How to Identify Whether a Car is China V or China VI?
3 Answers
To identify whether a car is China V or China VI, you can check the following aspects: 1. The relevant number in the emission standard column on the vehicle certificate: According to relevant laws and regulations, dealers are required to provide a certificate with the vehicle when selling it. Without this certificate, the vehicle cannot be registered. On the certificate, there is a column for the emission standard, which clearly indicates the emission standard number adopted by the vehicle. It doesn't matter if you don't understand the preceding numbers; the key is whether it states China V (indicating a China V model) or China VI (indicating a China VI model). 2. The relevant number on the environmental information list accompanying the vehicle: When purchasing a car, in addition to the certificate, there is an environmental information list in the accompanying documents. In the vehicle information section, there is a column for the emission stage, which will clearly and directly indicate whether the vehicle is China V or China VI. Just look carefully. 3. The relevant number in the vehicle conformity certificate: When picking up the car, there is another document called the vehicle conformity certificate, which contains many verification items. One of them is called "exhaust emissions," which directly states the standard number adopted for the 3C certification. GB18352.5-2013 refers to the fifth-stage emission standard, i.e., China V, while GB18352.6-2016 refers to the sixth-stage emission standard, i.e., China VI. 4. The number queried on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website: Simply visit the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website, click on the public query platform, and then enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) and the last six digits of the engine number to query the relevant vehicle information, including content that can determine whether it is a China V or China VI vehicle.
As a seasoned driver, I've witnessed the transition from China IV to China VI emission standards. The key to distinguishing between China V and China VI vehicles is to first check the vehicle's nameplate or label, which is usually affixed under the hood or on the inner side of the door, clearly stating the emission standard. Another method is to refer to the environmental compliance certificate that comes with new vehicles – this document explicitly states the standard in black and white. The information on the vehicle registration certificate or license is also straightforward, as it records the vehicle's emission level. When purchasing used cars, I often use the VIN code for verification; by entering the 17-digit code on the official website, detailed information can be obtained. Most China VI vehicles were produced after 2019, and stricter requirements are enforced in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Misjudgment can affect registration or even transfer of ownership. I remember last year when helping a friend inspect a car, I overlooked the emission standard noted on the registration certificate and later discovered it was a disguised China V vehicle – fortunately, we corrected the mistake in time. In short, these approaches are practical and reliable methods to determine the emission standard.
I enjoy studying automotive details, and identifying emission standards requires a combination of physical and digital methods. Open the hood to inspect the tailpipe area—China VI vehicles often come equipped with after-treatment systems like urea tanks or particulate filters, which China V models lack. The VIN code is also crucial, as certain digits can reveal the factory emission standard. Free online tools, such as the DMV website, can quickly decode this. Additionally, emission labels can be found in the vehicle manual or on environmental stickers, with China VI marked as 'VI'. In practice, China VI has stricter limits but may result in slightly higher fuel consumption—I've noticed this issue while servicing several China VI vehicles. I recommend cross-checking multiple methods before purchasing, like comparing the VIN and labels as I do, which ensures 99% accuracy. If you spot any device anomalies or mismatches, it's best to recheck at an inspection station to confirm authenticity. This approach makes vehicle maintenance easier and more eco-friendly.
