How many years can a China 5 emission standard vehicle be driven?
3 Answers
As long as it passes the vehicle inspection, it can be driven until the vehicle is no longer operational. Even if the China 6 standard is implemented, it has little impact on the service life of China 5 vehicles. The China 6 standard is only enforced to regulate automobile manufacturers, requiring that vehicles produced and sold must comply with the 'China 6' standard. This has little to do with people's car purchasing and selection, so there is no difference in the service life between China 5 and China 6 vehicles (or even China 4 vehicles). For example, there are still many China 4 vehicles running on the road. However, when the vehicle age reaches 15 years, the annual inspection will be shortened to once every 6 months, and when the vehicle mileage exceeds 600,000 kilometers, the vehicle will be guided to be scrapped.
A National 5 emission standard vehicle can easily last 15 to 20 years without major issues, depending on how well you maintain it. I've seen many older cars running perfectly fine for long periods—the key is proper vehicle care. Regular oil changes, engine cleaning, and similar maintenance can significantly reduce emission system problems. Just ensure the emission data meets standards during annual inspections. Currently, National 5 vehicles are still mainstream, and many places don’t impose driving restrictions on them. However, urban policies can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to check local regulations to avoid inconvenience from potential restrictions. Maintenance costs may rise as the car ages, but overall, with good care, it can last a long time. Future environmental upgrades might encourage vehicle replacement, but for now, there’s no need to worry too much.
I think a China 5 vehicle can easily last over 10 years because emission standards don't directly limit how long you can drive. There's no mandatory national regulation, just annual inspections to control it. For example, with proper maintenance to prevent excessive exhaust emissions, you can pass the yearly tests. Big cities like Beijing and Shanghai have started restricting older vehicles, and while China 5 isn't considered too old yet, the future trend is gradual phase-out. It's advisable to switch to China 6 or new energy vehicles sooner for peace of mind. As cars age, fuel consumption tends to increase, so it's best to monitor policy changes and consider overall costs—no need to rush into replacing it if there's no issue. During the transition period, you can still drive it safely by keeping an eye on updates to environmental regulations.
