How to Change the Oil on a Can-Am ATV or UTV

Why Regular Oil Changes Matter

Oil keeps your Can-Am engine running smoothly. It lubricates moving parts, helps cool the engine, and removes dirt and debris. Over time, oil breaks down and gets dirty. Changing it regularly helps your vehicle last longer and run better. Most Can-Am owners should change their oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, depending on how they use their machine and what the owner's manual recommends.

Neglecting oil changes can lead to serious engine damage. When oil gets old and thick, it can't flow through your engine properly. This means parts don't get the lubrication they need, which causes wear and tear. A simple oil change now can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in engine repairs later.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items to make the job go smoothly:

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Socket wrench or wrench set
• Oil filter wrench
• Jack and jack stands (if needed for ground clearance)
• Rags or paper towels
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves (optional but helpful)
• Newspaper or cardboard (to protect your work area)

Having everything ready before you start saves time and frustration. You won't have to stop halfway through to hunt for a tool. If you're not sure what type of oil your Can-Am needs, check the owner's manual or the sticker inside the fuel door. Using the wrong oil can damage your engine.

Getting Ready

Start with a warm engine—not hot. Run your Can-Am for a few minutes, then turn it off and wait about 5 minutes. Warm oil flows better than cold oil, so it drains more completely. This also means you'll get more of the old, dirty oil out of your engine. However, don't work on a hot engine because the oil and metal parts can burn your skin.

If you need more room to work under your vehicle, use a jack to lift it safely and place jack stands underneath. Never rely on a jack alone—always use jack stands for safety. Make sure you're working on level ground and that your vehicle won't roll. Put on your safety glasses before you start, and consider wearing work gloves to keep your hands clean and protected.

Drain the Old Oil

Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your engine. Your owner's manual shows exactly where it is. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch the old oil. Use your socket wrench to loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough, carefully unscrew it by hand and let the old oil drain completely into the pan. This may take several minutes, so be patient.

Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Check the small rubber gasket (the ring) on the drain plug. If it looks damaged or worn, replace it before reinstalling the plug. Screw the drain plug back in and tighten it firmly with your wrench, but don't over-tighten it or you could damage the threads.

Replace the Oil Filter

Find your oil filter—your manual shows exactly where it is on your specific Can-Am model. Position your drain pan underneath it because old oil will spill out when you remove it. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once loose, finish unscrewing it by hand. Some oil may still be inside, so be careful not to spill it on yourself or your engine.

Before installing the new filter, rub a thin layer of new oil around the rubber gasket (the ring at the top of the filter). This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it about three-quarters of a turn more. Don't over-tighten it—hand-tight is all you need. A filter that's too tight is hard to remove later and can damage the gasket.

Add New Oil

Wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and screw it back in. Tighten it firmly with your wrench, but don't force it or you could strip the threads. Now locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and unscrew it. Pour the new oil into the opening slowly and check your level with the dipstick as you go. This prevents you from overfilling, which can damage your engine.

Fill the oil to the "full" mark on the dipstick. Don't overfill it—too much oil can cause problems just like too little oil can. Once you've reached the correct level, screw the oil filler cap back on tightly. Make sure it's secure so dirt doesn't get into your engine.

Check Your Work

Start your engine and let it run for about one minute. This circulates the new oil through the engine and filter, which helps it reach the right temperature and pressure. You'll also see the oil pressure light go out, which means the new filter is working. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.

Check the oil level again with the dipstick and add more if needed. Look under your vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. If everything looks dry, you're done. If you see leaks, tighten those connections a bit more. A small drip here and there might just be oil from installation, but watch it over the next few days to make sure it stops.

Dispose of Old Oil Properly

Never pour old oil on the ground or down a drain. Used oil is harmful to the environment and can contaminate soil and water. Take it to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station. Many places take used oil for free, and some even give you credit toward new oil purchases.

Most auto parts stores that sell oil will take your old oil at no charge. Call ahead to confirm they accept it. If you have a lot of old oil, some waste management facilities have special collection days. Disposing of it properly is just as important as changing it—it only takes a few extra minutes and protects the environment.

Key Takeaways

Changing your Can-Am's oil is a straightforward task that saves money and keeps your engine healthy. Warm up your engine first, drain the old oil completely, replace the filter, add new oil to the correct level, and check for leaks. Always dispose of old oil at a proper recycling location. With the right tools and a little patience, you can do this job yourself and know your machine is getting the care it needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Can-Am's oil?

Most Can-Am owners should change their oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, depending on how they use their machine and what the owner's manual recommends. Check your specific manual for the exact interval for your model. If you ride in dusty conditions or tow heavy loads, you may need to change it more often.

What type of oil does my Can-Am need?

The correct oil type and weight depend on your specific Can-Am model and engine size. Check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the fuel door for this information. Using the wrong oil can damage your engine, so always follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

Can I change my oil if my engine is cold?

You can, but it's not ideal. Cold oil is thick and doesn't drain as completely as warm oil. If you must change it when the engine is cold, run the engine for a few minutes first to warm it up. Just make sure it's not too hot to touch before you start working on it.

What should I do if I spill oil during the change?

Clean it up right away with rags or paper towels. For larger spills, use absorbent material like sand or kitty litter to soak it up. Never let oil sit on the ground—it harms the environment. Dispose of the contaminated materials properly along with your old oil.