Can Am Outlander Coolant Type - Your Definitive Guide To Engine

You’re geared up, the trail is calling, and your Can-Am Outlander is begging for mud. The last thing you want cutting your adventure short is an engine temperature warning flashing on your dash. We’ve all been there—that sinking feeling when your machine isn’t happy. It’s a common problem, and it often starts with something surprisingly simple: the fluid in your cooling system.

I promise you, by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to walk into any auto parts store or dealership with total confidence. You’ll know exactly what the correct can am outlander coolant type is, why it’s so critical, and how to service it yourself.

We’re going to dive deep into the specific BRP-recommended coolant, explore safe aftermarket alternatives, and give you a step-by-step can am outlander coolant type guide for checking, topping off, and completely flushing your system. Let’s keep that engine cool and protected.

Why the Correct Can-Am Outlander Coolant Type is Non-Negotiable

It’s easy to think “antifreeze is antifreeze,” but for a high-performance engine like the one in your Outlander, that’s a costly mistake. The coolant does far more than just prevent freezing in the winter and boiling over in the summer.

Modern ATV engines, including those from BRP, are built with a mix of metals, primarily aluminum. The right coolant contains a specific package of additives designed to prevent corrosion between these different metals. It also lubricates the water pump seals, preventing premature failure.

Using the wrong stuff can lead to a chain reaction of problems, turning a simple maintenance task into a major repair bill. This is one of the key benefits of can am outlander coolant type-specific fluid—it’s designed to protect every component it touches.

The Dangers of Using the Wrong Antifreeze

Pouring a generic, automotive coolant into your Outlander can cause serious damage. Most standard car coolants contain silicates and phosphates. While fine for older cast-iron engines, these additives are abrasive to the seals in your ATV’s water pump and can clog the small passages in your radiator.

This leads to:

Corrosion and Pitting: The wrong chemical makeup will literally eat away at the inside of your aluminum engine and radiator.
Water Pump Failure: Abrasive silicates can destroy the water pump’s mechanical seal, causing a major leak.
Overheating: Clogged radiator passages reduce cooling efficiency, causing your engine to run hot, which can lead to warped heads or catastrophic failure.
Gelling: Mixing incompatible coolant types can cause the fluid to turn into a thick, useless sludge that blocks the entire system.

A Quick Primer on Coolant Chemistry: OAT is Key

You don’t need a chemistry degree, but knowing the basics helps. Coolants are generally categorized by their corrosion inhibitor technology:

IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology): The old-school, bright green stuff. Not for your Can-Am. Contains silicates and phosphates.
OAT (Organic Acid Technology): This is the modern standard for aluminum engines. It’s silicate-free and phosphate-free. This is the technology your Outlander needs.
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): A mix of IAT and OAT. While better than IAT, it’s best to stick with a pure OAT formula for your BRP machine.

The Official BRP Coolant: What You Need to Know

The safest, most straightforward choice is to use the coolant BRP formulated for their engines. This takes all the guesswork out of the equation.

BRP recommends its BRP Premixed Antifreeze/Coolant. It’s an ethylene glycol-based, OAT formula that is silicate-free and phosphate-free. It comes pre-diluted to a 50/50 ratio with deionized water, so you just pour it in—no mixing required.

Yes, it might cost a few dollars more at the dealership, but you’re paying for the peace of mind that you’re using the exact fluid your engine was designed for. For a machine that costs thousands, skimping on a $20 bottle of coolant isn’t worth the risk.

Approved Aftermarket Alternatives: Saving Money Without Sacrificing Performance

We get it. You’re a DIYer, and you like having options. The good news is you don’t have to buy the BRP-branded bottle. You just need to be an educated shopper and know exactly what to look for on the label.

Any high-quality aftermarket coolant you choose must meet these criteria:

Ethylene Glycol-Based: This is the standard base for most high-performance coolants.
Silicate-Free: This is non-negotiable. The label must explicitly state it is silicate-free.
Phosphate-Free: Also non-negotiable. This protects aluminum components.
Designed for Powersports/Motorcycles: These formulas are made for high-revving, aluminum engines, just like your Outlander’s.

Trusted brands that offer compatible coolants include Engine Ice, Maxima Coolanol, and Zerex Asian Vehicle Antifreeze/Coolant (often red/pink, but check the specs!). Always double-check the bottle to confirm it meets all the requirements above. This is one of the most important can am outlander coolant type best practices.

To Mix or Not to Mix? The Golden Rule of Coolants

Never mix different types or colors of coolant.

Even if two different brands are OAT-based, they may use slightly different additive packages that can react poorly with each other, reducing their effectiveness or even causing gelling. If you’re switching brands or are unsure what’s currently in your system, perform a complete flush. Don’t just top it off.

How to Check and Top-Off Your Outlander’s Coolant

Checking your coolant level should be part of your regular pre-ride inspection. It’s simple and takes less than a minute. This is the foundation of any good can am outlander coolant type care guide.

Safety First: Always perform this check when the engine is completely cold. Opening a hot cooling system can cause pressurized, scalding fluid to spray out.

Park on Level Ground: This ensures an accurate reading.
Locate the Coolant Reservoir: On most Outlander models, this is a semi-transparent plastic bottle located under the front plastics or seat. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Check the Level: The reservoir will have “MIN” (or “LOW”) and “MAX” (or “FULL”) lines molded into the side. The coolant level should be between these two marks when the engine is cold.
Top-Off if Necessary: If the level is at or below the “MIN” line, slowly unscrew the reservoir cap. Using a clean funnel, add the correct pre-mixed coolant until the level reaches the “MAX” line. Do not overfill.
Replace the Cap Securely: Make sure the cap is tight to prevent leaks and maintain system pressure.

Step-by-Step Guide: Flushing Your Can-Am Outlander’s Cooling System

If it’s been a couple of years, or if you suspect the wrong coolant is in your system, a full flush is the way to go. This process will remove all the old fluid and any potential contaminants.

Tools & Materials Needed:

The correct new coolant (about 2-3 quarts)
Distilled water (for flushing)
A drain pan (at least 1-gallon capacity)
Basic socket/wrench set
Pliers for hose clamps
A clean funnel
Gloves and safety glasses

Here’s how to can am outlander coolant type change is done right:

Prep Your ATV: Ensure the engine is cold and the machine is on a level surface. Remove any plastic body panels needed to access the radiator, hoses, and engine.
Open the System: Remove the radiator cap to allow air in, which helps the system drain faster.
Drain the Old Coolant: Place your drain pan under the engine. Locate the lowest point of the cooling system, which is usually the bottom radiator hose connected to the water pump housing. Use pliers to slide the hose clamp back, then carefully twist and pull the hose off the fitting. Let all the old coolant drain completely.
Flush with Distilled Water (Recommended): Reconnect the lower hose. Fill the system with distilled water through the radiator cap opening. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes until it warms up, allowing the water to circulate. Shut it off, let it cool down, and drain the water just as you did the coolant. This removes any lingering old antifreeze.
Refill with New Coolant: Make sure the lower hose is securely reattached. Using your funnel, slowly pour the new, pre-mixed 50/50 coolant into the radiator until it’s full. Squeezing the main radiator hoses can help burp out some air bubbles as you fill.
Bleed the Air: This is the most critical step and one of the most common problems with can am outlander coolant type changes. Air trapped in the system creates hot spots and causes overheating. Many Outlanders have a bleeder screw on the thermostat housing or cylinder head. Loosen this screw slightly until a steady stream of coolant (no bubbles) comes out, then tighten it.
Final Run and Top-Off: With the radiator cap still off, start the engine. Let it run for several minutes. You’ll see the coolant level drop as the thermostat opens and air works its way out. Keep adding coolant to the radiator to keep it full. Once the bubbles stop, top it off, replace the radiator cap, and fill the overflow reservoir to the “MAX” line.
Check Your Work: Let the machine cool down completely, then re-check the level in the overflow reservoir and top off if needed. Check for any leaks around the hoses you removed.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Can-Am Outlander Coolant Type Options

For riders concerned about environmental impact, there are options. Standard ethylene glycol is toxic to animals and humans if ingested. Proper disposal is crucial.

The most common eco-friendly can am outlander coolant type is one based on propylene glycol. It is significantly less toxic and safer for pets, children, and wildlife. Brands like Sierra offer propylene glycol-based formulas. However, be aware they can be slightly less efficient at heat transfer, so they may not be the best choice for heavily modified or hard-ridden machines in very hot climates.

Regardless of what you use, always practice sustainable can am outlander coolant type disposal. Never pour old coolant on the ground or down a storm drain. It is hazardous waste. Take your used coolant in a sealed container to your local auto parts store, recycling center, or municipal hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander Coolant

Can I use regular car antifreeze in my Can-Am Outlander?

No. Most car antifreeze contains silicates and/or phosphates which will damage your ATV’s water pump seals and clog the small passages in its cooling system. You must use a silicate-free, phosphate-free OAT coolant specifically designed for powersports or aluminum engines.

What color is Can-Am Outlander coolant?

The factory BRP coolant is typically a vibrant green or blue-green. However, you should never rely on color alone to determine coolant type. Aftermarket OAT coolants can be orange, pink, red, blue, or green. Always read the specifications on the bottle, not the color of the dye.

How often should I change the coolant in my Outlander?

Always consult your owner’s manual for the specific service interval for your model year. As a general rule, BRP recommends changing the coolant every 5 years. However, if you ride in extremely harsh conditions (deep mud, high heat), changing it every 2-3 years is cheap insurance against engine damage.

What are the signs of a coolant problem?

Keep an eye out for a few key warning signs. These include the engine temperature light coming on, a sweet, syrupy smell after a ride (indicating a leak), visible green or colored drips under your machine, or consistently low levels in your overflow reservoir.

Understanding your can am outlander coolant type is fundamental to being a responsible and capable owner. It’s a simple part of your maintenance routine that pays huge dividends in engine life and reliability on the trail.

By choosing the right fluid and keeping the system full and fresh, you’re ensuring your Outlander’s heart is protected, no matter how hard you push it. Now you have the expert knowledge to do it right. Ride hard, ride smart, and stay cool out there!

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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.