You’ve got the keys to a 2020 Can-Am Maverick, one of the most thrilling and capable side-by-sides ever built. You feel that surge of adrenaline every time you fire up its Rotax engine, knowing it’s ready to conquer dunes, trails, and anything in between. But you also know that a high-performance machine demands high-performance care to keep it running at its peak.
We promise this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge to do just that. We’re not just going to list specs; we’re going to give you the practical, hands-on advice you need to maintain, troubleshoot, and even upgrade your rig like a seasoned pro.
In this complete 2020 can am maverick guide, we’ll walk you through essential pre-ride checks, a DIY maintenance schedule, how to spot common problems before they sideline you, and the smartest upgrades to make. Let’s get your machine ready for the next adventure.
Understanding Your 2020 Can-Am Maverick: Models and Core Features
The 2020 model year was a big one for the Maverick lineup, offering a machine for nearly every type of rider. While the headline-grabber is the Turbo RR, understanding the platform’s core is key.
The 2020 can am maverick family is built around a few core principles: a powerful Rotax ACE engine, a robust chassis, and advanced suspension. The flagship X3 models are the wide-stance desert runners, while the Sport and Trail models offer that Maverick DNA in narrower packages for wooded trails.
Key Technology You Should Know
- Rotax ACE Engines: Whether you have the 120 HP base, the 172 HP Turbo R, or the beastly 195 HP Turbo RR, this engine is the heart of your Maverick. It’s reliable but loves clean oil and a clean air filter.
- Smart-Lok Front Differential: Featured on higher-end models, this is a truly lockable on-the-fly front diff. It gives you incredible traction but requires its own fluid and care.
- FOX Podium Shocks: From the base model QS3s to the top-tier Smart-Shox, your suspension is a key performance component. Keeping it clean and inspecting for leaks is crucial.
The Pre-Ride Ritual: Your Essential Checklist
The single most important habit you can develop is a thorough pre-ride inspection. This five-minute check can save you from a ruined weekend or a costly repair. These are the absolute 2020 can am maverick best practices for reliability.
Think of it as asking your machine how it’s feeling before you ask it to perform. Don’t skip it, ever.
- Fluids Are Life: Check your engine oil when the engine is warm. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it fully, and check the level. Glance at your coolant overflow bottle—the level should be between the ‘Min’ and ‘Max’ lines.
- Tires & Wheels: Visually inspect tires for cuts or punctures. Check the air pressure—it makes a huge difference in handling. While you’re there, grab each wheel at the top and bottom and wiggle it. Any clunking or excessive play could mean a bad wheel bearing or ball joint.
- Belt Check: Take a quick peek at your CVT drive belt through the clutch cover vents if possible. Look for any signs of fraying, glazing (a shiny, smooth appearance), or missing cogs.
- Controls & Brakes: Squeeze the brake pedal. It should feel firm, not spongy. Check your brake fluid reservoir. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, feeling for any binding or weird noises.
- A Quick Bolt Check: Walk around your machine and look at key suspension bolts—A-arms, trailing arms, and radius rods. Ensure the nuts are tight and the cotter pins are in place. Vibrations can loosen things over time.
DIY Maintenance: A Practical 2020 Can-Am Maverick Care Guide
Doing your own basic maintenance is one of the best ways to get to know your machine and save money. Here’s a breakdown of the most common jobs you can tackle in your own garage.
Engine Oil & Filter Change
This is the most frequent and vital task. The turbocharged Rotax engine works hard and creates a lot of heat, which is tough on oil. Don’t stretch your oil change intervals.
You’ll need a drain pan, the correct socket for the drain plug, a filter wrench, and BRP XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil (or a compatible high-quality alternative). Always change the filter with the oil, and don’t over-tighten the drain plug or the filter.
Air Filter Service
Your Maverick breathes through its air filter. If you ride in dusty conditions, this is your machine’s number one enemy. A clogged filter robs power and can let damaging dust into your engine.
Access the airbox, carefully remove the filter, and inspect it. If it’s a paper filter, tap it out gently and replace it if it’s dirty. If you have a reusable foam or cloth filter, clean and re-oil it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
CVT Belt and Clutch Care
The CVT belt is a wear item, not a “if it breaks” part. The benefits of proactive 2020 can am maverick belt care are huge: better performance and no trail-side failures.
Periodically remove your clutch cover and blow out any dust with compressed air. Inspect the belt for the issues mentioned in the pre-ride check. If you install a new belt, follow the break-in procedure religiously—it involves varying your speed for about 20-30 miles without full-throttle acceleration.
Diagnosing Common Problems with 2020 Can-Am Maverick Models
Even with perfect maintenance, issues can pop up. Knowing what to look for can turn a major problem into a minor fix. Here are some of the most common problems with 2020 can am maverick machines and how to spot them.
Overheating
If your temp gauge starts climbing, pull over immediately. The most common cause is a radiator caked with mud. Let it cool, then clean it gently with a hose (not a high-pressure washer, which can bend the fins). Other causes include a failing fan, low coolant, or a stuck thermostat.
Drivetrain Noises
The Maverick drivetrain is generally stout, but it has a few known weak points. A rumbling or vibration from the center of the machine that changes with speed is often a worn carrier bearing for the driveshaft. Clicking noises when turning point to a worn CV joint in one of your axles. A whine from the front or rear under power could indicate a differential issue—check your fluid levels first.
Electrical Gremlins
Most electrical issues are simple. If something stops working, start with the fuse box. The next most common culprit is a loose battery terminal or ground wire. If you’ve added accessories like a light bar or winch, double-check your wiring for any spots where it might be rubbing against the frame.
Smart Upgrades: Enhancing Performance and Durability
One of the best parts of ownership is making the machine your own. Here are a few smart upgrades that add safety, performance, and peace of mind. This is a quick “how to 2020 can am maverick” modification plan.
Safety First: Harnesses & Seats
The very first modification you should consider is a set of 4-point or 5-point harnesses. They hold you in place far more securely than the stock seatbelts, which is crucial for aggressive driving and adds a massive layer of safety in a rollover.
Wheels and Tires
The right tires can completely transform your Maverick’s performance. Choose a tread pattern based on your primary terrain (all-terrain, mud, sand, or rock). Upgrading to a tougher, 8-ply rated tire also significantly reduces the chance of flats.
Protection and Strength
Full skid plates, A-arm guards, and rock sliders protect the underside of your machine from costly damage. For those pushing the limits, upgrading suspension components like radius rods and tie rods with high-clearance, heavy-duty versions is a wise investment.
Sustainable Off-Roading: Eco-Friendly 2020 Can-Am Maverick Tips
Being a true enthusiast means protecting the trails we love to ride. A few simple habits can make a huge difference and ensure our riding areas stay open for years to come. Following these sustainable 2020 can am maverick practices is every rider’s responsibility.
- Stay the Trail: Stick to marked and established trails. Don’t create new bypasses around obstacles, as this causes erosion and damages the local ecosystem.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Whatever you bring with you on the trail, bring it back out. This includes empty bottles, food wrappers, and any broken parts.
- Wash Responsibly: After a muddy ride, wash your machine at a car wash or on a gravel/paved surface at home. Washing on dirt or grass can introduce invasive plant species from one trail system to another.
- Proper Fluid Disposal: When you change your oil or coolant, take the used fluids to an auto parts store or local recycling center. Never dump them on the ground or down a drain. This is a core part of being an eco-friendly 2020 can am maverick owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Can-Am Maverick
What is the best oil to use in a 2020 Can-Am Maverick?
The manufacturer strongly recommends BRP’s own XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil. It was specifically formulated for the Rotax engine. If you can’t get it, a high-quality, full-synthetic 5W-40 oil from a reputable brand that is rated for turbo engines is a suitable alternative.
How often should I change the drive belt?
There’s no hard-and-fast mileage rule, as it depends heavily on your riding style. A good rule of thumb is to inspect it every 25-50 hours of use and replace it preventatively every 1,000-1,500 miles, or immediately if you see any significant wear, glazing, or damage.
Is the 2020 Can-Am Maverick reliable?
Yes, it is a very reliable machine when properly maintained. Its high-performance nature means it is less tolerant of neglect than a utility UTV. Following the maintenance schedule, especially regarding oil, air filters, and clutch care, is the key to a long and trouble-free service life.
Your 2020 Can-Am Maverick is an incredible piece of engineering, built for adventure. By investing a little time in understanding and caring for it, you ensure that every ride is as thrilling and dependable as the first. This guide gives you the foundation, but the real expertise comes from spending time with your machine in the garage and on the trail.
So grab your tools, get familiar with your rig, and prepare for your next epic ride. Stay safe, respect the trails, and have a blast out there!
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