My family and I have been driving gasoline cars for many years. I remember our first car was a China III model, with relatively loose emissions standards, and the exhaust often had a pungent smell. Later, we upgraded to a China V model, which felt much better—there was basically no odor, and driving became more pleasant. Gasoline cars are indeed classified by national emission standards, from China I to China VI, with each level corresponding to different pollutant limits. China I and China II are the oldest, with looser restrictions, mainly targeting basic carbon monoxide. China III and China IV began stricter control of nitrogen oxides, while China V and China VI are more advanced, regulating fine particulate matter. If you drive an older car, like those below China III, you might face driving restrictions in cities, unable to enter certain areas, which made me pay more attention to maintenance and the timing of replacing the car. Nowadays, when buying a car, I prioritize China VI models because they meet environmental requirements, have optimized fuel consumption, and save on maintenance costs. Additionally, in the used car market, higher-standard cars retain their value better, while lower-standard ones depreciate quickly, which significantly impacts the cost of ownership. During annual inspections, if the emissions test exceeds the standard, repairs are necessary; otherwise, it’s troublesome to drive legally. In short, understanding emission standards helps me save both hassle and money while contributing a bit to environmental protection.
