How to Distinguish Between China III and China IV Emission Standards?
3 Answers
China III and China IV emission standards mainly differ in that China IV imposes stricter requirements on vehicle pollutant emissions. The China III standard refers to China's third-stage vehicle emission standard, while the China IV standard is the fourth-stage national standard for motor vehicle pollutant emissions. Here are methods to distinguish between the two: 1. Check the vehicle's environmental protection label, which has clear markings on the back. 2. Visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire. 3. For new vehicles, refer to the factory certificate or roughly determine based on the vehicle's registration year. 4. Take the motor vehicle registration certificate (original or copy) to the vehicle management office for inquiry.
As a truck driver with 15 years of experience, determining whether a vehicle meets China III or China IV emission standards mainly relies on checking the vehicle license and nameplate. China III vehicles were mostly produced before 2008, like our long-haul diesel trucks, which have notably loud engine noise and emit black smoke from the exhaust. China IV vehicles didn't hit the market until after 2010. For example, my 2014 FAW truck clearly has a DPF exhaust treatment system, identifiable by an extra filtration canister on the exhaust pipe. The simplest method is to check the last five digits of the engine model number – codes containing SC or YC indicate China IV, such as YC6J200. Alternatively, entering the VIN on the environmental protection website will directly show whether it's China III or IV. Different cities have vastly different traffic restriction policies. For instance, even China IV trucks face road restrictions in Shenzhen, so it's crucial to verify before purchasing.
A technician with 20 years of car repair experience shares practical tips. Look for the emission standard section on the vehicle frame nameplate. If it says GB18352.3-2005, it's China III; GB18352.3-2013 means China IV. You can also check the catalytic converter—China III vehicles use a single-stage catalyst, while China IV uses a two-stage one. For gasoline cars, open the engine hood and count the wires on the air flow meter connector: China III has only four wires, while China IV has six. Diesel cars are more obvious—China IV models all have a urea tank near the right rear wheel. The exhaust emission values in the annual inspection report differ significantly: China IV has a CO limit of 0.7g/km, while China III can go up to 2.3g/km. The most accurate method is to check the registration info at the DMV or enter the VIN code on the vehicle environmental protection website—it will display the details.
