Polaris Sportsman 570 Coolant Type - Protecting Your Engine From Trail

Ever stood in the auto parts aisle, staring at a rainbow of coolant jugs, feeling a bead of sweat roll down your neck? You know your rig needs a top-off, but grabbing the wrong bottle can be a costly, engine-killing mistake. It’s a common worry for any Polaris owner who likes to get their hands dirty.

We get it. You love your Sportsman 570, and the last thing you want is to sideline it with an overheating issue caused by the wrong fluid. Your machine’s cooling system is its lifeblood, especially when you’re pushing it hard on the trail.

Promise yourself this: by the time you finish this guide, you will know exactly what polaris sportsman 570 coolant type to use, why it matters so much, and how to service it like a pro. We’ll cover the OEM recommendation, safe aftermarket alternatives, step-by-step instructions for checking and filling, and how to spot trouble before it starts. Let’s keep that engine running cool and strong.

Why the Right Polaris Sportsman 570 Coolant Type is Non-Negotiable

Before we even talk about brands or colors, let’s get one thing straight: coolant is more than just “antifreeze.” Think of it as a high-tech liquid tasked with a critical mission inside your engine. Using the right stuff is one of the most important polaris sportsman 570 coolant type best practices you can follow.

Your Sportsman’s engine generates a massive amount of heat. The coolant’s primary job is to absorb that heat from the engine block and cylinder head and carry it to the radiator, where it can be dissipated into the air. But it does so much more.

The Triple-Threat Protection Your Engine Needs

Overheating Prevention: The most obvious benefit. The correct coolant has a higher boiling point than water, preventing it from turning to steam under the extreme pressure and heat of a hard-working engine.
Freeze Protection: In colder climates, the right antifreeze mixture prevents the water in your system from freezing, expanding, and cracking your engine block or radiator—a catastrophic failure.
Corrosion and Deposit Prevention: This is the most overlooked benefit. Modern coolants contain a sophisticated package of additives and corrosion inhibitors designed specifically for the metals in your cooling system (like aluminum). The wrong formula can eat away at gaskets, hoses, and metal components from the inside out.

Choosing the wrong coolant is like putting diesel in a gasoline engine. It might seem to work for a short time, but internal damage is inevitable. This is why our polaris sportsman 570 coolant type guide is so essential for long-term engine health.

The Official Answer: What Coolant Does a Polaris Sportsman 570 Use?

Let’s cut right to the chase. The single best and officially recommended polaris sportsman 570 coolant type is Polaris Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant. It comes in a blue bottle and is a 50/50 premixed solution.

Polaris specifically formulates this coolant for the materials used in their engines and cooling systems. It’s a Propylene Glycol (PG) based formula, which is important for a couple of key reasons.

Why Polaris Recommends a Propylene Glycol (PG) Coolant

Most automotive coolants you see on the shelf are Ethylene Glycol (EG) based. While effective, EG is highly toxic to pets and wildlife if spilled or leaked. Polaris made a conscious choice to use a PG formula.

Less Toxic: Propylene Glycol is significantly less toxic than Ethylene Glycol. This is a huge plus for those of us who have shop dogs or ride in environmentally sensitive areas. It’s a key part of a more sustainable polaris sportsman 570 coolant type approach.
Engineered for Your ATV: The additive package in the Polaris coolant is designed to protect the specific types of aluminum, plastics, and gasket materials found in your Sportsman 570. It prevents corrosion without causing unintended side effects.

Using the OEM fluid guarantees compatibility and keeps your warranty intact. When in doubt, always default to what the manufacturer specifies in your owner’s manual.

Can You Use Aftermarket Coolant? The Great Debate

Okay, so what if you’re in a pinch and the dealership is closed? This is where things get tricky, and you need to be extremely careful. While there are compatible aftermarket options, you can’t just grab any bottle that says “for all makes and models.”

Understanding Coolant Technology: OAT, HOAT, and IAT

Without getting too scientific, coolants are generally categorized by their inhibitor technology. Mixing them is a recipe for disaster, as it can cause the coolant to “gel,” clogging your radiator and coolant passages.

IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): The old-school green stuff. Do not use this in your Sportsman. It’s not designed for modern aluminum engines.
OAT (Organic Acid Technology): Common in many modern cars (like Dex-Cool). While advanced, its chemistry may not be compatible with all the seals in your Polaris.
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): A mix of IAT and OAT. This is the closest relative to what Polaris uses.

If you absolutely must use an aftermarket coolant, you need to find one that is a phosphate-free, silicate-free, Propylene Glycol (PG) based, premixed 50/50 coolant designed for powersports and aluminum engines. Brands like Engine Ice or some specific formulas from Peak or Prestone may fit the bill, but you must read the label carefully to confirm it meets all those criteria.

Our Pro Tip: Stick with the Polaris OEM coolant. The small amount of money you might save on an aftermarket alternative isn’t worth the risk of potential engine damage or warranty issues. Consider it cheap insurance.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Checking and Topping Off Your Coolant

Regularly checking your coolant is a fundamental part of any good polaris sportsman 570 coolant type care guide. It’s easy, takes two minutes, and can save you from a major headache on the trail. Here’s how you do it safely.

Step 1: Ensure the Engine is Completely Cold

This is the most important safety rule. A hot cooling system is under pressure. Opening the radiator cap on a hot or even warm engine can cause scalding hot coolant to erupt, leading to severe burns. Let the machine sit for at least an hour, or until the engine is cool to the touch.

Step 2: Locate the Coolant Reservoir (Overflow Bottle)

On most Sportsman 570 models, the translucent plastic coolant reservoir is located in the front left wheel well. You can see it by turning the handlebars to the right. It has “MIN” and “MAX” lines molded into the side.

Step 3: Check the Level

With the ATV on level ground, look at the coolant level in the reservoir. It should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” lines. If it’s below “MIN,” you need to add some.

Step 4: Adding Coolant (The Right Way)

Unscrew the cap on the reservoir bottle, not the main radiator cap.
Using a clean funnel, slowly pour in the correct premixed 50/50 Polaris Extended Life Antifreeze until the level reaches the “MAX” line. Do not overfill.
Replace the reservoir cap securely.

That’s it! If you find yourself needing to add coolant frequently, it’s a sign of a leak that needs to be investigated. This simple check is one of the best polaris sportsman 570 coolant type tips we can offer.

Common Problems with Polaris Sportsman 570 Coolant Type and How to Fix Them

Even with the right fluid, issues can arise. Knowing how to spot the common problems with polaris sportsman 570 coolant type and its system will keep you riding safely.

Problem: The Engine is Overheating

Symptom: The temperature warning light on your dash illuminates, or you notice steam coming from the engine.
Possible Causes: Low coolant level, a clogged radiator (mud and debris), a failing fan, a bad thermostat, or a water pump failure.
Solution: Immediately and safely pull over and shut off the engine. Let it cool completely. First, check the coolant level. Next, inspect the radiator fins and clean them thoroughly if they are caked with mud. If the level is good and the radiator is clean, the problem is likely mechanical and may require a trip to the shop.

Problem: You Mixed Different Coolants

Symptom: The coolant in your reservoir looks sludgy, rusty, or like chocolate milk.
Possible Causes: Topping off with the wrong type of antifreeze or having oil leak into the system (a much bigger problem).
Solution: You need to perform a complete system flush immediately. Drain the entire system, run a radiator flush chemical through it (following the product’s directions), and then refill with the correct, premixed Polaris coolant. Mixing coolants can cause a chemical reaction that creates a gel, which will destroy your cooling system’s efficiency.

Problem: You Notice a Puddle of Coolant Under Your ATV

Symptom: A visible puddle of blue, sweet-smelling liquid on the garage floor.
Possible Causes: A loose hose clamp, a cracked hose, a leaking water pump seal, or a hole in the radiator.
Solution: With the engine cold, carefully inspect all coolant hoses and their connection points. Look for cracks or wet spots. Check around the water pump housing for any signs of weeping. A small leak can become a big one on the trail, so address it as soon as you find it.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Polaris Sportsman 570 Coolant Type Practices

Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love. That includes the proper handling and disposal of fluids. Following an eco-friendly polaris sportsman 570 coolant type care plan is easy and important.

Even though the Polaris PG coolant is less toxic than traditional EG formulas, it should never be dumped on the ground or down a storm drain. It is harmful to aquatic life and the environment.

Always drain used coolant into a dedicated, sealed drain pan. Most auto parts stores or local municipal recycling centers will accept used antifreeze for free. Just pour it into a sealed container (like an old milk jug, clearly labeled “USED COOLANT”) and drop it off. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Sportsman 570’s Coolant

What color is Polaris Sportsman 570 coolant?

The official Polaris Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is a distinct blue color. If your coolant is green, orange, pink, or any other color, it’s likely the wrong type and should be flushed and replaced.

Can I just use water in an emergency?

In a dire trail-side emergency to get back to the truck, you could add a small amount of distilled water. However, this should be a last resort. Water alone has no corrosion protection and will lower your boil-over and freeze protection. You must drain and refill the system with the proper 50/50 mix as soon as possible.

How often should I change the coolant in my Sportsman 570?

Check your owner’s manual for the specific service interval, but a general best practice is to flush and replace your coolant every 2 to 5 years. The corrosion inhibitors break down over time, even if the fluid still looks clean.

Is 50/50 and 60/40 coolant the same?

No. The numbers refer to the ratio of antifreeze to distilled water. A 50/50 mix is standard for most conditions. A 60/40 mix (60% antifreeze) offers slightly better freeze protection in extremely cold climates, but it can be slightly less efficient at heat transfer. For most riders, the premixed 50/50 is perfect.

Your Sportsman 570 is a tough, reliable machine, but it depends on you to take care of its basic needs. Understanding and using the correct coolant is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure a long, trouble-free life for your engine. So grab the right stuff, keep it topped off, and get back out on the trail where you belong.

Stay safe, ride smart, and keep it cool!

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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.