Does Not Using Urea Increase Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
Not using urea will not increase vehicle fuel consumption. Moreover, whether urea is burned or not has no relation to vehicle fuel consumption; adding urea is solely for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. Below is more information about urea: 1. Urea reacts with nitrogen oxides in the presence of a catalyst to produce harmless nitrogen gas and water, a system known as the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) aftertreatment system. 2. Vehicles have a dedicated urea tank. Urea is consumed as long as the vehicle is running, so it needs to be replenished in time. Generally, about 4 liters of urea are consumed per 100 liters of diesel. 3. The composition of vehicle urea consists of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionized water.
I've been driving a diesel truck for many years. One time, I forgot to add urea solution, and the truck suddenly couldn't accelerate on the highway. The throttle had no response, and the truck felt sluggish. As a result, the fuel consumption jumped from the usual 10 liters per 100 km to 12 liters. Later, I learned that the SCR system uses urea to treat exhaust emissions. Without urea, the computer limits engine power output to avoid exceeding pollution standards, causing the engine to operate in an inefficient range and requiring more fuel injection to maintain normal driving speed, which naturally increases fuel consumption. Since then, I always check the urea tank every month to ensure the fluid level is sufficient, maintaining system stability, driving more fuel-efficiently, saving money, and avoiding sudden breakdowns.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I've found that not using urea directly impacts my wallet. Fuel consumption definitely increases because the system limits torque, reducing engine power, which requires deeper throttle presses to achieve the same speed, leading to higher fuel costs. My pickup truck originally consumed 9 liters per 100 kilometers, but after skipping urea, it jumped to 11 liters, costing me hundreds more in fuel each month. Additionally, it risks damaging sensors, bringing extra repair costs. Timely urea replenishment keeps the SCR system running smoothly, ensuring efficient engine combustion and returning fuel consumption to normal levels. In the long run, it's a wise saving measure—protecting the environment while maintaining economy and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
