In today’s era of increasing environmental awareness and stricter emission standards, the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and compliance with emission regulations cannot be overstated. As the motor vehicle emission standards have begun their transition from National V to National VI, a large number of National VI special vehicle models have entered the market. National VI emissions are being implemented starting with sanitation vehicles, and gradually, other models will also be replaced with National VI emissions. Whether it’s a National V or a National VI model, adding vehicle urea has become an essential part of maintaining these diesel-powered special vehicles. However, some vehicle owners, perhaps in an attempt to save time or cut costs, choose not to add urea. But what are the real consequences of this seemingly convenient decision?
First, let’s understand the use and composition of vehicle urea. Vehicle urea, also known as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), is a liquid specifically designed for use in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. This technology is crucial for reducing the levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel exhaust. Vehicle urea is mainly composed of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% ionized water. When injected into the exhaust stream, it reacts with the nitrogen oxides to form harmless nitrogen and water vapor, significantly reducing the harmful emissions from the vehicle.
If diesel vehicles do not add vehicle urea, there are several serious consequences that both vehicle owners and the environment must face. One of the immediate consequences is the potential for detection by traffic management departments. As emission standards become more stringent, law enforcement agencies are increasingly vigilant in monitoring vehicle emissions. Diesel vehicles that do not add urea can be easily detected on the road through various means, such as emissions testing equipment or random inspections. When caught, vehicle owners will face high penalties. These penalties can range from fines to more severe consequences depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation.
Moreover, not adding urea has a significant impact on the vehicle itself. For a truck-mounted crane, which is a common type of diesel special vehicle, not adding urea for an extended period can lead to a series of problems. Firstly, the chemicals in the vehicle’s entire system will be quickly oxidized. The lack of urea means that the SCR system cannot function properly, and the exhaust gases containing high levels of nitrogen oxides will react with other components in the exhaust system. This can cause accelerated oxidation of various parts, reducing their lifespan and performance.
In addition, the urea nozzle is particularly vulnerable in the absence of urea. The nozzle is designed to precisely inject the urea solution into the exhaust stream. Without urea, the nozzle can become clogged with soot and other contaminants. Over time, this blockage can render the entire system ineffective and may even lead to costly repairs or replacement. If the urea nozzle is blocked, it can disrupt the proper functioning of the SCR system, further increasing emissions and potentially causing damage to the engine.
The emissions of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas of vehicles without adding urea are much higher than those of diesel vehicles with urea solution. When the on-board computer detects that the exhaust gas does not meet the standard, it will take several measures to protect the engine and comply with emission regulations. One of these measures is to limit the engine power. This can have a significant impact on the performance of the vehicle, especially for special vehicles like truck-mounted cranes that rely on power for their operations. Reduced engine power can lead to decreased lifting capacity, slower acceleration, and overall lower productivity.
Furthermore, if the urea system is not used for a long time, it is prone to various faults such as blockages in the pipelines, malfunctioning of sensors, and damage to the catalytic converter. When these faults occur, they not only affect the vehicle’s emissions but also require expensive repairs. During the annual vehicle inspection, a vehicle with a faulty urea system is likely to fail the emissions test. This will result in additional costs for repairs and potentially delay the vehicle’s return to service.
For National VI models, the consequences of not adding urea are even more severe. The post-treatment devices in National VI vehicles are highly advanced and designed to meet the stringent emission standards. If urea is not added, these devices are more likely to be damaged. The price of these post-treatment devices is very high, which can be a significant financial burden for truck drivers and vehicle owners. In addition to the cost of replacement or repair, the downtime associated with these issues can also lead to lost productivity and revenue.
Whether it’s a truck-mounted crane, a mixer truck, or other special vehicle models, as long as it is a diesel vehicle, adding vehicle urea during driving is essential. For truck drivers, not adding urea not only reduces their profits due to potential fines and repair costs but also poses a risk to their livelihoods. In addition to the financial implications, not adding urea also has a negative impact on the environment. High levels of nitrogen oxides emitted by vehicles without urea contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem.
For example, imagine a truck-mounted crane operator who decides not to add urea to save a few dollars. Over time, the vehicle’s performance begins to decline as the engine power is limited due to high emissions. The urea nozzle becomes blocked, and the SCR system fails to function properly. As a result, the vehicle fails the annual inspection, and the operator is faced with expensive repairs and fines. Meanwhile, the increased emissions from the vehicle contribute to air pollution, affecting the health of people in the surrounding area.
In conclusion, adding vehicle urea is not just a matter of compliance with emission regulations but also crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of diesel special vehicles. Vehicle owners and operators must understand the importance of this simple yet essential step in maintaining their vehicles and protecting the environment. By adding vehicle urea as required, they can avoid the costly consequences of non-compliance and ensure the smooth operation of their vehicles.
