What does China IV + OBD mean for vehicles?
2 Answers
China IV + OBD for vehicles can be understood as a vehicle equipped with a "China IV" emission standard self-diagnosis system, primarily designed for environmental protection purposes. Not all vehicles necessarily have this configuration. After the implementation of national policies, newly produced vehicles must comply with the standard, while older vehicles are managed according to other national environmental control standards. Below is a brief introduction about OBD: (1) OBD is the abbreviation for On-Board Diagnostics, translated into Chinese as "on-board automatic diagnosis system." (2) OBD monitors vehicle exhaust emissions in real-time and immediately issues a warning if emissions exceed the standard. When a system failure occurs, the malfunction indicator lamp or check engine warning light will illuminate, and the powertrain control module will store the fault information in memory. Fault codes can be read from the powertrain control module using external devices such as a fault diagnostic tool. Based on the fault code prompts, maintenance personnel can quickly and accurately determine the nature and location of the fault and resolve it.
As someone who has studied automotive policies for a while, I must say that China 4 refers to the China IV emission standards, which are the fourth-phase regulations in China aimed at controlling vehicle pollutants, primarily reducing harmful substances like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases. Adding OBD means that vehicles must be equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics system, which continuously monitors components such as the engine and catalytic converter. If any emission issues arise, the dashboard will illuminate a malfunction indicator light to prompt repairs. Looking back, the China IV standards became mandatory in the late 2010s, and the inclusion of OBD made vehicle self-diagnosis more accurate, facilitating the scanning of trouble codes during annual inspections to prevent excessive pollution. From an environmental perspective, this has contributed significantly to improving urban air quality by reducing sources of smog. As a car owner, understanding this can help in better maintaining the vehicle and extending its lifespan. In summary, China IV plus OBD is an effective combination of technology and regulations, driving the automotive industry toward a greener direction.
