Is China 4 OBD equivalent to China 5 emission standards?
2 Answers
If a vehicle is equipped with an OBD engine fault self-check device, the exhaust emissions of China 4 OBD can meet the China 5 emission standards. Below is more information about emission standards: 1. Vehicle emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot) emitted from vehicle exhaust. 2. The China 5 emission standard control level is equivalent to the European Euro 5 emission standard currently in effect. This standard imposes stricter limits on vehicle emissions such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and suspended particles. From China I to China IV, each upgrade in the standard reduces single-vehicle pollution by 30% to 50%.
This is a quite common question, and as a car enthusiast, I often discuss such topics. I can tell you clearly that China IV OBD is definitely not China V emission standards. The OBD system is like a health monitor for the car, specifically designed to diagnose whether the emission system is functioning properly, but it cannot change the actual emission level of the vehicle. The China V emission standards are much stricter than China IV, for example, the nitrogen oxide limit is about 30% lower under China V. My car is China IV compliant, with a fully functional OBD system, but it still undergoes emissions testing according to China IV standards during annual inspections. Confusing the two can lead to misunderstandings, such as thinking that driving a China IV vehicle allows unrestricted access to low-emission zones or eligibility for tax benefits—which is not the case. In the long run, upgrading to China V or higher standards is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. I recommend that car owners pay attention to the certification label on the vehicle's nameplate to avoid mistakes. With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, it's wise to check policies in advance when buying or maintaining a car to avoid unnecessary trouble.
