Why Do Modern Diesel Vehicles Require Urea?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why diesel vehicles require urea: 1. During operation, diesel vehicles emit harmful nitrogen oxide gases that damage both the atmosphere and human health. Prolonged exposure to these gases can cause respiratory diseases. To mitigate these harmful effects on the atmosphere and human beings, urea is utilized. 2. The use of urea in diesel vehicles involves a catalytic reaction. When urea encounters nitrogen oxides emitted by diesel engines, a chemical reaction occurs, converting the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water, both of which are harmless to the atmosphere and human health.
Over the years working as a car mechanic, I've observed that diesel vehicles use urea primarily to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Diesel engines produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion, which are highly damaging to the environment, particularly contributing to urban smog issues. By adding urea solution (commonly known as AdBlue), it works in conjunction with catalysts in the exhaust system to convert harmful gases into water and nitrogen, significantly cleaning up emissions. If not added, the vehicle's exhaust pollution exceeds standards, leading to failed annual inspections and potential fines. Additionally, when the system detects insufficient urea levels, it may limit engine power, affecting driving performance. The advantage is that it's relatively low-cost – a large container costing just tens of yuan can last several months, while also protecting engine longevity. It's essentially a small investment for substantial returns.
