How to Check if a Car Meets China 5 or China 6 Emission Standards?
3 Answers
To determine whether a car meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards, you can use the following methods: 1. Check the vehicle's factory certificate; 2. Refer to the vehicle's environmental standard list; 3. Examine the vehicle conformity certificate. China 5, officially known as the National Fifth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, and China 6, the National Sixth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, both regulate the permissible levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and soot. The differences between China 5 and China 6 standards are: 1. Different carbon monoxide emission requirements: China 5 allows 1000 milligrams per kilometer, while China 6 reduces this to 500 milligrams per kilometer. 2. Different particulate matter emission requirements: China 5 permits 5 milligrams, whereas China 6 lowers this to 3 milligrams.
To check whether a car meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards, I have some experience to share. When buying a used car, I first check the vehicle identification plate in the engine compartment, which usually indicates the emission standard, such as "China V" or "China VI" corresponding to China 5 or China 6. If it's unclear, I refer to the vehicle's environmental protection information card or the environmental section in the owner's manual, as these documents provide clear details from the factory. Nowadays, some cities have strict traffic restrictions, making it important to distinguish between the two. For example, China 6 vehicles offer more flexibility in transfer procedures, reducing trips to the DMV. Before purchasing, I also use mobile apps like the official one from the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Network, entering the license plate number or VIN to get results in seconds. If still unsure, I call the original dealer or manufacturer's service center—they can check the records. Remember, the China 6 standard was implemented starting in 2019, so most cars after that year are likely China 6, but confirm by model to avoid issues later.
From a technical perspective, let's talk about how to check emission standards. The method I use most often is VIN code lookup. This 17-digit alphanumeric code can be found under the windshield or on the door frame. Enter it into the official vehicle environmental protection website or apps like the China Environmental Label app, and it will directly show whether it's China 5 or China 6 standard. Another method is to check the environmental label - there's an environmental information tag on the windshield or in the vehicle documents, marked with standard symbols: China 5 has a star pattern, while China 6 adds a small 'VI'. Emission standards are crucial for vehicle environmental protection. China 6 vehicles have lower emissions, are more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, making them easier for new purchases or transfers. I recommend regularly checking vehicle information to avoid buying falsely labeled cars. There are free online tools - you can even get results by searching the VIN on Baidu, but always use official channels to prevent scams. Simply put, spending an extra minute to check can save a lot of trouble. After purchasing, note down the standard parameters for easier future transfers and insurance adjustments.
