What do China 5 and China 6 mean in automobiles?
2 Answers
China 5 and China 6 in automobiles refer to the national fifth and sixth stage emission standards. Automobile emission standards regulate the content of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and soot emitted from vehicle exhaust. The emission standards include: China 1, China 2, China 3, China 4, China 5, and China 6 emission standards. Methods to check a vehicle's emission standard are: 1. Check the vehicle conformity certificate: The emission standard is clearly stated in the vehicle conformity certificate; 2. Look for the vehicle's accompanying documents: Find the emission standard in the vehicle information section; 3. Check the conformity certificate: It indicates the corresponding emission standard; 4. Inspect the vehicle's environmental protection label: There is a clear mark on the back of the environmental protection label on the vehicle's front windshield, which shows the vehicle's emission standard.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I've personally witnessed the transition from China 5 to China 6 emission standards. Looking back to the China 4 era around 2010, the exhaust fumes were noticeably strong when driving, especially during smoggy days in northern regions. When China 5 was implemented in 2017, vehicles were equipped with better catalytic converters, reducing emissions, but it still felt incomplete. The introduction of China 6 in 2019 brought stricter pollutant limits, divided into transitional China 6a and comprehensive China 6b standards, significantly lowering carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. After switching to a China 6 compliant vehicle, I noticed reduced engine noise during driving, slightly higher fuel consumption, but marked improvement in urban air quality with more blue-sky days. In the used car market, China 6 vehicles hold their value better, though they require more careful maintenance—like using China 6 standard gasoline to prevent particulate filter clogging. Government policies driving this progress are beneficial for both environmental protection and safety. With even stricter China 7 standards coming, early adaptation brings advantages. When choosing a car, I prioritize China 6b models—years of driving experience have shown me how technological upgrades make daily life more comfortable.
