How to Distinguish Between China III and China IV Trucks?
2 Answers
There are three methods to differentiate between China III and China IV vehicles. Below are the specific details on how to check a vehicle's emission standards: 1. Determine by the vehicle's production year: The emission standard can be roughly estimated based on the vehicle's registration year. Vehicles registered before 2005 are mostly China II emission standard. Those registered before 2007 are generally below China IV emission standard, i.e., China II or China III. For vehicles registered in 2007, some are China III, while others are China IV. Most vehicles registered after 2008 are China IV emission standard. 2. Check the vehicle's compliance certificate: When purchasing a vehicle, the emission standard can be found on the vehicle's compliance certificate. 3. Use the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website: After new vehicle certification, enter the engine number and manufacturer name on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website to search for the vehicle's certification announcement, which clearly states the vehicle's emission standard.
I've been a truck driver for nearly a decade, driving various China III and China IV models. Let me briefly explain the differences. China III and China IV represent different phases of national emission standards: China III was implemented around 2007, while China IV was introduced approximately in 2011 with stricter emission requirements. The main differences lie in exhaust technology: China IV vehicles generally come equipped with SCR systems or DPF filters, requiring urea treatment for nitrogen oxides to reduce pollution; China III vehicles have simpler exhaust treatment systems. In practical driving, China IV vehicles face fewer urban traffic restrictions—they're more convenient to drive in metropolitan downtown areas, may have slightly lower fuel consumption but higher purchase costs, and maintain stable second-hand prices. China III vehicles are considerably cheaper but now face policy restrictions in many areas, unable to enter environmental protection zones. In short, vehicles manufactured before 2010 are mostly China III compliant—when choosing, you need to balance road access rights and economic factors, with China IV being the more worry-free option.
