Can National 5 Vehicles Apply for an Upgrade to National 6?
4 Answers
Technically, upgrading the three-way catalytic converter and the engine ECU logic can improve the vehicle's emission standards, allowing it to pass the National 6 environmental test. While theoretically feasible, this practice violates relevant regulations in reality. If the vehicle has already been registered, unauthorized modifications will result in failure during subsequent annual inspections. For newly purchased National 5 vehicles, such modifications will be detected during the registration process, affecting the vehicle's license plate and other related matters. During production or import, vehicles must comply with national certification standards, and their final emission standards must be reported and approved before they are allowed on the road. Additionally, these strict standards set a lifetime benchmark for motor vehicles, prohibiting any modifications under any circumstances.
I've been driving a China 5 vehicle for several years and often wondered if it could be upgraded to China 6 to avoid changing cars. Technically, it's almost impossible because the China 6 standards are much stricter than China 5. Not only is upgrading hardware like the ECU and sensors difficult, but it also requires original manufacturer certification and support. Policy-wise, it's also a no-go—vehicle registration won't be updated by the DMV, and even if you spend a fortune on modifications, driving it would still be illegal. A friend of mine tried upgrading by replacing the entire exhaust system, but it failed the inspection and caused frequent malfunctions. My advice: don’t waste money. Just maintain your China 5 car regularly, check the catalytic converter, and drive fuel-efficiently to reduce emissions. When it’s time to replace your car, go straight for a China 6 or new energy vehicle—especially when maintenance costs rise with age. Big cities’ traffic restrictions are evolving, but China 5 cars are still usable for now. Planning ahead is the smarter move. This way, you save money and avoid unnecessary hassles.
I drive a China 5 emission standard vehicle in the city and was worried about traffic restrictions, so I asked if it could be upgraded to China 6. The 4S shop directly said no, for many reasons: the policy is a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't allow old vehicles to modify certification standards, and forcibly upgrading the ECU software isn't compatible either. The cost is shockingly high, starting from nearly 20,000 yuan just for modifying the OBD system plus parts, with no guarantees. My neighbor tried it, and the system crashed after half a year, wasting all the money spent. It's better to keep driving as is, pay attention to traffic restriction policies, and plan detours in advance. When driving, use low gear for smooth starts and brake less to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Maintenance is key—check the filters every year and replace them promptly if they're damaged. When the car's condition deteriorates, it's more worthwhile to invest in a new car. Don't mess around unnecessarily; stay steady.
As an environmentally conscious car owner, I believe upgrading from China 5 to China 6 emission standards is not feasible. The stricter emission requirements mean older systems weren't designed to meet China 6 standards. Policy prohibits modification registrations, and forcibly replacing parts may actually increase pollution rather than reduce it. It's better to replace the vehicle when necessary.
