Is it mandatory to add urea for China VI diesel vehicles?
4 Answers
National regulations require that electronically controlled diesel engine vehicles must add urea. Purpose: In the China VI era, the exhaust emissions of diesel vehicles are also closely related to environmental protection and other issues. In order to meet emission standards, diesel vehicles above China III must use automotive urea solution. Adding automotive urea can reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust and lower emission pollution, making the vehicles more environmentally friendly. Automotive Urea: Automotive urea emerged when trucks implemented the China IV emission standards and is used in the vehicle's aftertreatment to purify exhaust emissions. With increasingly stringent vehicle emission standards, automotive urea has become the fourth largest automotive consumable after fuel, lubricants, and tires.
Yes, urea must be added. I’ve been driving a China VI diesel vehicle for several years, and skipping it can cause major issues. The system is called SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction), specifically designed to treat harmful substances in the exhaust—urea is an essential component. Once, I forgot to refill it, and the vehicle immediately entered a protective mode: the top speed dropped to 60 km/h, warning lights kept flashing, and I nearly got into trouble on the highway. The repair shop charged me for an inspection and said running out of urea could damage the catalytic converter, with repair costs running into thousands. Now, I check the urea level every time I refuel—it’s readily available at gas stations, costs little (just a few dozen yuan a month), and ensures smooth operation and compliance with emission standards. Most importantly, skipping it affects annual inspections, as environmental authorities enforce strict checks, potentially leading to fines or penalty points. To avoid hassle, never skimp on this small expense.
For China VI diesel vehicles, adding urea is absolutely mandatory, and from a technical perspective, it's essential. The SCR system requires urea to convert NOx gases. Without it, sensors will detect the deficiency, and the ECU will limit engine output to prevent pollution. The urea solution, known as AdBlue, is stored in a dedicated tank. Under normal driving conditions, consumption is roughly 0.5 liters of urea per liter of diesel, and it depletes faster on long trips. I often perform DIY checks because insufficient urea can lead to clogged nozzles, which are troublesome and expensive to fix. Always use OEM-certified urea to avoid impurities affecting performance. This ensures not only compliant emissions but also maintains good power response and extends component lifespan in the long run.
For China VI diesel vehicles, adding urea is a strict rule. I've considered the cost aspect, and skipping it really isn't cost-effective. Urea is very cheap, with a 10-liter bucket costing just a few dozen yuan, enough to support thousands of kilometers of travel. However, if you neglect to add it, the vehicle's malfunction light may stay on, forcing you to spend hundreds or even thousands on repairs. I've personally recorded fuel consumption and noticed a slight improvement in engine efficiency after adding urea, saving a bit on fuel costs per 100 kilometers. Additionally, prolonged idling increases urea usage, so reasonable driving can reduce expenses. Overall, the monthly cost increases by a few dozen yuan, but it avoids the risk of major repairs and ensures peace of mind while driving. This calculation is clear.
