
The methods to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 vehicle emission standards are: 1. Check the vehicle conformity certificate; 2. Review the environmental information vehicle list; 3. Examine the vehicle qualification certificate. The differences between China 5 and China 6 are: 1. Different carbon monoxide emission requirements: China 5 allows 1000 mg per kilometer for carbon monoxide; China 6 reduces this to 500 mg per kilometer. 2. Different particulate matter emission requirements: China 5 permits 5 mg for particulate matter; China 6 lowers this to 3 mg. 3. Different nitrogen oxide emission requirements: China 5 allows 60 mg for nitrogen oxides; China 6 decreases this to 35 mg. 4. Different non-methane hydrocarbon emission requirements: China 5 permits 68 mg for non-methane hydrocarbons; China 6 reduces this to 35 mg.

Distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 vehicles is actually quite simple. Last time when I accompanied a friend to buy a car, we encountered this issue - the most reliable method is to directly check the emission standard stated on the vehicle qualification certificate, which clearly indicates whether it's China V or China VI. This information is also available on the purchase invoice. Additionally, I've checked the DMV website, and they mentioned that the emission standard is printed on the second page of the vehicle registration certificate (the big green book). Currently, many cities have unfriendly traffic restriction policies towards China 5 vehicles. For example, China 6b vehicles can be directly registered in Beijing, while China 5 vehicles require license plate lottery, which directly affects driving convenience. The used car market is even trickier. Last year when I helped a relative check a car, the dealer intentionally omitted the emission standard. We only confirmed it was China 5 after finding the information on the environmental compliance document that comes with the vehicle. Such tricks require extra caution.

We ordinary folks really need to be extra careful when buying a car. The most straightforward way to check the emission standard is to open the co-driver's door frame and look for that yellow label - it'll clearly state China V or China VI in large font. If you can't find the label, just take out your phone, visit the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection website, and enter the 17-digit VIN number under the windshield - you'll get the result instantly. China VI vehicles have an additional particulate filter in the exhaust pipe, meeting much stricter environmental requirements. China V cars might face driving restrictions when traveling to other cities. Last month during my vehicle inspection, I noticed that for cars of the same model year, the emission test results for China VI were 30% lower than China V. These substantial differences must be clarified before purchase.

The main difference lies in the environmental documents. I often remind my friends to pay close attention to three details when picking up their cars: the fine print in the corner of the environmental information vehicle list, item 15 on the vehicle conformity certificate, and the emission section on the registration form. China 6 vehicles have more precise rear oxygen sensors that can monitor emissions in real-time, a feature absent in China 5 vehicles. Currently, the registration rules in the Yangtze River Delta have become stricter. For China 5 vehicles, a test report is required for transfer, while China 6 vehicles can simply update the green book. I remember helping a colleague find a used car last year; the China 6 model was priced 8,000 yuan higher, but it lost less money when resold.


