How to Identify Whether a Car Meets China 5 or China 6 Emission Standards?
3 Answers
You can check whether your vehicle meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards by referring to the vehicle acceptance form or by querying the vehicle's model number on the environmental protection website. Below are the relevant details about China 5 and China 6: 1. Identification: The China 5 emission standard is marked with a "V", while the China 6 emission standard is marked with a "Ⅵ", both using Roman numerals. 2. Fuel Neutrality: The "China 6" standard adopts the principle of fuel neutrality, meaning that the emission limits are the same regardless of the type of fuel used. In contrast, during the previous "China 5" phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards.
To be honest, I usually identify whether a car meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards through several daily methods. The simplest way is to check the vehicle conformity certificate – it's like an ID card where the environmental section will clearly state 'GB5' or 'GB6', representing China 5 and China 6 standards respectively. When purchasing a car, don't forget to examine the Certificate of Conformity, which dealers usually keep in the document folder. If the documents are missing, try looking for the environmental label on the door frame or the sticker under the hood – older models marked 'China V' indicate China 5, while newer ones with 'China VI' denote China 6. Additionally, the environmental certification number on the vehicle registration certificate from the DMV is straightforward – just enter the license plate number in a government app to get instant results. This matters because China 6 vehicles are cleaner with fewer harmful emissions, plus major cities restrict China 5 cars from entering central areas – knowing beforehand prevents commuting issues. During car replacement seasons, I often remind friends: most post-2019 vehicles are China 6 compliant. Though maintenance costs may be slightly higher, it's worth it long-term to avoid inspection hassles.
Here's a practical tip: Emission standards can be quickly identified by looking at the 10th digit of the 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the car frame. For vehicles around 2017, a '6' usually indicates 2016 models potentially meeting China V standards, while '7' suggests post-2017 models likely compliant with China VI (specific models may vary). No technical background? No problem. Simply check the environmental information sticker or the label in the lower right corner of the windshield - it clearly states 'China V' or 'China VI'. When researching, I prefer using the Autohome App to scan the VIN for instant results. Why does this matter? After emission upgrades, China VI vehicles added DPF filters, reducing exhaust pollution and better protecting children's lung health. During inspections, China V vehicles face stricter checks with fines for non-compliance, so early verification saves hassle. At maintenance stations, I also help people check OBD device data streams to monitor emission system status. Daily drivers should watch for excessively black exhaust pipe colors as potential indicators of changes.
