How to Distinguish Between China IV and China V Vehicles?
4 Answers
Vehicles produced after July 1, 2011, comply with the China IV standard, while the China V emission standard was implemented on July 1, 2017. Therefore, vehicles meeting the China IV emission standard were manufactured between 2011 and 2017. Below are some relevant details: 1. Emission Standards: As global environmental pollution issues become increasingly severe, countries worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards, which greatly benefit the protection of the Earth's environment. 2. Exhaust Treatment: Under stringent emission standards, automakers actively develop new technologies to reduce engine exhaust emissions.
When distinguishing between China IV and China V vehicles, I mainly look at three aspects: First, check the vehicle's manufacturing date. Generally, private cars produced after July 2017 are mostly China V, while those before are mostly China IV. Second, check the third page of the motor vehicle registration certificate, which clearly states the emission standard code. If it says 'GB18352.5-2013', it's China V. Third, look for the environmental protection label, though paper labels have been discontinued now. You can enter the VIN on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website to check. Pay special attention to these when buying used cars, as some regions restrict the transfer of China IV vehicles, and areas with poor emissions may even impose driving restrictions. It's best to take photos and keep these records to avoid disputes during transactions.
For us in the maintenance field, distinguishing between China IV and China V standards relies on engine computer data. Using a diagnostic tool to access the ECU and read OBD information, China V vehicles must have IUPR readiness status monitoring functionality, which China IV lacks. Additionally, checking the engine model naming conventions reveals that China V engines are mostly direct-injection types meeting PN<6×10^11. The exhaust treatment systems also differ, with China V catalytic converters containing significantly higher precious metal content. The vehicle's VIN code can also be checked—the eighth character for China V vehicles falls within the J to N range. The most troublesome issue during repairs is connecting to the wrong diagnostic port, as China V vehicles use the standard 16-pin OBD interface.
The used car industry has a simple way to distinguish emission standards: First, take a photo of the VIN code located at the bottom left of the windshield, then scan it with a vehicle check app to instantly display the emission standard. The most reliable method is to check the emission compliance standard number in the upper right corner of the Vehicle Conformity Certificate. Pay special attention when purchasing cars from 2013-2016, as this period had many transitional models with the same car model available in both China IV and China V versions. In northern regions, also check the transfer records on the registration certificate, as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area no longer allows China IV vehicles to be registered. Emission information must be included in the contract during transactions to avoid significant losses.
