How to Identify China 5 and China 6 Vehicles?

[NovaFitz]

Methods to identify China 5 and China 6 vehicles are: 1. Check the vehicle conformity certificate, which is attached when the vehicle leaves the factory and clearly states the emission standard of the vehicle; 2. Look for the vehicle packing list, where the emission standard can be found in the vehicle information section; 3. Check the conformity certificate, which includes exhaust emissions and indicates the corresponding emission standard. The criteria for distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 are: 1. The carbon monoxide emission limit for China 5 is 1000mg per kilometer, while for China 6 it is 700mg per kilometer; 2. The sulfur content limit for China 5 is 10ppm, with a manganese content limit of 2mg per liter, whereas for China 6, the sulfur content limit is 5ppm, and the manganese content limit is 1mg per liter.

[McCourtney]

When I first bought a car, I was also confused about how to check China 5 or China 6 emission standards. Later, I found the method quite simple. When purchasing a car, remember to get the vehicle's environmental information sheet, which clearly states whether it's China 5 or China 6—this is like the car's ID card. Also, don't overlook the environmental label on the upper right corner of the windshield; a 'V' indicates China 6. If you don't have any materials on hand, don't panic. You can search for the 'Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Inquiry' mini-program on WeChat, enter the VIN and engine number to check, or visit the National Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection website and input the license plate number. If you're still unsure, you can directly call the vehicle management office and provide your license plate number to inquire. I recommend keeping the environmental information sheet that comes with the car, as it will be useful for selling or transferring ownership in the future.

[DeClara]

Over the years working in the repair shop, I've seen too many people struggling to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 emission standards. Here are a few reliable tricks. First, check the nameplate in the engine compartment and look for the production date line. Vehicles manufactured after 2017 are mostly China 5, while those after 2020 are more likely to be China 6. However, there are exceptions to this method, so I recommend opening the passenger door and checking the sticker on the B-pillar. If it says GB18352.5-2013, it's China 5; if it's GB18352.6-2016, it's China 6. The most straightforward way is to pull out the vehicle conformity certificate and directly check item seven, which states it clearly. Also, a reminder to everyone: vehicles with modified exhaust systems may not be accurate, so remove the aftermarket parts when verifying.

[KiaraLee]

Simply put, the fastest and most accurate way to check a car's emission standard is to look at the 12th item on the vehicle's factory certificate or check the vehicle conformity certificate, both of which state the emission stage. If you can't find these documents, use the straightforward method: open the hood to locate the 17-digit VIN, then search for the 'China VI Query' mini-program on Alipay, enter the number, and wait a few seconds for the result. The invoice for newly registered vehicles also records the emission standard; check the remarks section on the third copy. This method is commonly used by experienced drivers to avoid being misled by used car dealers.

[Jeremiah]

Experienced car owners know that identifying China 5 and China 6 emission standards relies on these key points. The simplest way is to check the environmental information label on new car deliveries, usually attached to the windshield or inside the glove compartment. Some vehicles also have environmental labels inside the fuel filler cap. Extra caution is needed when buying used cars—always inspect the environmental parameters section in the green registration certificate. If unsure, remember these critical dates: some gasoline vehicles produced after July 2017 began adopting China 6 standards, and nationwide implementation of China 6 was basically achieved after July 2020. For imported vehicles, check the Customs Import Certificate—it will always specify the emission standard.

[StEllie]

Here are a few practical tips to quickly identify. First, check the vehicle license. Although it doesn't directly state whether it's China 5 or China 6, note the registration date and compare it with the local policy timeline on the DMV website. For example, vehicles registered in Beijing in 2017 are mostly China 5, while those registered after 2020 are mostly China 6. Secondly, open the engine hood and look for the environmental information label, usually located on the radiator support or shock absorber tower. Here's a lesser-known fact: all China 6 vehicles come with a particulate filter, so you'll see an additional cylindrical device in front of the exhaust pipe under the car, which China 5 vehicles don't have. Of course, the safest method is to visit a 4S store and use a diagnostic tool to read the OBD data—the environmental parameters in the system are accurate.