How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards for Vehicles?
3 Answers
China 6 and China 5 mainly differ in the content of emissions. When purchasing a new car, you can check the vehicle's factory certificate and the environmental standard list to distinguish between them. Below is some information about China 6 and China 5: 1. The primary difference between China 6 and China 5 lies in the emission content, with China 6 standards being significantly lower than China 5 standards. 2. The carbon monoxide emission limit for gasoline vehicles under China 5 standards is 1000 mg/km, while under China 6 standards, it is 700 mg/km. 3. The emission limits of 'China 6 standards' are approximately 40% to 50% stricter than those of 'China 5 standards'.
The simplest way to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 emission standards is to check the vehicle's production date and factory certificate. Based on my experience, China 6 vehicles are mostly produced after 2019, especially over 90% of new cars after 2020 meet China 6 standards. China 5 vehicles are mainly concentrated in the 2017-2019 batch. When helping friends check used cars, I teach them this trick: Open the front door and look at the nameplate below the B-pillar - if it says "GB18352.6-2016", it's China 6; if it shows "GB18352.5-2013", it's China 5. However, the most reliable method is to check the environmental protection information sheet that comes with the vehicle. This paper document is delivered with new cars and clearly states the emission standard in black and white. Some 4S salespeople might be evasive, so remember to directly enter the VIN on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website to verify and avoid being misled.
Last time I accompanied my neighbor to buy a car, I learned the tricks to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. First, check the environmental information tag hanging on the car key—a small yellow card that clearly prints the emission standard, which many car owners overlook. Second, listen to the exhaust sound; there's a difference. China 6 vehicles are generally equipped with particulate filters, making the exhaust sound duller during cold starts. If that doesn't work, feel around: the three-way catalytic converter in the engine bay of a China 6 vehicle is noticeably larger than that of a China 5, with additional sensor wiring harnesses connected. Remember to check the third page of the vehicle conformity certificate—the emissions section clearly states whether it meets China 5 or China 6 standards, which is far more reliable than what the salesperson says.
