Are 10-year-old cars compliant with China III or China IV emission standards?
2 Answers
Most vehicles from 2010 comply with China IV standards, while some vehicles in certain markets in 2014 meet China V standards, and others still comply with China IV. After 2015, the majority of vehicles meet China V standards. Below is relevant information about China IV emission standards for vehicles: 1. Definition: The China IV emission standard represents the fourth phase of national standards for motor vehicle pollutant emissions. Primary vehicle pollutants include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, these standards aim to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. 2. Standard values: The emission limit for hydrocarbons is below 0.1 grams per kilometer, carbon monoxide below 1.0 grams per kilometer, nitrogen oxides below 0.08 grams per kilometer, with no particulate matter requirement.
When it comes to the emission standards for cars in 2010, I think most were China III. The thing about emission standards is that you have to look at the national implementation timeline. China III started in 2007, and the transition to China IV didn't begin until 2011, so 2010 was still dominated by China III. Some big cities like Beijing might have rolled out China IV vehicles a bit earlier, but the vast majority of regular family cars hadn't caught up by then. Why does this matter? Because it affects the driving experience—for example, China III cars might be restricted in certain low-emission zones and barred from entering city centers. If you're buying a used car, it's worth checking the vehicle license or VIN code to confirm; it's not troublesome, just a quick look will tell you. Ten years on, with stricter environmental regulations now, it's a good idea to check the catalytic converter during maintenance upgrades to avoid getting fined. In short, knowing the details can save you money and hassle.
