2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 Seater: The Ultimate Owner’S Guide

So, you’ve got your hands on a brand new 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 seater, or you’re seriously considering pulling the trigger. You already know it’s a top-tier beast designed for serious fun, but you also know that getting the most out of a high-performance machine means understanding it inside and out, from the first mile to the thousandth.

You’ve come to the right place. At FatBoysOffroad, we live and breathe this stuff. We promise this guide will be your go-to resource, cutting through the owner’s manual fluff to give you the real-world tips, maintenance checks, and setup advice you actually need to keep your rig running strong and safe.

In this complete 2024 can am maverick 4 seater guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial break-in period, essential pre-ride checks, dialing in your suspension for any terrain, tackling common problems, and even how to be a responsible rider. Let’s get those tires dirty the right way.

First Ride Prep: Break-In & Essential Checks

That new-machine smell is intoxicating, but don’t just jump in and pin the throttle. How you treat your Maverick in its first few hours will dictate its long-term health and performance. This is where patience pays off big time.

The All-Important Break-In Period

Think of the break-in period as the engine’s first “workout.” It allows internal components like piston rings and gears to seat properly against each other, ensuring a tight seal and smooth operation for years to come. Rushing this is one of the worst things you can do.

Vary Your RPMs: For the first 10-20 hours of operation, avoid holding the throttle at a constant speed for long periods. Gently accelerate and decelerate, letting the engine work through its entire rev range without redlining it.
Avoid Heavy Loads: Don’t tow anything heavy or load the machine with four adults and a cooler full of bricks right away. Keep the load light to reduce stress on the new drivetrain components.
Mind the Belt: The CVT belt also needs a break-in period to mate with the clutch sheaves. Drive in low gear for the first few miles, especially in technical terrain, to avoid glazing the new belt.
First Service is Non-Negotiable: Can-Am recommends a first service after about 25 hours. Do not skip this. This service removes any metal shavings from the break-in process from your engine and differential oil. It’s the most important service your machine will ever have.

Your Pre-Ride Checklist (The T-CLOCS Method)

Before every single ride, get in the habit of a quick walk-around. We use a modified version of the motorcycle safety T-CLOCS inspection—it takes five minutes and can save you from a major headache on the trail.

T – Tires & Wheels: Check for proper inflation (the recommended PSI is on the tire sidewall and a vehicle placard). Look for any cuts or punctures. Grab each wheel and check for any play or looseness in the bearings.
C – Controls & Cables: Test your throttle—does it snap back cleanly? Check your brake pedal—does it feel firm, not spongy? Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to ensure smooth operation.
L – Lights & Electrics: Flip on your headlights (high and low beams), taillights, and brake lights to ensure they’re all working.
O – Oil & Fluids: This is critical. Check your engine oil level. Peek at the coolant reservoir to make sure it’s between the ‘Min’ and ‘Max’ lines. Check your brake fluid reservoir.
C – Chassis & Suspension: Glance over the frame for any obvious cracks. Look at your A-arms, trailing arms, and radius rods for any signs of damage. Check your shocks for any leaks.
S – Spares & Supplies: Do you have your toolkit, a spare belt, a tire plug kit, and a basic first-aid kit? Now is the time to check, not when you’re 20 miles from the truck.

The Heart of the Beast: A 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 Seater Care Guide

The Rotax engine and pDrive/QRS-X CVT system are marvels of engineering, but they aren’t magic. They demand consistent, simple maintenance. Following this 2024 can am maverick 4 seater care guide will ensure you have power on tap every time you hit the gas.

Engine & Fluid Fundamentals

Fluids are the lifeblood of your machine. Ignoring them is a recipe for disaster. Luckily, checking them is easy.

Use the recommended XPS brand fluids from BRP where possible. They are specifically formulated for the high-stress, high-heat environment of a Rotax engine. After the break-in service, a good rule of thumb is to change your engine oil and filter every 50-100 hours, depending on how hard you ride. If you’re frequently in mud, water, or deep dust, err on the side of caution and change it more often.

CVT Belt Health: Your Key to Reliability

The most common failure point on any UTV is the drive belt. Understanding how to 2024 can am maverick 4 seater belt systems work is key. Heat is the number one killer of belts. Here are some pro tips:

Use Low Gear: Anytime you’re driving under 15-20 mph, especially on hills or in technical terrain, use low gear. It keeps the clutches engaged properly and runs air over the belt to keep it cool.
Clean Your Clutches: After a dusty or muddy ride, use compressed air to blow out your clutch housing. Dust and debris can cause the clutches to stick, leading to premature belt wear.
Carry a Spare: Always, always, always carry a spare belt and the simple tools needed to change it. A belt change on the trail takes about 15 minutes with practice and can save your entire weekend.

Dialing It In: Suspension & Handling Best Practices

One of the primary benefits of 2024 can am maverick 4 seater models is the incredible Smart-Shox and FOX Podium suspension systems. But they don’t work their best straight from the factory for your specific needs. Learning to make small adjustments is a game-changer.

Understanding Suspension Adjustments

Most Maverick models come with 3-way adjustable shocks (preload, high-speed compression, and low-speed compression). Here’s what they do in simple terms:

Preload: This adjusts your ride height. More preload lifts the machine, less preload lowers it. This is the first thing you should set based on your typical passenger and cargo load.
Low-Speed Compression: This controls how the suspension handles slower movements, like cornering (body roll) and braking (nose dive). Stiffening it (turning the dial clockwise) reduces body roll but can make the ride harsher over small bumps.
High-Speed Compression: This controls how the suspension handles fast, sharp hits like whoops, rocks, and G-outs. Softening it (counter-clockwise) will make the ride plusher over rough terrain but can lead to bottoming out on big hits.

Our best advice? Get a feel for the stock settings first. Then, make one adjustment at a time, just a couple of clicks, and ride the same section of trail to feel the difference. Keep a small notebook to track your changes.

Common Problems with 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 Seater Models (And Solutions)

No machine is perfect. While the Maverick is incredibly reliable, there are a few common gremlins that can pop up. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of frustration.

Overheating

The Maverick’s rear-mounted radiator can get clogged with mud and debris, causing the engine to run hot.

Solution: After every muddy ride, take the time to thoroughly wash the radiator fins from the back side forward. A simple garden hose nozzle works best; a pressure washer can bend the delicate fins.

Electrical Gremlins

With complex wiring for things like Smart-Lok and Smart-Shox, connections can sometimes work loose.

Solution: Periodically check that your battery terminals are tight. If you add accessories like a light bar or winch, use a dedicated power bus bar and properly sealed connectors to avoid taxing the stock system.

Suspension Noises

Squeaks and creaks are common, especially after a wash or in dusty conditions.

Solution: This is usually just dry bushings. You can use a dry silicone lubricant spray on your A-arm and trailing arm bushings to quiet them down. If you hear a clunking sound, it’s time to inspect your ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings for wear. When in doubt, have a professional mechanic diagnose suspension noises.

Eco-Friendly Off-Roading: Sustainable Practices for Your Maverick

Part of being a good rider is being a good steward of the trails we love. A sustainable 2024 can am maverick 4 seater experience is about minimizing your impact so these areas remain open for generations to come. It’s easier than you think.

Tread Lightly! Principles

The Tread Lightly! organization has a fantastic set of principles that every off-roader should live by. The core ideas are:

Travel Responsibly: Stay on designated trails. Don’t create new bypasses around obstacles. If a trail is too difficult, turn around.
Respect the Rights of Others: Yield to hikers and equestrians. Slow down and keep dust to a minimum when passing camps or other people.
Educate Yourself: Know the local rules and regulations before you go. Obtain travel maps and respect trail closures.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Stay out of meadows, streams, and wildlife habitats. Cross streams only at designated fording points.
Do Your Part: Pack out what you pack in. Better yet, pack out a little more than you brought. A truly eco-friendly 2024 can am maverick 4 seater owner leaves the trail better than they found it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 Seater

What is the top speed of a 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 seater?

Most Maverick models are electronically limited from the factory, typically to around 80-85 mph for safety and compliance reasons. The turbocharged Rotax engines are capable of much more, but exceeding the factory limiter requires an ECU tune, which may void your warranty.

What fuel type should I use in my Maverick?

For all turbocharged Maverick models (like the X3), you should always use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower octane fuel can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potential long-term damage.

How often should I check my air filter?

This is one of the most important 2024 can am maverick 4 seater tips we can give. Your air filter is the only thing protecting your engine from dust. Check it before every ride. If you ride in a group and aren’t leading, you’ll need to clean it far more often. Tap it out to clean it, and replace it when it’s visibly dirty or damaged.

Owning a 2024 Can-Am Maverick 4 seater is an investment in adventure. By taking the time to understand your machine, perform basic maintenance, and respect the trails, you’re ensuring that investment pays dividends in fun and reliability for years to come. Now you have the knowledge—get out there, stay safe, and have a blast!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.