Can a Truck Continue Driving After Running Out of Urea?
2 Answers
A truck cannot continue driving after running out of urea. Here are the relevant details: 1. When urea is depleted, the vehicle's torque will be limited, resulting in a noticeable loss of power if driving continues. 2. Automotive urea, also known as diesel exhaust fluid (commonly referred to in China as vehicle urea, automotive urea, or vehicle environmental urea), is a consumable essential for SCR technology. If diesel exhaust fluid is not loaded, or if its purity is insufficient or of inferior quality, the vehicle's engine will automatically reduce speed. Additionally, inferior-quality diesel exhaust fluid can contaminate the catalyst in the SCR catalytic reaction tank, leading to severe consequences.
Having driven trucks for many years, I'm familiar with common urea issues. When the AdBlue fluid runs out, a blue warning light illuminates on the dashboard. If you continue driving, the system will limit vehicle speed, potentially reducing it to 20-30 km/h, or directly entering limp mode. Since urea is the core of the SCR system, responsible for neutralizing nitrogen oxide emissions and preventing engine clogging, forced driving not only carries a high risk of breakdown but may also damage exhaust treatment components, with repairs costing thousands at minimum. It's advisable to always keep a bucket of urea solution in the vehicle, available at service stations or major supermarkets. Develop the habit of checking fluid levels before every long trip to prevent mid-journey emergencies. Safety first—don't invite big trouble by skimping on small precautions.
