How Long Can a China IV Vehicle Be Driven Before Scrapping?

[DeAlivia]

There is no stipulated scrapping deadline, only a guided scrapping after reaching 600,000 kilometers. Below is relevant information about China IV: 1. Introduction: The China IV emission standard is the national fourth-stage motor vehicle pollutant emission standard. The main pollutants emitted by vehicles include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), PM (particulate matter), etc. Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the standard controls and reduces vehicle emissions to below specified levels. 2. Implementation Time: In March 2009, the Industrial Policy Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a meeting with relevant enterprises to discuss the implementation of vehicle emission standards (China III, China IV, China V), attended by major automotive industry enterprises and engine manufacturers. On December 21, 2010, the General Office of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China replied to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers with the official letter Huan Ban Han [2010] No. 1390 "Reply on the Implementation Date of the National Motor Vehicle Emission Standard Phase IV Limits."

[VonKimberly]

I have been following automotive policies for many years and have a clear understanding of the situation with China IV vehicles. Currently, there is no mandatory scrapping timeline at the national level, so China IV vehicles can still be driven, but local policies must be considered. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, China IV emission vehicles face restrictions, such as being barred from entering downtown areas on weekdays, similar to China III vehicles. Some cities are still in a transitional phase without such restrictions. Vehicle owners should pay attention to announcements from local environmental bureaus and regularly check online for restricted zones. Annual inspections are also critical—failing emission tests could lead to scrapping, but well-maintained vehicles can pass and extend their lifespan. In the long run, with the rapid adoption of China VI standards, China IV vehicles will be phased out gradually. Owners are advised to either replace their vehicles or maintain them diligently to minimize issues. Ultimately, how long a China IV vehicle can be driven depends on your location and maintenance habits—typically, they can last over ten years, but policy changes may significantly impact usability.

[VanRebecca]

I've been driving a China IV standard car for several years and feel it can still last a while. As an owner, I haven't received any scrappage notice. The government only implements traffic restrictions, like occasional peak-hour urban area bans in my city. Spending some money on monthly maintenance, it passes every annual emission inspection. If you don't live in big cities, driving in small towns is completely free of pressure. A friend's 12-year-old car is still running fine, and he advises not to rush replacing it. However, upgrading is inevitable eventually - current China VI standard cars are more fuel-efficient and cost-effective to operate. I've done the math: China IV cars have slightly higher fuel costs, and inspection fees keep rising. Recommend staying updated on restriction policies - don't wait until complete bans cause last-minute panic. Early preparation is wise, as sudden driving prohibitions disrupting travel plans aren't worth it.

[Milton]

From an economic and environmental perspective, driving a China IV emission standard vehicle is no longer cost-effective. I understand that it has a significant carbon footprint, with outdated standards leading to higher pollution and fuel consumption, and the government encourages phasing them out. Currently, there are substantial subsidies for replacing vehicles, such as exemptions from purchase taxes for electric vehicles. While continuing to drive may save on replacement costs, the poor fuel efficiency leads to higher monthly expenses, and accumulated maintenance fees could eventually exceed the cost of a new car. Poor vehicle condition may also result in traffic restrictions or fines. It's better to dispose of China IV vehicles early by selling or scrapping them for compensation rather than struggling to keep them running. Opting for vehicles meeting China VI or higher standards is greener, more fuel-efficient, and saves more in the long run.