What is the emission standard for a 2006 car?
4 Answers
06-year-old cars comply with the National II standard. More information about automotive emission standards is as follows: 1. China's second-phase automotive emission standard is equivalent to the Euro II emission standard, meaning the pollutant content in the exhaust is equivalent to Euro II levels. According to the "Announcement on Implementing the National Second-Phase Motor Vehicle Emission Standards" issued by the Environmental Protection Administration, all heavy-duty vehicles undergoing type approval must meet the national second-phase type approval emission limits equivalent to Euro II standards starting from September 1, 2003. This marks a new stage in China's motor vehicle emission pollution control. 2. From July 1, 2004, all newly approved light-duty vehicles must comply with the National II standard, and the application and approval of light-duty vehicle models meeting the National I standard equivalent to Euro I standards were discontinued. 3. According to Announcement No. 5 of 2006 by the State Environmental Protection Administration "Announcement on Publishing New Motor Vehicle Models and Engine Types Meeting the National Second-Phase and Third-Phase Motor Vehicle Emission Standards", the National III standard mainly applies to light-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles under 3.5 tons, equivalent to the Euro III standard, with a nationwide implementation date of July 1, 2007.
I've been driving for over 20 years. Most cars from 2006 were compliant with China II emission standards. When buying cars back then, manufacturers were in a transition period - the China III standard wasn't officially implemented until 2007, so virtually all 2006 models were China II. My own 2006 Focus served me well for many years, always passing emission tests, though with noticeably heavier exhaust fumes due to carbon buildup in older engines - you could see the smoke upon startup. Regular maintenance like frequent oil changes and spark plug cleaning can extend its lifespan, but pollution remains higher. I recommend checking the environmental label on your vehicle registration to confirm, as some late-2006 models might have been upgraded to China III. Maintaining older cars gets expensive, and with many cities now restricting China II vehicles, switching to a new energy vehicle might be more economical and environmentally friendly.
I'm particularly concerned about environmental issues and have studied the history of automotive emissions. Vehicles produced in 2006 generally meet China II standards due to technological limitations of that era, resulting in inadequate exhaust treatment and higher emissions. It's unsettling to see older cars emitting smoke on the road, contributing to urban smog. I recommend owners check their vehicle's nameplate or VIN code to verify emission standards. If continuing to use such vehicles, regular exhaust testing is advised to ensure the catalytic converter functions properly. For those with budget, upgrading to China III compliant vehicles can reduce fine risks and provide cleaner air for children. With growing environmental awareness, green commuting has become a priority when driving.
Most cars from 2006 are compliant with China's National II emission standards. Driving such older vehicles tends to cause issues like excessive engine carbon deposits and frequent illumination of the emission fault warning light. I've seen many cases where clogged oxygen sensors lead to exhaust emissions exceeding standards. During maintenance, pay attention to replacing the air filter and inspecting fuel injectors to maintain combustion efficiency; poor emissions can affect annual inspection pass rates. Simply put, before purchasing a used car or for personal use, it's best to check specific model data online to confirm details—don't be careless.
