunctions and the engine torque is restricted, with the RPM unable to exceed 1800 revolutions per minute, the urea pump and sensor need to be replaced.
I've been driving a diesel car for many years. When the car runs low on urea, you can still drive for a short distance, but definitely don't push it for too long. Urea is mainly used to treat exhaust emissions and reduce pollution. Without it, the system will trigger a warning, and the car will go into limp mode, limiting speed to around 50 km/h. Driving like this for extended periods can damage the exhaust treatment system and even affect engine performance, and the repair costs aren't cheap. Whenever I see the yellow warning light on the dashboard, I immediately find a gas station to refill AdBlue. I recommend checking the urea level before heading out to avoid any issues on the road that could compromise safety. If you can't solve the problem temporarily, have a professional shop check the wiring and sensors to ensure the system operates normally.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I must emphasize that safety is the top priority. When the urea level is low, the vehicle's power weakens, acceleration slows down, and overtaking becomes difficult, which is especially dangerous on highways. I experienced it once when the dashboard displayed a fault, and the car immediately dropped to a crawl, forcing me to drive at a snail's pace. If the tank is completely empty, the vehicle might not even start. It's best to refill the fluid as soon as you notice the level is low—don’t risk driving long distances. Remember, this affects not only your safety but also others'. If performance fails in an emergency, it could be disastrous. Develop a habit of checking the urea tank weekly—AdBlue is easy to find, available at gas stations and convenience stores, making it very convenient.
A friend at the auto repair shop told me that driving with low urea is asking for trouble. The exhaust system relies on the liquid for cleaning, and a shortage can lead to carbon buildup and clogged pipes, doubling repair costs in the long run. I've seen many car owners complain about their vehicles breaking down, only to find out the urea was depleted. It's advisable not to wait for the warning light; regularly check the gauge or manually inspect the fluid level. If it's low, top it up immediately and avoid driving more than 500 kilometers. Otherwise, it might cause sensor failure, requiring the replacement of the entire component. Simple maintenance can prevent this—like me, I top up the urea solution monthly, which is low-cost and easy to do.
