Your Can-Am Traxter is more than just a UTV; it’s a workhorse, a trail partner, and your ticket to adventure. But even the toughest machines on the trail need consistent care to stay reliable. It’s easy to let maintenance slide when you’re busy hauling, towing, or just having fun, but that’s a shortcut to expensive problems down the road.
We get it. You want to spend more time driving and less time wrenching. That’s why we’re promising to make this process simple for you.
This guide is your complete roadmap. We’ll break down the official Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule into easy-to-understand steps. You’ll learn exactly what to do, when to do it, and what tools and kits you’ll need to keep your rig running like new for years to come.
Why Sticking to Your Traxter’s Maintenance Schedule is Non-Negotiable
Think of your Traxter’s maintenance schedule as a health plan for your machine. Skipping a check-up might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to serious issues. Following the schedule isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about investing in your machine’s future.
The benefits of Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule adherence are huge. First and foremost is reliability. You don’t want to be stranded miles from anywhere because of a preventable failure. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become big, expensive ones.
Proper care also ensures peak performance and longevity. Clean fluids, a fresh air filter, and a healthy CVT system mean your engine delivers the power you expect, every time. Plus, a well-maintained machine with a documented service history will always have a higher resale value. It’s a win-win.
Decoding the Can-Am Traxter Service Intervals: When to Do What
Can-Am lays out its maintenance schedule based on operating hours or mileage, whichever comes first. For most off-roaders, hours are the more accurate measure of use. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what your Traxter needs and when.
The Critical First Break-In Service (After 10 Hours or 150 Miles)
If you only ever have a dealer perform one service, make it this one. The first 10 hours of operation are when the engine and drivetrain components are seating and wearing in together. This process creates tiny metal particles that get suspended in your oil and gear fluids.
This service is all about flushing out those initial contaminants. It includes:
- Changing the engine oil and filter.
- Changing the gearbox (transmission) fluid.
- Changing the front and rear differential fluids.
- A thorough inspection of all critical fasteners to ensure they are torqued to spec.
- Checking brake fluid, coolant levels, and tire pressures.
Seriously, do not skip this service. It sets the stage for a long and healthy life for your machine’s most expensive components.
Routine Service Intervals (Every 100 Hours or 1,200 Miles)
This is your regular check-up, the foundation of your Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule care guide. It’s designed to handle the most common wear-and-tear items.
- Engine Oil and Filter Change: The lifeblood of your engine. Fresh oil keeps everything lubricated, clean, and cool.
- Air Filter Inspection: Inspect and clean or replace your air filter. In very dusty conditions, you should be checking this before every ride.
- CVT System Check: Inspect the CVT belt for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear. Check the CVT air inlet and outlet for blockages.
- General Inspection: Look over brake pads, check tire condition and pressure, and inspect suspension components and boots for damage.
Major Service Intervals (Every 200 Hours or 2,400 Miles)
Every other routine service, you’ll need to go a bit deeper. This major service includes everything from the 100-hour interval, plus a few more intensive tasks.
- Replace Gearbox and Differential Fluids: Just like the engine oil, these fluids break down over time.
- Replace Spark Plugs: Ensures strong ignition and efficient fuel burn.
- Inspect Valve Clearance: This is a more advanced task. If you’re not comfortable with feeler gauges and engine internals, this is a good one to leave to a trusted technician. Incorrect valve clearance can lead to poor performance or serious engine damage.
- Coolant Flush: While you should always be checking the level, a full flush is recommended to maintain the cooling system’s integrity.
Your Essential Toolkit: What’s Inside a Can-Am Traxter Service Kit?
One of the best ways to simplify maintenance is to use a pre-packaged service kit. BRP and many aftermarket companies offer kits that bundle everything you need for a specific job. This eliminates guesswork and ensures you have the right parts on hand.
A typical oil change kit for a Can-Am Traxter will include:
- The correct amount and type of XPS Engine Oil.
- A genuine BRP oil filter.
- A new O-ring for the filter cover.
- A new drain plug sealing washer (crush washer).
Using a kit is a fantastic best practice. You get factory-spec fluids and parts designed to work together, which is crucial for both performance and maintaining your warranty. You can also find similar kits for differential and gearbox fluid changes.
How to Tackle Key Maintenance Tasks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s a look at how to Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule tasks can be done in your own garage. We’ll cover the most common job: the engine oil change.
Performing a Basic Oil and Filter Change
This is a job any DIYer can handle with basic tools and a little patience. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific torque specs and fluid capacities.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a ratchet, the correct size sockets (for the drain plug and filter cover), a torque wrench, an oil drain pan, funnel, and your oil change kit.
- Warm Up the Engine: Let the Traxter run for a few minutes. Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants with it.
- Drain the Old Oil: Place the drain pan under the engine, locate the drain plug, and carefully remove it. Be ready for the hot oil to flow out.
- Replace the Filter: While the oil drains, remove the oil filter cover. Pull out the old filter, clean the housing, and install the new filter and O-ring from your kit.
- Reinstall and Torque: Once the oil has stopped dripping, clean the drain plug area and install the plug with the new sealing washer. Use your torque wrench to tighten it to the factory specification. Do not over-tighten!
- Add New Oil: Using a funnel, add the correct amount of new XPS oil specified in your manual.
- Final Check: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to circulate the new oil. Shut it off, wait a minute, and then check the oil level on the dipstick, adding more if necessary. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and filter cover.
Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid with Your Maintenance Schedule
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Here are some of the most common problems with Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule that we see at the shop.
Using the Wrong Fluids
Your Traxter’s engine, gearbox, and differentials all require specific types of fluid. Using generic automotive oil or the wrong gear lube can cause clutch slippage, poor lubrication, and premature failure. Stick with BRP’s XPS fluids or an equivalent that explicitly meets Can-Am specifications.
Over-Tightening Bolts
More is not better when it comes to torque. Over-tightening a drain plug or filter bolt can strip the threads in the aluminum engine case, leading to a very costly repair. A torque wrench is a DIY mechanic’s best friend—buy one and learn how to use it.
Neglecting the Air Filter
The air filter is your engine’s only line of defense against dust and dirt. A clogged filter chokes the engine of air, robbing it of power and efficiency. A torn or improperly seated filter lets dirt directly into your engine, which is catastrophic. Check it often!
Eco-Friendly Maintenance: Best Practices for the Responsible Rider
Being an off-roader means respecting the environment we love to ride in. A sustainable Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule is easy to practice.
Never dump used oil, coolant, or other fluids on the ground or down a drain. Collect all used fluids in a sealed container. Most auto parts stores and local recycling centers will accept used motor oil for free.
Use a large drain pan and lay down cardboard to catch any drips or spills, protecting your garage floor and the ground underneath. When cleaning parts, consider using a biodegradable degreaser instead of harsher chemical solvents. These small steps make a big difference and are core to our eco-friendly Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Traxter Maintenance
Do I have to use BRP XPS oil to keep my warranty?
While dealers will always recommend it, legally, manufacturers cannot require you to use their brand of oil to maintain your warranty. However, you must use an oil that meets the specific API and JASO ratings listed in your owner’s manual. For peace of mind, using the XPS oil from a service kit is the safest bet.
How often should I check my CVT belt?
You should visually inspect it at every 100-hour service. However, if you do a lot of heavy towing, ride in high-heat conditions, or notice any slipping or strange smells, you should check it immediately. The CVT belt is a critical wear item.
What’s the difference between the front and rear differential fluid?
The front differential on most Traxter models uses a specific fluid designed for the Visco-Lok system. The rear differential, which is integrated with the gearbox, uses a different type of gear oil. Using the wrong fluid in the front differential can cause the 4WD system to malfunction.
Can I reset the maintenance reminder on my Traxter’s display?
Yes. The procedure is outlined in your owner’s manual. Typically, it involves navigating through the display menu with the engine on but not running, selecting the maintenance option, and holding a button to confirm the reset. This will clear the “Maintenance Required” message until the next interval.
Keeping up with your Can-Am Traxter service intervals, service kits and maintenance schedule is the single best thing you can do to ensure your machine is always ready for the next job or the next adventure. It protects your investment, guarantees performance, and gives you the confidence to tackle any trail.
So grab your tools, consult your manual, and give your Traxter the care it deserves. A little time in the garage today means a lot more trouble-free time on the dirt tomorrow. Stay safe and happy wrenching!
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