How long can a National V emission standard car still be driven?
3 Answers
National V emission standard cars can be driven until they are scrapped. There is no mandatory retirement period set by the state for private passenger vehicles. How long a National V car can be driven depends on whether it meets the standards at the time of purchase; if it does, it can continue to be driven. The National VI standard will not affect the normal operation of National V cars, but only prohibits the sale and registration of National V vehicles. Currently, the state divides the "National VI standard" into two phases: "National VI a" and "National VI b", with plans to implement them nationwide uniformly in 2020 and 2023, respectively. The National VI standard, also known as the "National Sixth Stage Emission Standard for Motor Vehicles", is formulated to implement environmental protection laws, reduce and prevent pollution from vehicle exhaust, protect the ecological environment, and ensure human health.
I think how long a China V emission standard car can still be driven mainly depends on where you live and policy changes. As someone who pays attention to environmental issues, I've recently seen news that big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are already restricting China III and China IV vehicles. China V cars should still be fine for a few more years, but I guess after 2025, stricter emission standards might be implemented, and they may be banned from certain areas. Car owners should keep an eye on government websites and auto forum notifications, so they're not caught off guard when bans come into effect. Additionally, environmental awareness needs to improve. China V cars burn more fuel, pollute more, and worsen air quality. It's better to plan early to switch to China VI or electric vehicles, which are greener, more energy-efficient, and hassle-free, plus you can get some subsidies. Overall, the car is still usable, but don't expect to drive it forever—be prepared to upgrade.
With decades of car repair experience, I can say that a China V vehicle can technically last a very long time as long as it's well-maintained—regularly checking the fuel system, replacing filters, and ensuring the catalytic converter doesn't clog. It can easily run for eight to ten years without issues. The problem is that environmental regulations won't wait. If the exhaust fails the annual inspection, it's easy to get rejected, leading to mandatory scrapping, wasting all the repair costs. I advise owners to pay attention to their car's condition—instead of spending money on repairs after a breakdown, it's better to sell it second-hand early and upgrade to a new one. Nowadays, China VI vehicles are more common, require fewer repairs, and are more efficient, making driving easier and more cost-effective. Plus, emission system parts like oxygen sensors age quickly and are expensive to fix—better to make a permanent switch.
