There’s nothing quite like the feeling of firing up a can am side by side, knowing a day of mud, rocks, and pure adventure awaits. The sound of that Rotax engine is a call to the wild, a promise of exploration and adrenaline that few other machines can deliver.
But to keep that machine running strong and ensure every ride is a safe one, you need more than just a key and a full tank. We promise to give you the insider knowledge—the real-world tips and checks—that turn a good owner into a great one, saving you money on shop bills and preventing a long walk back to the truck.
In this complete can am side by side guide, we’ll cover everything from crucial pre-ride checks and essential maintenance to identifying common problems before they sideline you. We’ll also dive into smart upgrades and best practices for responsible riding, making you a more confident and capable operator.
Why Choose a Can-Am Side by Side? Unpacking the Key Benefits
If you’re in the market or just want to reaffirm your excellent choice, it’s worth knowing what sets these machines apart. The benefits of can am side by side vehicles go far beyond just getting from point A to point B on the trail.
First and foremost is performance. BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), Can-Am’s parent company, is known for its powerful and reliable Rotax engines. Whether it’s the punchy Maverick X3 or the workhorse Defender, you’re getting a powerplant engineered for serious torque and exhilarating speed.
Next up is innovation in suspension. Can-Am’s Smart-Shox technology, available on top-tier models, offers semi-active suspension that adjusts damping in real-time. For the rider, this means an incredibly smooth ride over brutal terrain and unparalleled stability when cornering hard. It’s a game-changer for both comfort and control.
Finally, there’s versatility. Can-Am offers a massive lineup tailored to specific needs:
- Maverick: Pure sport performance for dunes, deserts, and high-speed trails.
- Commander: The perfect blend of sport and utility, capable of hauling gear and having fun.
- Defender: A utility-focused beast built for work on the farm, ranch, or job site.
- Outlander / Renegade (ATVs): While not side-by-sides, they share the same DNA of performance and reliability for single riders.
The Pre-Ride Ritual: Your Essential 5-Minute Safety Check
The most important ride is the one you come home from safely. Before you even turn the key, every single time, you need to perform a quick walk-around. This simple habit can catch a small issue before it becomes a catastrophic failure on the trail.
We call this the “T-CLOCS” check, a term borrowed from motorcycle safety that works perfectly here.
- T – Tires & Wheels: Check your tire pressure with a reliable low-pressure tire gauge. Look for any cuts, punctures, or embedded objects. Grab each wheel and check for any play or looseness, which could indicate a bad wheel bearing or loose lug nuts.
- C – Controls & Cables: Test your steering—is it smooth from lock to lock? Check the throttle for smooth operation and ensure it snaps back cleanly. Squeeze the brake pedal; it should feel firm, not spongy.
- L – Lights & Electrics: Turn the key to “On” and test your headlights (high and low beams), taillights, and brake lights. A flickering light could signal a loose connection you can fix now instead of on a dark trail.
- O – Oil & Fluids: This is non-negotiable. Check your engine oil level. While you’re there, glance at the coolant reservoir and brake fluid level. Low fluids are a major red flag.
- C – Chassis & Suspension: Do a quick visual inspection of your A-arms, trailing arms, and radius rods. Look for any bent tubes, cracked welds, or leaking shocks. Check your CV boots for tears, as a torn boot will quickly lead to a failed axle.
- S – Stands (or in our case, Stuff): Make sure any cargo in the bed is securely strapped down. Check that your winch hook is secured and your spare tire is properly mounted.
This whole process takes less than five minutes and is one of the most crucial can am side by side tips we can offer.
DIY Maintenance Essentials: The Can-Am Side by Side Care Guide
Following a solid maintenance schedule is the key to longevity. Your owner’s manual is your bible, but here’s a breakdown of the most common tasks you can—and should—tackle yourself. Learning how to can am side by side maintenance works will make you a better, more prepared owner.
Engine Oil and Filter Change
This is the lifeblood of your machine. Use the specific oil recommended by BRP, typically an XPS 4-stroke synthetic oil. Don’t cheap out here.
You’ll need a drain pan, the correct socket for the drain plug, a filter wrench, a new filter, and fresh oil. Always warm up the engine for a few minutes to help the oil drain completely. Remember to replace the crush washer on the drain plug and never over-tighten it. A torque wrench is your best friend.
Air Filter Cleaning and Replacement
Your Can-Am breathes in a lot of dust. A clogged air filter robs power and can lead to engine damage. After every dusty ride, pull your air filter and inspect it.
For foam filters, wash them with a dedicated filter cleaner and warm water, let them dry completely, and then re-oil them with foam filter oil. For paper filters, tap them gently to dislodge loose dust or use compressed air from the inside out. If it’s caked in dirt, just replace it. They’re cheap insurance.
CVT Belt Inspection
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt is a critical wear item. A blown belt on the trail is a massive headache. Periodically, remove the CVT cover and inspect the belt for glazing, cracks, or missing cogs.
Check your belt deflection (the amount of slack) and make sure it’s within spec. A great pro tip is to always carry a spare belt and the necessary CVT belt change tool in your rig’s toolkit. It can turn a trip-ending failure into a 20-minute trailside fix.
Troubleshooting 101: Diagnosing Common Problems with Can-Am Side by Sides
Even with perfect maintenance, things can go wrong. Knowing how to diagnose common problems with can am side by side machines can save your trip. Here are a few frequent culprits.
Won’t Start? Check These First.
If you turn the key and get nothing, or just a click, start simple. Is the machine in Park or Neutral? Is your foot on the brake? These simple safety interlocks get overlooked more than you’d think.
If that’s not it, check your battery terminals for a tight, clean connection. A loose or corroded terminal is a common no-start cause. If the terminals are good, check the battery voltage with a multimeter; you should see over 12.4 volts.
Identifying Strange Noises
Your machine will talk to you; you just need to learn its language.
- Clicking while turning: This is the classic sign of a failing CV joint in one of your axles.
- Squealing or chirping at idle: Often points to a worn CVT belt or a bad bearing in one of the clutches.
- Grinding or roaring that changes with speed: This is a strong indicator of a bad wheel bearing.
Overheating on the Trail
If your temp gauge starts climbing, pull over immediately. The first thing to check is your radiator. Is it caked with mud? A clogged radiator can’t dissipate heat.
Never open a hot radiator cap. Let the machine cool down completely. Once cool, check your coolant level in the overflow bottle. If the radiator is clean and the coolant is full, the issue could be a stuck thermostat or a failing water pump, which may require a trip to the shop.
Smarter Riding: Can-Am Side by Side Best Practices for the Trail
Being a true enthusiast means respecting the machine, the environment, and other riders. Following these can am side by side best practices ensures the trails stay open and beautiful for years to come.
Tread Lightly: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Off-Roading
The goal of sustainable can am side by side riding is to leave the trail better than you found it. Stay on designated routes—never blaze your own trail. This prevents erosion and protects fragile ecosystems.
Cross streams only at designated crossings and avoid spinning your tires, which tears up the trail bed. An eco-friendly can am side by side approach also means ensuring your machine isn’t leaking any fluids and packing out everything you pack in.
Mastering Different Terrains
Adjust your driving to the terrain. On rocky sections, slow down, pick your line carefully, and use low gear to crawl. In mud, maintain steady momentum but avoid excessive wheel spin. When climbing hills, keep your weight forward and be prepared for what’s over the crest.
Essential Safety Gear
Your Can-Am has a roll cage, but that’s not enough. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. A good pair of gloves will prevent blisters and improve your grip on the wheel. Securely buckle your seatbelt or harness every single time you sit in the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can-Am Side by Side
How often should I change the oil in my Can-Am?
This depends heavily on your riding style and conditions. The owner’s manual provides a baseline, but a good rule of thumb for aggressive or dusty riding is every 25-50 hours of use or at least once a year, whichever comes first. Frequent oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for your engine.
What is the break-in period for a new Can-Am?
The initial break-in period is critical. For the first 10-20 hours, you should vary your speed and avoid prolonged full-throttle operation and heavy towing. This allows the piston rings to seat properly and ensures a long, healthy engine life. Your dealer will perform the first service after this period to change all initial fluids.
Can I make my Can-Am street legal?
This varies wildly by state and local jurisdiction. Some states allow for side-by-sides to be registered for road use if they are equipped with specific items like a horn, turn signals, mirrors, a windshield, and a license plate bracket. Always check your local DMV regulations before attempting to drive on public roads.
Owning a Can-Am is about more than just the machine; it’s about the freedom, the community, and the adventures it unlocks. By understanding how your rig works and treating it with respect, you’re not just maintaining a vehicle—you’re investing in countless future memories on the trail.
Get your hands dirty, learn the basics, and never stop exploring. Stay safe out there, and happy riding!
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