How Often Should Urea Be Added to Diesel Vehicles?
2 Answers
Diesel vehicle urea replenishment intervals depend on the vehicle's usage. The dashboard displays the urea level, triggering an alert when it drops below approximately 20% to remind the driver to refill promptly. Urea functions to: treat exhaust gases by reducing pollutants, optimize engine performance and fuel consumption. Consequences of not using urea include: 1. Exceeding emission standards, causing environmental pollution; 2. Oxidation of chemicals in the vehicle system, leading to urea nozzle blockage and complete system failure; 3. Reduced vehicle power output.
I've been driving a diesel vehicle for many years, and the frequency of urea refills is always a top concern. Based on my experience, how often you need to add it depends on your specific usage. If you're driving long distances daily or hauling heavy loads, the urea depletes faster—typically requiring a check every 1,000 to 1,500 km. Most vehicles have a dashboard warning light; if it flashes, refill immediately instead of waiting until it turns red. When driving frequently, I make it a habit to check the urea tank every second refueling to avoid breakdowns. Refilling it yourself is straightforward—most gas stations have AdBlue pumps or jugs—but avoid overfilling to prevent spills. Keeping this routine helps prevent system failures, ensures emissions compliance, and avoids penalties.