What is the emission standard for cars purchased in 2013?
3 Answers
Cars purchased after July 1, 2013, are generally compliant with the China IV emission standard, as the registration of China III vehicles was discontinued by this date. On July 1, 2013, 19 regions including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Urumqi, and Lanzhou strictly enforced the China IV standard. The nationwide implementation of the China IV emission standard commenced on January 1, 2014. Below are some methods to identify the emission standard of a vehicle: 1. The simplest and most direct way is to check the environmental label on the vehicle, which clearly indicates the standard at the back. 2. Visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire. 3. Bring the vehicle registration certificate (original or copy) to the local vehicle management office for inquiry. 4. For new vehicles, the emission standard can be found on the vehicle's factory certificate. However, the vehicle certificate is usually kept by the vehicle management office. Therefore, it is advisable to make a copy of the certificate when purchasing a new car for future reference regarding the vehicle's information.
I bought a car in 2013, and the 4S store salesperson directly said it was China IV emission standard, which was quite mainstream at the time. In those days, new cars generally moved towards higher emission standards, but there were slight time differences in implementation across regions. In more remote cities, there might still be some China III inventory mixed in. In practical use, the difference isn’t significant—it just controls pollutants better, reducing black smoke issues. As for inspections, there haven’t been any issues so far. If your car is China IV, maintenance-wise, you should pay attention to regularly replacing the air filter to ensure stable emissions; also, use the recommended fuel grade. In the used car market, China IV cars hold decent value, higher than China III but not as environmentally friendly as newer models. Overall, most cars bought in 2013 were China IV, and the way to confirm is to check the environmental stamp on the vehicle license. After driving for a while, I’ve realized that choosing the right emission standard really impacts both the environment and personal experience.
Most cars purchased in 2013 met the China IV emission standards, as it coincided with the upgrade of national environmental policies, and the majority of new vehicles complied with this requirement. Technically, China IV reduced nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions through improved exhaust systems. While daily driving felt no different, environmental data showed cleaner performance. Implementation varied by vehicle type and region—diesel vehicles might lag slightly, so it's best to check your car's environmental label. During maintenance, ensure the engine system operates properly and avoid using low-quality fuels that could affect emissions. In terms of used car value, China IV-compliant vehicles retain their worth better. Overall, this standard was a common transitional choice.
