
China VI vehicles all have particulate filters. The China VI standard is essentially a more stringent requirement based on the China V standard. It not only imposes strict limits on the emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides but also sets specific requirements for the number of particulate emissions. Therefore, upgrading from China V to China VI is not just about catalytic reduction of exhaust gases; it also requires the installation of a device called a particulate filter to reduce particulate emissions. Below are the requirements of the China VI emission standard: The China VI standard is extremely high and is among the strictest vehicle emission standards in the world. Compared to the China V emission regulations, China VI adds limits for nitrous oxide and particulate matter particle count. Additionally, during cold start conditions, carbon monoxide content must be reduced by 50%, hydrocarbon content by 30%, and carbon monoxide content by 30%. After the implementation of the China VI standard, China V vehicles can still be driven on the road: Even after the China VI standard is implemented, China V vehicles can still be driven, though registration and licensing may become more difficult. For those China V vehicles in inventory, they will certainly be sold at discounted prices, and the closer the implementation date of China VI gets, the cheaper they will become.

As a car enthusiast, not all China-6 compliant vehicles necessarily have a particulate filter—it depends on the engine type. Generally speaking, almost all diesel vehicles meeting China-6 standards are equipped with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to trap soot particles from the exhaust. For gasoline vehicles, it's more complicated: models compliant with China-6a may not have one, but many direct-injection engines under China-6b are fitted with a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter). Why? Stricter emission regulations require tighter control over particulate matter, prompting mainstream brands like Volkswagen or Toyota to install them for compliance. However, smaller, budget-friendly cars or older gasoline models might skip them to cut costs. Over time, particulate filters can clog, reducing performance, so regular highway driving is needed to burn off accumulated soot and prevent warning lights. Long-term, as environmental rules tighten, future new cars will likely adopt them universally for cleaner air.

I've driven a China VI gasoline car for several years, and based on personal experience, not every China VI vehicle comes with a particulate filter. A friend's diesel SUV has a DPF device installed, with an extra component on the exhaust pipe, which is crucial for filtering emissions. My gasoline sedan is a China VIb model equipped with a GPF, but I heard from the 4S dealership that some budget compact cars might omit it to cut costs. When purchasing a car, the salesperson recommended checking the manual or inquiring whether it comes with a particulate filter. If it does, you need to watch out for clogging issues—short city drives can easily accumulate soot. Once the warning light comes on, it must be addressed, even requiring repairs. The cost isn't low, but having it installed is better for the environment. With strict pollution controls now, many models come standard with it to avoid fines. It's advisable to inspect the car in person and ask clearly to avoid future hassles.

My experience as a mechanic tells me that particulate filters are common but not universal in China VI vehicles. Diesel vehicles are basically equipped with DPF devices, while for gasoline vehicles, it depends on the engine: direct injection engines often have GPF installed, while port fuel injection engines have fewer. Problems often arise from blockages triggering alarms. When dealing with them, first try high-speed driving to clean them out; if that doesn't work, regeneration maintenance is required. Small-displacement vehicles often omit this device to save costs. Checking is simple—just lift the car and inspect the added section of the exhaust pipe. Maintenance is often time-consuming and costly. Owners should pay attention to regular maintenance.


