Does running out of urea have any impact on the vehicle?
2 Answers
Running out of urea not only affects fuel consumption but also impacts the vehicle's engine. When a vehicle does not use urea, the SCR system ceases to operate, preventing the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. This results in harmful emissions to the environment and a reduction in engine power. Prolonged absence of urea can lead to partial or complete system failure. During the production of Euro IV engines, manufacturers must input urea sensor data into the engine control unit (ECU). If the sensor detects no urea, the ECU will adjust the engine's performance, causing a loss of power. To compensate, drivers may press the accelerator harder, leading to increased fuel consumption. Adding urea helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, lowering pollution and making the vehicle more environmentally friendly. Most modern diesel engines use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The process involves exhaust gases exiting the turbocharger and entering the exhaust pipe, where they pass through a catalytic converter. A urea injector, controlled by the ECU, sprays a urea solution into the exhaust pipe. This solution reacts with nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, converting them into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. Trucks can continue to operate without urea, but it is crucial to replenish it as soon as possible. Without urea, nitrogen oxide emissions from such trucks can exceed those of Euro III vehicles. Extended periods without urea can cause crystallization, clogging, or high-temperature damage to the urea pump, injector, and piping.
Running out of urea can have significant impacts on your vehicle, especially for friends driving diesel vehicles. I often drive trucks for long distances, and last time I forgot to refill the urea. As soon as I got on the highway, the engine power was limited, forcing me to crawl at a snail's pace, which delayed my delivery time. The SCR system requires urea to break down harmful substances in the exhaust. Without it, the vehicle automatically reduces speed to prevent increased pollution. Prolonged running on empty may also lead to DPF clogging or sensor errors, which can be time-consuming and costly to repair. So now I've developed a habit of checking the urea tank every two weeks and keeping a bottle of AdBlue in the vehicle for quick refills, saving a lot of trouble. Remember, as soon as the engine light warns you, take action immediately—never delay.
