What oil does Honda Clarity take?
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid uses 0W-20 synthetic engine oil; the Clarity Electric and Clarity Fuel Cell do not require engine oil. This article explains oil needs across the Clarity lineup and offers practical maintenance guidance.
The Clarity lineup includes three distinct powertrains, so oil requirements vary by model. Below is a clear breakdown of which variants need engine oil and what to look for when servicing them.
Oil needs by Clarity variant
Before listing the specifics, note that only the Plug-In Hybrid version has a traditional internal-combustion engine that requires engine oil. The Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell variants run on electricity and hydrogen and have no engine oil to change. The following items summarize each configuration’s oil needs and related maintenance considerations.
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): Use 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. Oil changes are guided by Honda’s maintenance minder system and typically happen at intervals around 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Use oil that proves to meet Honda specifications (Honda-approved or equivalent).
Clarity Electric: No engine oil is required because the powertrain is fully electric. Focus on routine checks of brake fluid, coolant for the vehicle’s systems, battery coolant if applicable, tire care, and other standard maintenance items per the owner’s manual.
Clarity Fuel Cell: No engine oil is required as the vehicle runs on a hydrogen fuel cell with electric motors. Similar to the Electric model, regular maintenance should cover fluids like coolant and brake fluid, along with periodic checks per the manual.
Always refer to the exact model year’s owner’s manual for precise oil grades, capacities, and maintenance intervals, as these can vary slightly between production years.
Maintenance and practical tips
Because oil needs are specific to the variant, it’s important to follow the correct guidance for your Clarity configuration. The Plug-In Hybrid relies on regular engine oil changes, while the Electric and Fuel Cell versions do not require engine oil but still benefit from standard vehicle-fluid maintenance and routine service.
Choosing the right oil and specs
For the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, use 0W-20 synthetic oil that meets Honda’s specifications. For all variants, stick to oils approved by Honda or those that explicitly meet the manufacturer’s requirements. When in doubt, consult your dealer or the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact specification for your model year.
Summary
In short, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid requires 0W-20 synthetic engine oil, while the Electric and Fuel Cell variants do not require engine oil at all. Oil changes and maintenance for the PHEV follow standard Honda intervals, whereas the Electric and Fuel Cell models focus on other fluids and routine checks. Always rely on the owner’s manual and Honda service centers for the most current guidance.
