How many more years can National IV cars be driven?
3 Answers
Currently, there is no explicit national regulation on the mandatory scrapping time for National IV vehicles in China. As long as they can pass the annual inspection at local motor vehicle inspection stations, they can continue to be driven. Below is relevant information about National IV vehicles: 1. Introduction: According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection's plan, China will enforce the National VI emission standards for light-duty vehicles starting from July 1, 2020. Therefore, the remaining time for older National III and National IV vehicles is uncertain. Notably, Shenzhen issued a notice on March 29, announcing that it would implement the National VI emission standards on July 1, 2018, a full two years ahead of the national schedule. 2. Considerations: With the arrival of National VI standards, the usability of National IV vehicles will not be immediately threatened in the short term. Given the current volatile policy environment, if considering whether National IV vehicles are worth purchasing, it's important to note that while they won't be phased out immediately, the advent of National VI will undoubtedly impact their resale value. Therefore, cautious purchasing is advised.
As an average car owner, I drive a China IV emission standard vehicle myself, which I've been using for nearly a decade, and I feel it can still run well for several more years. Actually, it mainly depends on your car's condition and local policies—if the engine is well-maintained, with regular oil changes, and brakes, tires, etc., all in good shape, driving it for over 15 years is no problem. Personally, I just make sure to get the annual inspection done on time every year and fix any issues promptly. Policy-wise, some major cities might impose restrictions on China IV vehicles, like not allowing them in downtown Beijing, but that doesn't mean mandatory scrapping; if you're in a small town or rural area, there are basically no restrictions. As long as it passes the annual inspection, you can keep driving it. However, in the long run, getting a new car would be safer and more fuel-efficient. In short, don't worry too much about the age—focus on maintenance first.
From my perspective as a car enthusiast, how long a China IV standard vehicle can continue running depends mainly on the car itself and policy impacts. I often tinker with these things – while China IV engines are a bit outdated in technology, they have decent durability. As long as you replace filters and spark plugs on time and keep up with rust prevention, they can last over 150,000 kilometers. In terms of emissions, they fall short compared to current China VI standards, so in eco-conscious cities like Shanghai, restrictions may apply. Policies are fluid: there's no nationwide scrapping mandate for China IV vehicles yet, but local areas might impose urban entry limits, like certain zones in Shenzhen. My advice is to maintain it regularly and use higher-grade engine oil to extend its lifespan. Also, do the math economically: if repair costs rise significantly, it might be better to just upgrade. Bottom line – it can run for years, but don’t ignore the trends.
