What Happens If a Truck Doesn't Use Urea?
3 Answers
The impacts of not using urea in trucks are as follows: 1. Excessive Emissions: Adding urea is mainly to reduce the emission of carbon-nitrogen compounds. Not using urea does not affect the engine, but emissions will exceed standards, causing environmental pollution. 2. Urea Nozzle Clogging: If urea is not used for a long time, the chemicals in the diesel vehicle system will quickly oxidize, and the urea nozzle will also clog, rendering the entire system useless. 3. Decreased Power Performance: Diesel vehicles without urea emit four times more nitrogen oxides than those with urea. Additionally, due to the OBD's torque limitation function, vehicles without urea will experience reduced power performance.
I once encountered a friend's truck not adding urea, and the problem was quite serious. The engine power was immediately limited, making it difficult to climb slopes when hauling heavy loads—the whole vehicle felt sluggish. Emissions also skyrocketed, not only polluting the air but also triggering the dashboard's warning light, limiting the top speed and affecting safety. Long-term neglect can damage the catalytic system, with repairs costing thousands or even tens of thousands. It wastes time and risks fines from traffic police. I think developing a habit is crucial—checking the urea level every time before refueling and topping it up can prevent these hassles. It saves money, time, and is eco-friendly, making driving much more reassuring.
From a technical perspective, the SCR system will fail without urea, leading to excessive nitrogen oxide emissions that directly cause pollution levels to exceed standards. Sensors will detect this and force the engine to reduce power to protect components from damage, but the vehicle will noticeably struggle to perform. Worse still, the catalytic converter may become clogged, requiring costly repairs or replacement, which can affect the entire exhaust system's health. I recommend regularly adding urea and checking the fluid level every few thousand kilometers depending on the vehicle model to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. This simple step in routine maintenance can save you from expensive overhauls and fines.
