What are the effects of expired urea on a vehicle?
4 Answers
It can damage the urea pump and increase vehicle emissions. Below is relevant information about automotive urea: 1. Composition: Automotive urea solution is a colorless, transparent, clear liquid, a urea-based chemical reaction product composed solely of high-purity urea and pure water without any additives, with a urea content of 32.5% (by mass). 2. Significance: Automotive urea solution is crucial for reducing pollutant emissions from diesel vehicles. Applying automotive urea solution in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems is key to achieving China IV and higher emission standards for engine exhaust.
I've been driving a diesel car for several years. Once, trying to save money, I bought a bottle of expired AdBlue and used it. Within a few days, the engine warning light came on, and I noticed a significant drop in power, as if something was dragging the car. When I took it to the shop for inspection, the mechanic said the expired urea had crystallized and clogged the injector nozzle. Clearing it required dismantling the system, which was quite troublesome and cost me over 600 yuan. I recommend that everyone pay attention to the shelf life of urea, which is generally only one year. Don't use it if it's expired. Store it in a cool, dry place and check and replace it regularly to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs, which could affect driving safety. Also, make sure to use reputable brands and avoid cheap, inferior products to reduce risks.
From a vehicle maintenance perspective, expired urea can deteriorate and form crystalline impurities, which may clog the nozzles or filters of the SCR system, leading to failure in nitrogen oxide emission treatment. This could trigger the engine to automatically reduce power and enter limp mode, preventing the vehicle from running. In severe cases, it may also damage the catalytic converter or sensor components, with repair costs potentially reaching thousands of yuan. Therefore, developing a good habit of regularly checking the urea's expiration date is crucial. Before refilling, shake the bottle to check for sediment or cloudiness, ensuring good fluidity to avoid blockages. Based on my own practice, storing urea for no more than six months beyond its expiration date maintains stable performance and ensures smooth vehicle operation.
I am particularly concerned about eco-friendly driving. Using expired urea in the vehicle can reduce the reduction efficiency of the SCR system, leading to excessive nitrogen oxide emissions that pollute the environment and produce unpleasant odors. More importantly, it affects safety—when the system fault light comes on, it may limit the vehicle's speed, doubling the danger on highways. It is recommended not to store expired urea for too long; typically, it has a one-year shelf life, so timely replacement is advised to keep the system fresh. Key points include storing urea away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent accelerated deterioration. If any abnormalities are detected, early maintenance is essential.
