Renault Clio Engine Oil Guide: Best Oils, Viscosity Grades & Complete Maintenance Advice

Choosing the correct engine oil for your Renault Clio isn’t just a basic maintenance task — it’s the backbone of engine performance, fuel economy, and long-term reliability. We present the most accurate, professional, and comprehensive oil guide for every Renault Clio engine, from early petrol models and RS variants to the latest hybrid powertrains.

We go beyond simple oil grades, diving deep into viscosity selection, oil change intervals, capacity, and expert maintenance tips designed to keep every Clio generation running at peak efficiency.


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Why Correct Engine Oil Matters for the Renault Clio

Each Renault Clio engine is engineered with tight tolerances and advanced fuel-saving technology, meaning the oil used must match factory specifications. The correct oil:

  • Ensures optimal lubrication and cooling
  • Prevents friction and engine wear
  • Supports fuel efficiency and emissions systems
  • Protects turbochargers on TCe engines
  • Avoids sludge formation and premature engine damage

Recommended Oil Types for Renault Clio Engines

Renault typically specifies ACEA-approved synthetic oils with the following viscosity grades depending on the engine:

  • 0W-20
  • 5W-30
  • 5W-40

General Oil Guidelines

Engine TypeRecommended Oil ViscosityOil Standard
Petrol5W-40, 0W-20 for newer enginesACEA A3/B4 or RN0700/RN0710
Turbo Petrol (TCe)5W-40ACEA A3/B4, RN0710
Diesel (dCi)5W-30ACEA C3 or RN0720
Renault RS5W-40RN0710
Renault Hybrid (E-Tech)0W-20RN17 FE

Always check the exact RN (Renault-Norme) spec for your engine.

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Renault Clio Engine Oil Capacity Guide

Clio ModelEngineCapacity (Approx.)
Clio 0.9 TCePetrol4.3L
Clio 1.2 / 1.2 16VPetrol4.8L
Clio 1.2 TCePetrol Turbo4.3L
Clio RS / RS Trophy1.6 Turbo5.4L
Clio 1.5 dCiDiesel4.5-5.3L
Clio Hybrid E-TechPetrol Hybrid4.0L

Renault Clio Oil Grade Lookup Table by Model Year

Renault Clio Oil Chart

ModelYearsRecommended Oil
Clio 0.9 TCe2012-20195W-40
Clio 1.2 16V2012-20195W-40
Clio 1.2 TCe2012-20195W-40
Clio 1.5 dCi2012-20195W-30
Clio RS2012-20195W-40
Clio RS Trophy2012-20195W-40
Clio V Hybrid2020-Present0W-20

Renault Clio Oil Change Intervals

Driving StyleChange Interval
Normal commutingEvery 10,000 – 12,000 miles or 12 months
Turbocharged enginesEvery 8,000 – 10,000 miles
Short trips/urban drivingEvery 6,000 miles
Heavy use / spirited driving / RS modelsEvery 5,000 miles

Best Oil for Renault Clio Engines

CategoryBest Oil Recommendation
Best overallMobil 1 ESP / Castrol Edge
Best for turbo enginesTotal Quartz 9000 5W-40
Best for dieselElf Evolution Full-Tech FE 5W-30
Best for hybridTotal Quartz Ineo First 0W-20

Renault often recommends ELF oils, their OEM partner.


Signs Your Clio Needs an Oil Change

  • Engine sounds louder / ticking noise
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Oil warning light
  • Dark, thick, or burnt-smelling oil
  • Increased fuel consumption

Step-by-Step Clio Oil Change Checklist

  • Warm up the engine
  • Remove oil cap & sump plug
  • Drain oil fully
  • Replace oil filter
  • Refill with recommended grade
  • Reset dashboard oil service warning

Renault Clio Oil Filter Recommendations

EngineFilter Type
0.9 TCeSpin-on or cartridge
1.2 / 1.2 TCeCartridge
1.5 dCiCartridge
RS 1.6 TurboPerformance spin-on

Brands to choose:

  • Bosch
  • Mann-Filter
  • Mahle
  • Purflux (Renault OEM)

Turbo TCe Engine Oil Tips

Turbo engines demand high-quality oil to protect the turbo bearings.

✅ Change more frequently
✅ Always use full synthetic
✅ Idle 30 seconds before shutdown after hard driving


Hybrid (E-Tech) Renault Clio Oil Special Notes

  • Requires ultra-low friction oil
  • Wrong oil can affect fuel economy and hybrid system cooling
  • Only use 0W-20 RN17 FE specification

Fuel Economy Benefits of Correct Oil

ImprovementBenefit
Better lubricationLess engine drag
Correct viscosityFaster cold starts
Right additivesCleaner engine, fewer deposits

Common Clio Oil-Related Issues

IssueCause
High oil consumptionWorn rings, turbo seals, PCV valve
Sludge buildupPoor oil quality or long intervals
Turbo failure (TCe)Low oil or wrong viscosity
DPF clogging (dCi)Wrong oil spec (use RN0720)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best oil for Renault Clio 1.2 petrol?

5W-40 full synthetic, ACEA A3/B4 or RN0710.

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Which oil does the Clio 0.9 TCe use?

5W-40 synthetic approved for turbo engines.

Can I use 5W-30 instead of 5W-40 in my Clio?

Only in diesel models or engines specified for it. Turbo petrol engines require 5W-40.

How often should I change Clio diesel oil?

Every 8,000 – 10,000 miles or 12 months.

Do hybrids use the same oil as petrol models?

No — Clio Hybrid requires 0W-20 RN17 FE.


Final Thoughts

With precise oil viscosity, correct Renault RN specifications, and timely service intervals, the Renault Clio delivers long-lasting performance, strong reliability, and lower running costs. Whether you own a classic petrol model, a modern downsized TCe turbo, a rugged dCi diesel, or the latest E-Tech hybrid, using the right oil is the ultimate way to safeguard your engine investment.

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If you want to know other articles similar to Renault Clio Engine Oil Guide: Best Oils, Viscosity Grades & Complete Maintenance Advice you can visit the category Service and Parts.

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