What does China 6 mean?

[JohnnyDella]

China 6 standard refers to the 'National Sixth Stage Emission Standards for Motor Vehicle Pollutants.' It includes 'Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Light-duty Vehicles (China VI)' and 'Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicles (China VI).' The following is an introduction to China 6: 1. Currently, the country divides the 'China 6 standard' into two phases: 'China 6a' and 'China 6b,' with plans to implement them nationwide uniformly in 2020 and 2023, respectively. 2. The China 6 standard, also known as the 'National Sixth Stage Emission Standards for Motor Vehicle Pollutants,' is formulated to implement environmental protection laws, reduce and prevent pollution from vehicle exhaust, protect the ecological environment, and ensure human health.

[OEmilia]

China 6 refers to the National Sixth Stage Emission Standards for motor vehicles, which essentially means the latest regulations set by the government for exhaust emissions from new vehicles. I remember when China 5 was still the mainstream during my time as a mechanic, but now newly manufactured vehicles must meet China 6b standards to be eligible for registration. These standards are much stricter than before, requiring significant reductions in harmful substances like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in exhaust emissions. Automakers have to work hard to improve engine technology, and features like the GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) have become standard. Environmental authorities are also enforcing these regulations strictly, making it impossible to sell non-compliant vehicles. Last year, several customers at our shop were in a hurry to switch to China 6-compliant cars, fearing they wouldn’t pass annual inspections.

[VonColin]

If you've been car shopping recently, you've likely heard salespeople frequently mention China 6 emissions standards - essentially an upgraded version of environmental regulations. Simply put, it's a national mandate requiring new vehicles to reduce exhaust pollution. For instance, the China 6b phase implemented since 2023 requires particulate matter in emissions to be one-third lower than previous standards. Nowadays, most new cars at dealerships come equipped with particulate filters and more sophisticated electronic control systems. For us car owners, China 6-compliant vehicles require low-ash engine oil, and gas stations must distinguish between China 6-specific fuel and regular fuel - here's an interesting fact: all China 6 vehicles have 'Please use unleaded gasoline' stickers on their fuel filler necks.

[Archie]

We auto repair technicians know this best – China 6 is like putting a 'mask' on a car's exhaust system. For China 5 vehicles, replacing the three-way catalytic converter suffices, but China 6 vehicles require additional GPF particulate filters. Issues like clogged particulate collectors in Volkswagen's EA888 engines have given many owners headaches. Last year, I repaired a Sylphy whose owner used cheap gasoline, leading to oxygen sensor poisoning – the repair bill exceeded 7,000 yuan. A reminder: never use fuel additives containing manganese for China 6 vehicles.

[LaMatthew]

From China 6a in 2019 to China 6b in 2023, the per-kilometer emission limits have become increasingly stringent. Taking nitrogen oxides as an example, the China 5 limit was 60mg/km, while China 6b directly reduced it to 35mg/km. This has forced automakers to adopt high-pressure common rail + twin-scroll turbocharging technology, and even engine oil must use low-ash SP-grade products. When modifying my car, I noticed a detail: China 6 vehicles have two more exhaust pipe temperature sensors than older models.