There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bringing home a brand new Can-Am side by side. The aggressive styling, the smell of new plastic, and the promise of untamed trails—it’s an off-roader’s dream come true. You’re probably itching to load it up and hit the dirt at full throttle.
But hold on for just a minute. Those first few hours and miles are the most critical in your machine’s entire life. How you handle this initial period will directly impact its performance, reliability, and longevity for years to come.
We promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the essential pre-ride checks, the non-negotiable break-in procedure, and the best practices to keep your new rig running like a top. Consider this your complete new can am side by side guide from the moment it rolls off the trailer.
Before You Even Turn the Key: The Pre-Ride Inspection
Your journey begins before the engine even rumbles to life. A thorough inspection right away sets the baseline for your machine’s health. Don’t assume the dealer did everything perfectly; trust, but verify.
Check All Your Fluids
This is non-negotiable. Even on a machine with zero miles, you need to be sure. Pull the dipsticks and check the caps.
- Engine Oil: Ensure the oil is at the ‘full’ mark on the dipstick.
- Coolant: Check the overflow reservoir. The level should be between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ lines.
- Brake Fluid: Look at the sight glass or reservoir to confirm it’s topped off.
- Gearbox/Differential Fluid: This is often overlooked but crucial. Check the front differential and rear gearbox/transaxle fluid levels per your owner’s manual.
Tires and Wheels
Dealer prep can sometimes miss the small stuff. Grab a quality tire pressure gauge—don’t trust the built-in one on a cheap air compressor.
Set the tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which you can find on the sticker inside the glove box or on the frame. While you’re there, give the lug nuts a quick check with a torque wrench to ensure they are torqued to spec. Loose lug nuts are a ride-ending, and dangerous, problem.
Visual Inspection and Controls
Walk around your new machine with a keen eye. Look for any signs of shipping damage, loose bolts, or disconnected wires. Sit in the driver’s seat and familiarize yourself with the controls.
Test the headlights (high and low beams), brake lights, and turn signals if equipped. Pump the brakes to make sure they feel firm, not spongy. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to feel for any binding.
The Break-In Period: Your New Can-Am Side by Side’s Most Important Miles
This is the part everyone wants to rush, but patience here pays massive dividends. The break-in period allows internal engine and drivetrain components to mate together properly, ensuring a long and healthy life. This is the core of how to new can am side by side ownership starts right.
Why the Break-In Matters
Inside your brand-new engine, the piston rings need to seat perfectly against the cylinder walls to create a tight seal. In the transmission and differentials, the gear teeth are meshing for the first time. A proper break-in polishes these surfaces smoothly instead of scoring or damaging them.
Think of it as conditioning your machine for a long career of hard work. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes a new owner can make.
The Break-In Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your owner’s manual is the ultimate authority, but here are the universally accepted new can am side by side best practices for the first 10-20 hours of operation:
- Vary Your RPMs: The most important rule. Avoid holding the engine at a constant speed for long periods. Gently accelerate and decelerate to work the engine through its rev range.
- Avoid Full Throttle: No drag racing! For the first few hours, try not to exceed half to three-quarters throttle. You want to load the engine, but not abuse it.
- Mind the Heat Cycles: Let the engine warm up completely before riding hard, and let it cool down properly after a ride. These heat cycles help components settle and strengthen.
- Avoid Heavy Loads: Don’t tow a heavy trailer or load the bed with rocks during the break-in. This puts excessive strain on the new drivetrain and CVT belt.
The Critical First Service
After the initial break-in period (check your manual, but it’s often around 10 hours or 100 miles), it’s time for the first service. This is arguably the most important service of its life. During break-in, tiny metal particles from the new components are shed into the fluids.
This service involves changing the engine oil and filter, as well as the transmission and differential fluids, to remove these abrasive particles. Do not skip this service. It’s cheap insurance for a multi-thousand-dollar machine.
First Ride: New Can-Am Side by Side Tips for the Trail
Okay, you’ve done your checks and you understand the break-in rules. It’s finally time to ride! Here are a few tips to make that first adventure safe and enjoyable.
Get a Feel for the Machine
A Can-Am Maverick X3 or Defender is a powerful machine. Spend the first hour on easy, open trails. Learn how it accelerates, how the brakes feel, and how it handles in corners. Understand its turning radius and sightlines before you tackle technical terrain.
Understand Your Drive Modes
Familiarize yourself with the 2WD/4WD switch and the differential lock (if equipped). Don’t wait until you’re stuck in mud to figure out how Smart-Lok works. Practice engaging and disengaging these systems on level ground so it becomes second nature on the trail.
Pack an Essentials Kit
Even on a new machine, things can happen. Your first-ride kit should include:
- A quality tire plug kit and a portable air compressor.
- A basic tool kit with wrenches, sockets, and pliers that fit your machine.
- A tow strap and a soft shackle.
- A first-aid kit.
- Extra water and snacks.
Benefits of a New Can-Am Side by Side (And How to Maximize Them)
Choosing a new Can-Am comes with a host of advantages. Understanding these benefits of a new can am side by side helps you get the most out of your investment.
You get the latest technology, like Smart-Lok front differentials and Smart-Shox active suspension, which provide incredible performance. You also get a full factory warranty, offering peace of mind that you’re covered if any manufacturing defects pop up.
Finally, you have a blank canvas. You can build your machine exactly how you want it, without having to undo a previous owner’s questionable modifications. Start with essential protection like skid plates and A-arm guards before moving on to performance mods.
Avoiding Common Problems with New Can-Am Side by Side Models
Even the best machines have their quirks. Being aware of potential issues from the start can save you a lot of headaches. Addressing these is a key part of any good new can am side by side care guide.
CVT Belt Health is Everything
Can-Am’s Rotax engines produce serious power, which puts a lot of stress on the CVT belt. Always use low gear when rock crawling, loading onto a trailer, or navigating slow, technical terrain. High gear in these situations generates excessive heat and will smoke a belt in no time. Installing a belt temperature gauge is one of the smartest first mods you can make.
Keep it Clean and Lubricated
Mud and dust are enemies of moving parts. After every ride, give your machine a thorough wash. Pay special attention to cleaning out radiators, suspension components, and CV boots. Once clean and dry, lubricate your suspension pivot points with a quality grease to prevent squeaks and premature wear.
Electrical System Care
Modern side by sides have complex electrical systems. When adding accessories like light bars or a winch, use a dedicated power distribution block (like a Bussmann fuse block) instead of tapping into factory wiring. This prevents overloading circuits and causing “gremlins.” A dab of dielectric grease on all major electrical connectors is a great preventative measure against water and corrosion.
The Long Haul: Sustainable Off-Roading and Maintenance
Your relationship with your new Can-Am is a marathon, not a sprint. Adopting good habits now will ensure countless happy trails ahead.
The Post-Ride Ritual
Develop a consistent routine. After every ride: wash it, check for any new damage, inspect CV boots for tears, check fluid levels again, and put it on a battery tender if it will be sitting for more than a week. This 15-minute check can prevent a small issue from becoming a major failure.
Eco-Friendly Side by Side Best Practices
Being a responsible rider is crucial for keeping our trails open. This is where a sustainable new can am side by side mindset comes in. Always pack out what you pack in, stay on designated trails to prevent erosion, and be mindful of your noise levels near residential areas or campsites.
When performing your own maintenance, dispose of used oil, coolant, and other fluids at an authorized recycling center. An eco-friendly new can am side by side owner is one who respects the environment we all love to play in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your New Can-Am Side by Side
What kind of fuel should I use in my new Can-Am?
Always consult your owner’s manual first. Most modern Can-Am models require a minimum of 87 octane fuel, but turbocharged models like the Maverick X3 often recommend or require 91 octane premium fuel for optimal performance and to prevent engine knock.
How soon should I do the first oil change?
The first service, which includes the oil change, is typically recommended after the initial break-in period. This is usually around 10-25 hours of use or about 100-200 miles. This service is critical for removing initial wear-in metal particles from the engine and drivetrain.
Can I add accessories during the break-in period?
Yes, you can add accessories like a roof, windshield, or light bars at any time. However, it’s wise to wait until after the break-in period to add performance modifications like an exhaust or engine tune. This allows you to ensure the machine is running perfectly in its stock form before you start changing things.
Taking delivery of a new Can-Am side by side is an awesome experience. By investing a little time and care upfront, you’re setting the stage for years of reliable, high-performance fun. Follow this guide, respect the break-in period, and stay on top of your maintenance.
Now you have the knowledge to do it right. Get out there, ride smart, and have a blast making memories on the trail!
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