Can Am Commander Antifreeze – The Definitive Guide To Coolant Types

Ever been halfway up a rocky incline, glanced down at your temp gauge, and felt that knot of dread as the needle creeps into the red? Or maybe you’ve stood in an auto parts store, staring at a wall of colorful jugs, wondering which one won’t turn your Commander’s cooling system into a sludgy mess. You’re not alone.

Your Can-Am Commander is a high-performance machine, and its engine generates a massive amount of heat. Getting the cooling system right isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the key to engine longevity and reliable performance on the trail.

This is your complete can am commander antifreeze guide. We promise to cut through the confusion and give you the confidence to service your cooling system like a seasoned pro. We’ll cover exactly what type of coolant to use, provide a step-by-step guide on how to flush and fill the system, and show you how to troubleshoot common problems. Let’s keep that engine cool and protected.

Why the Right Coolant is More Than Just “Antifreeze”

Most riders hear “antifreeze” and think only about preventing their engine block from cracking in a deep freeze. While that’s a critical job, the fluid in your radiator is doing so much more, especially in a hard-working UTV.

Think of it as your engine’s lifeblood. Its three primary jobs are:

Boil-Over Protection: A 50/50 mix of coolant and water has a much higher boiling point than water alone. This is crucial when you’re in low gear, high RPMs, crawling over obstacles with limited airflow. It prevents the liquid from turning to steam, which can’t transfer heat effectively.
Freeze Protection: This is the classic job. The ethylene glycol in antifreeze prevents the water in the system from freezing, expanding, and cracking your engine block, radiator, or hoses.
Corrosion Prevention: This is the most overlooked and arguably most important job. Modern engines, like the one in your Commander, use a mix of metals—aluminum, steel, copper, and various alloys. The additive package in your coolant creates a protective barrier on these surfaces, preventing rust, scale, and electrolysis that can clog passages and destroy your water pump.

Using the wrong fluid can strip away this protection, leading to costly and catastrophic engine damage. That’s why choosing the correct can am commander antifreeze isn’t just maintenance—it’s insurance.

Choosing the Best Can Am Commander Antifreeze: BRP vs. Aftermarket

This is where most people get tripped up. The color of the coolant is not a reliable indicator of its type. It’s all about the chemical composition inside. Here’s what you need to know.

The Factory Fill: BRP’s Recommended Coolant

Can-Am, like many modern powersports manufacturers, specifies a very particular type of coolant for its machines. Your Commander left the factory with a Phosphate-enhanced Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant.

This formula is designed to be long-lasting and provide superior protection for the specific metals in your Rotax engine, especially the aluminum components. The safest, most foolproof option is to always use the official BRP XPS Premixed Antifreeze/Coolant. It’s pre-mixed, so there’s no measuring, and it’s guaranteed to be the right stuff.

Safe Aftermarket Alternatives

If you can’t get the BRP fluid, you can use an aftermarket coolant, but you must be careful. You need to find a coolant that is also a silicate-free, P-OAT formula. These are often marketed for Asian vehicles (like Toyota or Honda) and are typically pink or blue.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never use conventional green IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) coolant or the common orange Dex-Cool (OAT) coolant found in many GM vehicles. Mixing these chemistries with the P-OAT in your system can cause the additives to “fall out” of the solution, creating a thick, destructive gel that will clog your radiator and cooling passages.

Pre-Mixed vs. Concentrate: What’s the Difference?

You’ll see coolant sold in two forms:

Pre-Mixed (50/50): This is ready to pour. It’s a perfect 50/50 blend of antifreeze and deionized water. It’s convenient and removes any chance of mixing errors.
Concentrate (100%): This is pure antifreeze that you must mix yourself. While more economical, it comes with a critical rule: you must mix it with distilled water only. Never use tap water, as its minerals will cause scale buildup and corrosion inside your engine.

For most DIYers, we recommend sticking with a pre-mixed 50/50 solution to eliminate any variables. This is one of the most important can am commander antifreeze tips we can offer.

How to Change Your Can Am Commander Antifreeze: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? Performing a coolant flush is a straightforward job that you can do in your garage with basic tools. This is the definitive guide on how to can am commander antifreeze service correctly.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

The correct P-OAT Antifreeze/Coolant (at least 1 gallon)
A large drain pan (at least 1-gallon capacity)
A funnel (a spill-free funnel kit is a great investment)
Basic socket and wrench set
Pliers for hose clamps
Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
Clean rags or paper towels

Pre-Flush Prep: Safety First!

Before you loosen a single bolt, make sure the engine is stone cold. A hot cooling system is under pressure, and opening it can spray scalding coolant, causing severe burns. Park your Commander on a level surface to ensure the system drains and fills completely.

The Draining Process

Relieve Pressure: Slowly remove the radiator cap. You might hear a slight hiss, which is normal. This allows air to enter as the coolant drains.
Position Your Pan: Slide your drain pan under the engine, near the water pump housing (usually on the passenger side of the engine).
Drain the Coolant: Locate the drain bolt on the water pump housing. It’s often a small bolt with a copper washer. Loosen and remove it, allowing the old coolant to drain into the pan. You can also drain from the lower radiator hose, but the bolt is often cleaner.

Flushing the System (Optional but Recommended)

If your old coolant looks rusty or you’re switching brands (even if compatible), it’s a good idea to flush the system. Simply reinstall the drain plug, fill the system with distilled water, run the engine for a few minutes until it warms up, let it cool completely, and then drain the water out. This removes any old coolant and sediment.

Refilling and Bleeding the Air Out

This is the most critical stage. Trapped air pockets will cause overheating, even with fresh coolant. This is a core part of any good can am commander antifreeze care guide.

Close it Up: Reinstall the drain bolt with its washer. Don’t overtighten it.
Locate the Bleeder: Find the air bleed screw. On most Commanders, it’s a small screw located on top of the thermostat housing, near the highest point of the cooling system.
Start Filling: Loosen the bleed screw a few turns. Using your funnel, slowly pour the new 50/50 coolant mix into the radiator.
Watch the Bleeder: As you fill, air will hiss out of the bleed screw. Keep pouring until a steady stream of bubble-free coolant comes out. Tighten the bleed screw snugly.
Initial Run: Top off the radiator and leave the cap off. Start the engine and let it idle. As it warms up and the thermostat opens, the coolant level will drop. Add more coolant to keep it full.
Purge the Air: Gently squeeze the upper radiator hose to help “burp” any remaining air pockets to the radiator neck. You may see a few bubbles.
Final Top-Off: Once the engine is at operating temperature and the level in the radiator is stable, install the radiator cap. Fill the overflow reservoir bottle to the “FULL COLD” line.
Check Your Work: Take the Commander for a short, easy ride. Let it cool down completely, then re-check the coolant level in the overflow bottle and top it off if necessary.

Common Problems with Can Am Commander Antifreeze and How to Fix Them

Even with a careful job, issues can pop up. Here are some of the most common problems with can am commander antifreeze systems and what to do about them.

Overheating After a Coolant Change

If your temp gauge shoots up after a service, it’s almost certainly an air pocket trapped in the system. Let the machine cool down completely, then repeat the bleeding procedure. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get all the air out.

Milky or Brown Coolant

If your coolant looks like a chocolate milkshake, you likely have oil mixing with it. This is a sign of a potential head gasket failure. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from a qualified mechanic.

If it’s brown and rusty, you’ve either used the wrong type of coolant or tap water, causing internal corrosion. You’ll need to perform a very thorough flush and refill with the correct P-OAT fluid.

Constantly Low Coolant Level

If you’re always topping off the reservoir, you have a leak. Carefully inspect all hoses and clamps, the radiator for any damage or wet spots, and the water pump’s “weep hole.” A slow drip from the weep hole means the internal seal is failing and the pump needs to be replaced.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Can Am Commander Antifreeze Disposal

One of the most important can am commander antifreeze best practices is responsible disposal. Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic to pets, wildlife, and the environment. Its sweet taste is attractive to animals, but even a small amount can be fatal.

NEVER pour used antifreeze down a storm drain, toilet, or onto the ground. It can contaminate groundwater and harm aquatic life.

The correct method for eco-friendly can am commander antifreeze disposal is to pour the used fluid from your drain pan into a clearly labeled, sealed container (like the empty jug from your new coolant). Most auto parts stores, county recycling centers, and quick lube shops will accept used antifreeze for recycling free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Antifreeze

What color antifreeze does a Can-Am Commander use?

The factory BRP coolant is often a yellowish-green. However, compatible aftermarket P-OAT coolants can be pink or blue. The most important factor is the chemical type (P-OAT), not the color. Always check the label for “silicate-free P-OAT” specifications.

Can I just top off my Commander’s coolant with water?

In a trail-side emergency to get you home, topping off with a small amount of distilled water is acceptable. However, this dilutes your boil-over and freeze protection. As soon as you get back, you should properly drain and refill the system with a 50/50 mix.

How much coolant does a Can-Am Commander hold?

The total capacity varies by model and year but is typically between 2.5 and 3.5 quarts (2.4 – 3.3 liters). It’s always a good idea to buy a full gallon jug to ensure you have enough for the fill and for any future top-offs.

Properly maintaining your Commander’s cooling system is one of the best things you can do to ensure a long, trouble-free life for your machine. It might seem like a small detail, but understanding the benefits of can am commander antifreeze and how to service it correctly pays huge dividends in reliability and peace of mind.

Now you have the knowledge and the steps to do it right. Take your time, be safe, and get it done. Keep your Commander running cool, and we’ll see you on the trails!

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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.