
Here is an introduction on how to identify China 4 and China 5 vehicles: 1. Check the "Automobile Fuel Consumption Label" on the new car: This label is usually affixed to the side window of the new car. The "Automobile Fuel Consumption Label" displays three types of fuel consumption indicators under urban, suburban, and combined driving conditions for light-duty vehicles. Additionally, imported new cars must also have this label, which is an essential document for consumers to identify fuel consumption levels or energy-saving effects. 2. Check the new car's nameplate, find the "Vehicle Model"—a combination of numbers and letters—and take a photo with your phone. This allows you to distinguish between China 5 and China 4 standards in just 10 seconds. 3. Locate the new car's engine model: Similarly, just take a photo. 4. Visit a national website: the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website, enter the vehicle model and engine model, and perform a query. 5. If you are buying a used car or already own a car and want to confirm whether it meets China 4 or China 5 standards, you can directly take a photo of the vehicle model and query it on the National Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Model Query Website.

As an ordinary buyer who enjoys browsing used cars, I often encounter the question of how to identify China IV and China V vehicles. The most straightforward method is to check the vehicle's registration certificate or environmental label, which clearly states the emission standard (China IV or V). The production year is also very helpful; for example, most cars produced before 2015 are China IV, while those after 2017 are mainly upgraded to China V. Using a mobile app is also simple—just enter the license plate or VIN to check. Opting for a China V vehicle has many advantages: fewer restrictions for urban driving, easier annual inspections, and it helps protect the environment by reducing emissions. Last time I helped a friend buy a car, we ended up with a China IV vehicle because we didn’t check thoroughly, and it couldn’t enter restricted zones, causing delays. The lesson is clear: spending a few extra minutes to verify beforehand is both reassuring and hassle-free.

After years of discussing cars, I've found that identifying China IV and China V standards relies on solid information. The most reliable method is checking the vehicle conformity certificate or inspecting the information label under the hood, which clearly states the emission level. The production year also serves as a good reference – China IV was common around 2015, while China V became widespread by 2017. Online tools like environmental protection websites allow you to conveniently check by entering the VIN, avoiding guesswork. These standards impact car performance; China V engines are more optimized with stronger purification technology, resulting in slightly lower fuel consumption. I recommend asking your technician during regular maintenance to avoid overlooking details.

I pay attention to eco-friendly driving habits, and identifying National IV and National V vehicles is a way to support green travel. The environmental protection label is affixed to the windshield or documents, making it easy to choose the cleaner National V standard. Stricter standards help reduce air pollution, improving urban air quality. Buying newer cars makes it easier to meet the standards, and staying updated on policy changes benefits daily life.

Having driven many cars, I find it quite simple to identify China IV and China V emission standards. Just check the emission information on the vehicle license or the annual inspection report—it's clear at a glance. China V vehicles are more popular now, with fewer traffic restrictions and higher trade-in value. If you're unsure when checking yourself, the most hassle-free way is to ask at the vehicle management office. For long-term use, the difference isn't significant, but policy trends are pushing for more environmentally friendly options.


