How much longer can National IV vehicles be driven?
3 Answers
According to the traffic restriction timeline, National IV standard vehicles can continue to be driven for at least eight more years. Below is more information about National IV vehicles: 1. Introduction: The National IV emission standard refers to China's fourth-stage motor vehicle pollutant emission standard. 2. Purpose: Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, it aims to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified thresholds. 3. Standards: HC emissions must be below 0.1g/km, CO emissions below 1.0g/km, NOx emissions below 0.08g/km, with no PM requirement.
I've been driving for over a decade, and how long a National IV emission standard vehicle can still be driven really depends on how you use it and where you drive it. The National IV standard was introduced around 2013, and now some major cities have started restricting older vehicles. For example, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have imposed morning and evening restrictions on National IV vehicles entering the city. But if you live in a small town or the countryside, as long as the vehicle passes inspection, driving it for ten to fifteen years shouldn't be a problem. The key is to maintain the vehicle's condition well, perform regular maintenance, and prevent excessive carbon buildup in the engine. Additionally, policies are changing, with the new National VI standard coming out, so National IV vehicles might be phased out sooner. I recommend keeping an eye on announcements from the local environmental protection bureau and not waiting until restrictions are in place to rush into replacing the car. Older cars tend to consume more fuel and produce more pollution, so upgrading to a newer model is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
As a daily driver of a National IV standard car, I believe this vehicle can still run for quite some time. My car has been in use for over eight years, and with proper maintenance, everything functions normally. Big cities have stricter traffic restrictions—for example, National IV cars can't enter within Beijing's Second Ring Road on weekends—but other areas are still accessible. The key is not to neglect annual inspections; exhaust emissions must meet standards. I change the engine oil and inspect the exhaust pipe every year to minimize the risk of issues. On average, a National IV car can run for about 12 to 13 years without major problems. Considering costs, National IV cars still hold value in the used car market, and if it's time to scrap it, replacing it with a new car is affordable. Of course, safety comes first—regularly check details like the braking system to avoid failures on the highway.
