Why Do Vehicles Use Urea and How to Use It?
4 Answers
Vehicles use urea primarily to reduce harmful nitrogen oxides in the exhaust into nitrogen and water. There is a dedicated urea tank in the vehicle where the urea is stored. Below is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. Diesel Vehicles: The main harmful substances in diesel vehicle exhaust are nitrogen oxides and particulates. Technical measures can reduce particulate emissions within the engine, leaving mainly nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Urea is then injected into the exhaust after-treatment device. 2. Urea: Urea decomposes into ammonia at high temperatures, which reacts with nitrogen oxides in the presence of a catalyst to produce harmless nitrogen and water. This device is called the SCR after-treatment system.
As a seasoned diesel pickup truck driver with years of experience, let me talk about urea. Simply put, diesel vehicles use urea because it helps the engine treat harmful nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases, reducing the black smoke pollution that smells like cigarette butts. With stricter environmental regulations now, vehicles without urea won’t pass emissions tests and may even face speed limits or engine shutdown protection. Using it is super easy—I just buy the blue liquid called AdBlue, which is a urea solution. There’s a small square cap next to the fuel filler; open it and pour the solution into the dedicated tank. Be careful not to pour it into the fuel tank by mistake—that would be a huge problem. Check the level every 4,000–5,000 km, and if it’s half empty, top it up. I usually buy a jug at a gas station or repair shop and pour it in myself. Remember to store it in a cool place to avoid freezing and cracking the bottle, especially in winter. After adding urea, the engine runs smoother, which is pretty cost-effective.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I find the use of urea in diesel vehicles particularly important. It significantly reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions, protecting blue skies and white clouds from acid rain. How to use it? Just three simple steps: First, purchase AdBlue solution, commonly available at supermarkets or auto shops. Then, open the hood to locate the AdBlue filler port—clearly labeled to avoid mistakes. Pour it easily into the storage tank, stopping when full to prevent spills. It's best to recycle empty bottles and containers for environmental friendliness. It's recommended to check the fluid level every two months or before long trips to ensure the system operates normally. If not refilled, the vehicle will trigger an automatic warning, affecting driving and causing environmental pollution—more loss than gain. Once it becomes a habit, overall fuel consumption can also improve slightly, leaving a cleaner planet for future generations.
When I first drove a diesel SUV, I was also puzzled about why urea was needed. Let me explain it clearly: This thing is called AdBlue, a urea solution specifically used to neutralize harmful substances in engine exhaust and reduce pollution. Using it is quite foolproof—just as simple as adding windshield washer fluid. Look for the AdBlue-labeled filler port near the engine or in the trunk, unscrew the cap, and pour in the bottled solution. Don’t pour too quickly to avoid spills. It’s recommended to check the fluid level every 6,000 km or so and top it up if it’s low. If you don’t add it, a warning light will come on, and the vehicle might even stop running, so don’t forget about it. AdBlue can be used even in sub-zero temperatures, so no need to worry about freezing. Handle this small task, and you can hit the road with peace of mind.
