How many more years can Euro 4 emission vehicles be driven?
4 Answers
The Euro 4 standard is equivalent to China's National 4 standard. According to the current pace of emission standard updates every 5 years in Europe and China, plus a buffer period of at least 3 years for traffic restriction policies. Introduction to National 4: The National 4 vehicle standard is based on Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards. Compared to National 2, National 3 further reduces pollutant emission limits. The tailpipe pollutant emission limits of National 3 are 30% lower than those of National 2, while National 4 reduces them by an additional 60%. National 4 Emission Standard: The National 4 emission standard is China's fourth-phase motor vehicle pollutant emission standard. The main pollutants from vehicle emissions include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Through the application of technologies such as 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.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I often focus on emission issues. Euro 4 vehicles, which were the standard around 2005, can still be driven for a few more years in some areas, but this depends on the geographical location. For example, in major European cities like London or Paris, low-emission zones have strict restrictions, and Euro 4 cars are outright banned from entering city centers—a trend that is becoming increasingly common. If you live in remote suburbs or rural areas without such regulations, your car can be driven until it reaches its natural end-of-life period of 15-20 years. Future policy changes are crucial; many regions plan to phase out high-emission vehicles between 2025 and 2030. I recommend that car owners regularly check local government websites for updated rules and consider upgrading to Euro 6 or electric vehicles to protect the environment. Air pollution exacerbates global warming, and individual actions matter. Preparing early for a vehicle upgrade will save a lot of hassle.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, my take is that Euro 4 vehicles can still run smoothly for another three to five years without issues. The cars themselves are quite durable, as long as the engine and emission systems are well-maintained. However, restrictions are increasing: cities like Amsterdam have low-emission zones where driving a Euro 4 car results in fines, significantly impacting daily commutes. In non-urban areas or rural roads, without these hassles, the car can be used indefinitely. Maintenance costs might rise slightly as the vehicle ages, but overall reliability remains high. I recall my old car still handling long trips smoothly—the key is frequent tire checks and regular servicing. My advice is to choose based on your location; if you frequently drive into city centers, consider upgrading early to avoid trouble. Otherwise, keeping it for a few more years is quite cost-effective.
I'm on a tight budget, so I'm wondering how long a Euro 4 car can last. It might still hold up for a few years, but costs are rising: city restrictions increase the risk of fines, and repairing old parts could be more expensive. For example, in London's Low Emission Zone, fines can reach hundreds of pounds for each entry. In non-urban areas, without these issues, the car could run up to 200,000 kilometers. However, under policy pressures, its usable life in the city might only be a year or two. The vehicle may still run but is increasingly restricted, adding to the financial burden. It might be wiser to save up for a new car, especially with government subsidy options to explore.
