How much longer can National III emission vehicles be driven?
4 Answers
National III vehicles can generally be driven until 2023. By July 1, 2023, the National VI B standard will be implemented nationwide for all vehicles. The following is an introduction to the National III and National VI standards: Introduction to National III Standard: The National III standard was implemented nationwide on July 1, 2007. To reduce pollutant emissions, National III vehicles underwent technical upgrades and modifications to the engine and exhaust system, including the addition of vehicle self-diagnostic systems and upgrades to the three-way catalytic converter. Compared to National II, National III vehicles reduce total pollutant emissions by 40%. Introduction to National VI Standard: The National VI standard for gasoline and diesel focuses on reducing the content of olefins, aromatics, benzene, etc., in vehicle gasoline, as well as reducing the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vehicle diesel. It also introduces quantitative requirements for total pollutant content, with all indicators meeting the current EU standards for vehicle fuels, and some indicators even exceeding EU standards. Data shows that compared to National V gasoline/diesel, National VI fuels reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 50%, total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon emission limits by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 42%.
From my research on automotive emission policies, vehicles meeting the China III emission standards have already begun facing driving restrictions in some major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where they are prohibited from entering urban areas after 2020. Other regions are still in a transitional period, but it is expected that these vehicles will be phased out within the next 5 to 10 years. My suggestion is to check the announcements from local transportation authorities, as policies can change quickly. Additionally, as vehicles age, maintenance costs tend to rise, making it more cost-effective to replace them. With the strong promotion of new energy vehicles, there might be subsidies for scrapping old cars, but be cautious of pitfalls in the used car market—don’t be fooled by low prices. If the vehicle is in good condition and can pass annual inspections, it might still be usable for a while, but don’t expect to drive it for too much longer.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen many China III standard vehicles. If properly maintained with a functioning engine, they can last over a decade. The key is timely oil changes and exhaust system repairs to pass emission tests. But don't ignore policies—emission restriction schedules vary by city, stricter in big cities. Long-term maintenance costs may exceed a new car's value, making early replacement wise. I've seen old cars fined for emissions, so check local regulations. Used China III cars have low resale value and scarce parts—consider the economics.
I have a National III standard old car at home, which has been running for almost 20 years and still works pretty well. With the current strict policies, I'm worried it might be banned from the road someday. Maintenance costs me a few hundred yuan every month, and the fuel expenses are higher than for new cars. Some places offer subsidies for old cars to encourage switching to new energy vehicles. I've done the math—replacing the car would cost 10,000 to 20,000 yuan, but it would be more worry-free. In small cities, regulations are more relaxed, so I can probably keep using it for a few more years. Car values depreciate quickly, so the longer you drive, the less cost-effective it becomes. If it fails the annual inspection, it's better to scrap it than to force it to keep running.
