Hard-working, reliable, and built tough, your Can-Am Defender is one of the most versatile side-by-sides around. However, it can’t perform at its best if you aren’t taking care of it. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your Can-Am Defender operating at its best, no matter if you’re overlanding, doing work around the farm, or wherever else you ride. Plus, you’ll save time and money on replacing parts that break from neglect. Remembering which parts need maintenance at what time can be tricky, so we put together this guide to help you stay on top of things.
Before you take your Can-Am Defender out on any ride, you should always do some basic maintenance and routine checks. These tasks include:
Another good idea is to walk around your Defender with wrenches to check bolts for adequate tightness.
Some regular maintenance may happen infrequently or based on riding hours—we also have a guide on the basic schedule for those tasks. However, if you ride consistently, be sure you are keeping up with the following:
Checking and changing your oil is vital to keeping your Defender working at its best, and waiting too long can damage the engine. Check the level frequently and inspect the oil to be sure it isn’t dirty. You should also inspect your oil filter for signs of damage, buildup, or debris, as a poorly working filter can also cause engine problems.
Transmission fluid needs to be checked when the engine is warmed up, so fire up your rig and let it run for a few minutes. Once the engine is ready, put it in neutral or park, depending on what your owner’s manual says. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert. Remove it again to check the level against the warm mark. If the fluid is low or dirty, change it according to your owner’s manual.
You should also be inspecting your drive belt periodically to keep your drivetrain in order. Look for cracks, fraying, and slick areas. A bad belt can cause slippage and power dips, or it can even break while you’re out on a ride. Replacing a worn belt with a high-quality aftermarket belt is one of the easiest and most impactful maintenance tasks you can perform.
Test your brakes to be sure they are engaging properly and check your brake pads to ensure they are still at the correct thickness. If your pads are wearing thin, replace them with brake pads that can perform reliably on every ride. Similarly, if your calipers seem like they aren’t responding as quickly or effectively as they should be, replace them as soon as possible.
Unlike the transmission fluid, check the radiator coolant when the engine is off and cold. Keeping your radiator at the proper coolant level is relatively simple, all you need to do is check the coolant overflow bottle. If the level is low, add fluid—if the level is good to go, you’re all set. When you’re checking your fluid, you should also clean your radiator to keep it free of dirt, debris, and grime.
Your Defender can handle plenty of rough terrain, but keeping it at the top level means keeping your suspension and steering in good condition. Periodically check your suspension’s pivot and movement points, lubricating them regularly. You should also inspect your suspension components, such as A-arms and ball joints, for signs of wear and tear, replacing parts when needed.
To keep your steering responsive and smooth, check the power steering fluid level and replace as necessary. If you’re running a stock system, you can also upgrade your steering entirely with a high-performance power steering kit.
Your Can-Am Defender can hold up to some gnarly conditions, but that doesn’t mean you should let it live outside. Keep your rig sheltered from the elements when you aren’t actively riding and if you have an off-season, make sure you prep properly for storage:
Staying on-track with regular maintenance is key for keeping your Can-Am at its best every time you ride, as well as preventing unnecessary damage to your rig. If you find yourself in need of replacement parts, or if you want to upgrade your rig at any point, check out the selection over at SuperATV. If you have questions about what routine maintenance your Defender needs, just get in touch with us directly or drop a comment down below!
