How to Distinguish Between National III, National IV, and National V Vehicles?
3 Answers
National III, National IV, and National V vehicles are mainly distinguished as follows: Different Emission Limits: For light-duty vehicle emission limits, the country has established two levels of requirements this time: 'National VI a' phase and 'National VI b' phase. The 'National VI a' phase is equivalent to a transitional stage between 'National V' and 'National VI,' while 'National VI b' is the true 'National VI' emission standard. Different Prices: Compared to National V vehicles, National VI vehicles are equipped with additional components. Moreover, automobile manufacturers incur extra costs from various tests for vehicle declaration and approval, as well as from production, leading to significantly higher prices for National VI vehicles than for National V vehicles. Different Scrap Time Limits: Although the country has abolished the scrap time limit, it will prohibit old vehicles from being driven on the road, which is equivalent to scrapping them.
Distinguishing between China III, China IV, and China V vehicles is actually quite straightforward. When I repair cars, I rely on a few key points. Mainly, check the vehicle's nameplate and manufacturing date: China III vehicles were typically manufactured before 2008 with lower emission standards; China IV vehicles were produced around 2008 to 2013 with stricter emission limits; China V vehicles became mainstream after 2013, featuring more advanced pollution control technologies. For inspection methods, open the hood and look for the nameplate label—it displays emission standard codes like GB18352.3 for China III, GB18352.4 for China IV, and GB18352.5 for China V. If unsure, using the VIN (vehicle identification number) to check online databases is also convenient. These standards differ significantly: China III vehicles often exceed limits during annual inspections, while China IV and China V are more environmentally friendly and suitable for urban driving. When buying a car, prioritize higher standards to reduce future maintenance hassles. Remember, the nameplate is located on the door inner panel or in the engine compartment—just check and you'll know.
To distinguish between National III, National IV, and National V vehicles, I need to start with my car-buying experience. First, look at the vehicle's production year: National III roughly covers cars produced from 2005 to 2007, National IV from 2008 to 2012, and National V after 2013. Another method is through the environmental protection label: the windshield or owner's manual has an environmental compliance label marked with "National III," "National IV," or "National V." The difference in emission standards has a significant impact on daily life. For example, National III vehicles face restrictions in many major cities, making them less convenient to drive, while National V vehicles are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions, benefiting the environment. When buying a car, I recommend checking online platforms or asking the dealership—they can provide accurate information. Don’t forget a small tip: the new car invoice also states the emission standard. Once you clearly differentiate, you can make a wiser choice.
