You’re miles from the trailhead, climbing a steep, rocky incline, and the last thing you want to see is that dreaded temperature light flashing on your dash. We’ve all been there. That moment of panic when you wonder if your Can-Am Outlander 800 is about to overheat and leave you stranded.
You agree that keeping your machine’s engine cool is critical, but navigating the wall of coolant options at the auto parts store can be confusing and downright intimidating. Choosing the wrong one isn’t just a mistake; it can lead to corrosion, water pump failure, and catastrophic engine damage.
I promise this guide will completely demystify the process. We’re going to break down exactly what the correct can am outlander 800 coolant type is, why it matters so much, and what your safe options are—from OEM fluids to trusted aftermarket alternatives. You’ll walk away knowing how to protect your investment and keep your Outlander running strong on the toughest trails.
We’ll cover the official BRP recommendation, explain the difference between coolant technologies, provide a step-by-step guide for checking your fluid, and highlight common problems to avoid. Let’s dive in and make sure your next ride is a cool one.
Why the Right Coolant Type is Non-Negotiable for Your Outlander 800
Think of coolant as more than just green or orange liquid. It’s the lifeblood of your ATV’s cooling system, and its job is far more complex than simply transferring heat away from the engine.
Modern engines, like the powerful Rotax V-twin in your Outlander 800, are built with a mix of materials, primarily aluminum, along with various plastics, rubbers, and gasket materials. The right coolant contains a specific package of chemical inhibitors designed to protect all of these components.
Here are the crucial benefits of can am outlander 800 coolant type-specific formulas:
- Corrosion Prevention: The wrong additives can react with aluminum surfaces, causing corrosion that clogs the small passages in your radiator and engine block. This is like hardening of the arteries for your ATV.
- Water Pump Lubrication: Coolant lubricates the seals inside your water pump. An incorrect formula can cause these seals to degrade, leading to leaks and pump failure.
- Cavitation Protection: As the water pump impeller spins at high RPMs, it can create tiny air bubbles that collapse with incredible force. This phenomenon, called cavitation, can eat away at metal components over time. The right coolant helps prevent this.
- Boil-Over and Freeze Protection: Of course, it also raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of the water in the system, protecting your engine in every season.
Using a generic, old-school coolant in your high-performance Can-Am is a recipe for disaster. It’s a shortcut that can lead to some of the most expensive repairs you’ll ever face.
The Official BRP Recommendation: What Can-Am Says to Use
When in doubt, always start with the manufacturer. For your Outlander 800, Can-Am has a very specific recommendation designed to guarantee the health and longevity of your Rotax engine.
The official fluid is the BRP XPS Premixed Antifreeze/Coolant. This is an ethylene glycol-based coolant specifically formulated for BRP vehicles.
The most important takeaway from this can am outlander 800 coolant type guide is understanding why this coolant is recommended. The BRP XPS formula is:
- Silicate-Free: Silicates are older-style corrosion inhibitors that can be abrasive to modern water pump seals. They can also drop out of the solution and form a sludge-like gel, especially in a system that isn’t perfectly maintained.
- Phosphate-Free: Phosphates can react with the minerals found in hard water, creating scale deposits that reduce cooling efficiency. This is why you must only use distilled water if you ever mix your own coolant from a concentrate.
Using the OEM BRP fluid is the simplest, most foolproof way to ensure you’re putting the right stuff in your machine. It takes all the guesswork out of the equation and is your best bet for maintaining your warranty.
Decoding Coolant Types: OAT, HOAT, and Why It Matters
To confidently choose an aftermarket alternative or simply understand your machine better, you need to know the language of coolants. The key difference lies in the “additive technology” used for corrosion protection.
IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): The Old Green Stuff
This is the traditional, bright green antifreeze many of us grew up with. It uses silicates and phosphates for fast-acting corrosion protection. While effective, these additives deplete quickly, requiring coolant changes every two years or 24,000 miles.
Do NOT use IAT coolant in your Can-Am Outlander 800. Its silicate content is harmful to the water pump seals and isn’t designed for modern aluminum engines.
OAT (Organic Acid Technology): The Modern Standard
OAT coolants are the long-life formulas you see today, famous for their 5-year/150,000-mile service intervals. They use organic acids as corrosion inhibitors, which work by forming a thin protective layer only where needed. This technology is much more stable and protective for aluminum components.
The BRP XPS fluid is an OAT-based coolant. General Motors’ Dex-Cool is the most well-known example of an OAT coolant, typically orange or red.
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): A Mix of Both
HOAT coolants, as the name implies, use a mix of OAT and a small amount of silicates (in the case of European formulas) or phosphates (in Asian formulas) to get the best of both worlds: the fast-acting protection of IAT with the longevity of OAT. You’ll see these in various colors like yellow, pink, or blue.
Safe Aftermarket Alternatives for Your Can-Am Outlander 800
While the BRP XPS coolant is the gold standard, it might not always be readily available. The good news is that there are excellent, safe aftermarket options, as long as you know exactly what to look for.
Your non-negotiable checklist for an alternative can am outlander 800 coolant type is:
- Must be silicate-free.
- Must be phosphate-free.
- Must be safe for aluminum engines and radiators.
Here are a few widely available coolants that meet these criteria and are considered safe for the Outlander 800. Always double-check the label on the bottle before you buy!
- Prestone Prime All Makes All Models (Yellow Bottle): This is a very common OAT-based coolant designed to be compatible with any vehicle. It’s silicate and phosphate-free.
- Peak Long Life Antifreeze & Coolant (Gold Bottle): Another excellent OAT formula that meets the requirements for your Can-Am.
- Zerex Asian Vehicle Antifreeze/Coolant (Red/Pink Bottle): While marketed for Asian cars, this is a phosphate-free, silicate-free HOAT formula that is perfectly safe and effective for your Outlander.
A critical best practice: NEVER mix different coolant types or colors. If you are switching from the factory green/yellow BRP fluid to a red or orange aftermarket OAT, you must perform a complete system flush. Mixing chemistries can cause the inhibitors to fall out of solution, creating a thick gel that will clog your entire cooling system.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check and Top-Off Your Coolant
Regularly checking your coolant is a fundamental part of your pre-ride inspection. This simple can am outlander 800 coolant type care guide will show you how to do it safely.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Before you start, make sure your ATV is on level ground. Most importantly, NEVER attempt to open the radiator cap when the engine is hot or even warm. The system is pressurized, and opening the cap can release a spray of dangerously hot coolant.
Locating the Coolant Reservoir
On most Outlander 800 models, the coolant overflow reservoir is a semi-transparent plastic bottle located under the front storage rack or side panel. You don’t need to open the radiator cap for a routine level check; this reservoir tells you everything you need to know.
Reading the Level and Topping Off
- Look at the side of the reservoir bottle. You will see two marks: MIN (or LOW) and MAX (or FULL).
- When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be between these two marks. It’s normal for the level to rise slightly when the engine is hot.
- If the level is at or below the MIN mark, you need to add coolant.
- Unscrew the cap on the reservoir bottle (not the radiator cap) and slowly pour in a 50/50 premixed coolant that matches what’s already in your system.
- Add coolant until the level reaches the MAX line. Do not overfill.
- Replace the reservoir cap securely.
Following this simple process is one of the easiest ways to prevent overheating on the trail.
Common Problems & Mistakes to Avoid with Your Cooling System
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are some of the most common problems with can am outlander 800 coolant type selection and maintenance.
The Dangers of Mixing Coolant Types
We mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Mixing an OAT coolant (like Dex-Cool) with an old-school IAT green coolant can create a thick, brown sludge. This goo will restrict flow, cause overheating, and require a time-consuming and expensive flush to fix.
Using Straight Water in an Emergency
If you’re stuck on a trail with a leak and need to get back, adding plain water is better than running the engine dry. However, this should be a temporary fix only. Water alone has no corrosion inhibitors, and tap water contains minerals that create scale. As soon as you get home, drain the system and refill it with the proper 50/50 mix.
Ignoring a Low Coolant Level
If you constantly have to top off your coolant reservoir, you have a leak. Don’t ignore it. Check hoses for cracks, clamps for tightness, and the water pump’s “weep hole” for any signs of dripping. A small leak can quickly become a big problem far from home.
Considering Eco-Friendly Coolant Options
For riders concerned about environmental impact, there are sustainable can am outlander 800 coolant type options available. Most standard coolants are ethylene glycol-based, which is highly toxic if ingested by pets or wildlife.
An eco-friendly can am outlander 800 coolant type alternative is one based on propylene glycol. These coolants are significantly less toxic and more biodegradable. Brands like Sierra offer propylene glycol-based formulas.
However, be aware that these may have slightly different heat transfer properties and may not be officially endorsed by BRP. If you choose this route, ensure the formula is still silicate and phosphate-free and designed for aluminum engines. A full system flush is absolutely mandatory before switching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander 800 Coolant
Can I use regular car coolant in my Outlander 800?
Yes, you can, but only if it meets the specific requirements. It must be a modern OAT or HOAT formula that is explicitly labeled as silicate-free and phosphate-free. A product like Prestone All Makes All Models is a safe choice.
What color is the factory Can-Am coolant?
The factory BRP XPS coolant is typically a light greenish-yellow. However, you should never rely on color alone to identify a coolant’s chemistry. Always read the label on the bottle.
How often should I change my Outlander’s coolant?
You should always consult your owner’s manual for the specific service interval. As a general rule, most OAT-based coolants in powersports applications should be completely flushed and replaced every 3 to 5 years, regardless of mileage.
What’s the difference between coolant concentrate and 50/50 premix?
Concentrate is pure antifreeze that must be mixed with water before use. A 50/50 premix is ready to pour directly into your system. If you buy concentrate, you must mix it with distilled water, not tap water, to avoid mineral buildup in your cooling system.
Choosing the right can am outlander 800 coolant type isn’t just routine maintenance; it’s one of the most important things you can do to ensure your machine is ready for any adventure. By sticking with a silicate-free, phosphate-free formula like the BRP XPS fluid or a compatible aftermarket option, you’re protecting your engine from the inside out.
Check your coolant level before every ride, address leaks promptly, and never mix different types. Now you have the expert knowledge to keep your cooling system in top shape. Stay safe, ride hard, and we’ll see you on the trails!
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