What is the emission standard for cars from 2004?
3 Answers
Vehicles from 2004 comply with the China II emission standard. Here are several ways to check your vehicle's emission standard: 1. Check the environmental protection label issued during vehicle inspection. 2. Inquire about vehicle information at the vehicle management office. 3. Search the vehicle model directory on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website. The following are the implementation years of emission standards: 1. China I standard: Nationwide implementation on July 1, 2001, mainly targeting restrictions on carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions. 2. China II standard: Nationwide implementation on July 1, 2004, requiring a 30% reduction in carbon monoxide and a 55% reduction in hydrocarbons and carbon oxides. 3. China III standard: Nationwide implementation on July 1, 2007, requiring a 40% reduction in total pollutant emissions compared to China II. 4. China IV standard: Nationwide implementation on July 1, 2010, requiring a 50% to 60% reduction compared to China III. 5. China V standard: Nationwide implementation on January 1, 2018, requiring a 25% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to China IV. 6. China VI standard: China VIa nationwide implementation on July 1, 2020, and China VIb nationwide implementation on July 1, 2023.
Back in 2004 when I bought my new car, it basically met the China II emission standards. The standards back then were much looser compared to now, emitting roughly more than twice the amount of pollutants compared to China V vehicles. While driving on the road, there wasn't much noticeable difference, but environmental inspections revealed severe nitrogen oxide emissions exceeding the limits. Looking back now, driving such an old car isn't really environmentally friendly, and many major cities have imposed restrictions on China II vehicles, like Beijing and Shanghai. I'd advise owners of older cars to regularly check their emission systems to ensure the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors are functioning properly, which can help extend the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, you can check the vehicle's nameplate or environmental label to confirm the specific standard, as some manufacturers might have produced China III vehicles during the transition period in 2004, but the majority were still China II.
When repairing cars, it's common to encounter models produced in 2004, most of which comply with the China II emission standards. At that time, the China II standard required a carbon monoxide emission limit of several tens of grams per kilometer, which is far less stringent compared to the current China VI standard. During vehicle inspections, it's necessary to check the environmental test report for confirmation. If the owner has doubts, they can check the VIN code or visit the vehicle management office to query the original registration information. For older vehicles with excessive emissions, it's important to maintain the intake system and keep the fuel injectors clean; otherwise, a clogged catalytic converter can affect fuel consumption. The mechanical components of 2004 models are also aging, making repairs more challenging, but with proper maintenance, they can still be roadworthy. Under current policies, China II vehicles face pressure to be phased out, and there are sometimes subsidies available for replacing them with new cars, which can help reduce the financial burden.
