Can-Am Defender Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance is a key part of owning any vehicle, and the same can be said about a Can-Am Defender. Like working out, consistency is key. While some riders follow the 50-hour/500-mile rule or stick to what their manual says about changing fluids every 200 hours or 2,000 miles for light riding, or 100 hours or 1,000 miles for more severe use, we believe that a quick pre- or post-ride inspection every time you hit the trails is a smart move. 

Why wait for something to go wrong when you can quickly check and prevent a high-cost headache? After all, Defenders aren’t cheap, and you don’t want to take any chances.

While some aspects of maintenance can be a bit trickier than others, the basic tire pressure, fluid, and belt components are easy to keep an eye on, especially if you’re mainly using your Defender for everyday riding.

And while nothing beats the owner's manual for specifics, we want to give you some general guidelines to help you stay on top of things and keep your UTV running strong.

If you’re planning on doing your own maintenance, continue reading as we go through how to make a custom maintenance schedule that works for you! Prepare your maintenance with StarknightMT.

Maintenance Schedule

The first step is not to complicate your maintenance schedule. That’s why so many riders refrain from doing maintenance in the first place. The thought of it scares them. All you need is a bit of consistency. Let’s take a look at a simple maintenance schedule that’ll keep your Defender purring.

Before Every Ride

We like to start every ride with a quick once-over.

You’d be surprised how far a little prevention goes.

Start by checking your tire pressure to make sure your tires are inflated to the right PSI. Next, check the tread for wear.

Don’t let a flat ruin your day out on the trails just because you were too lazy to check! While you’re down in the grease, take a look at the brake fluid levels and condition. Being able to stop when you want is pretty important, wouldn’t you say?

Next, check out the air filter. If it has a bunch of dirt or debris, or if it’s the color of your tires, it’s time to swap it out.

Lastly, check all your lights and signals. Safety first, right?

Monthly Maintenance

Once a month, it’s a good idea to look a bit deeper.

Your drive belt is one of the most important parts of your UTV, which is why we recommend checking it for any signs of wear, cracks, or fraying at least once every 30 days.

Next, check your engine oil and filter to see if they need changing. While you’re under the hood, inspect your battery terminals. Sometimes, these connections come loose and need to be reattached. If there’s a lot of moisture, they could be corroded. There are plenty of easy corrosion cleaning kits out there that take about five minutes to use, so don’t let it eat your battery!

Next, lubricate your suspension components. This will reduce friction and make for better shock absorption when riding.

We also recommend checking the coolant levels once per month and making sure your radiator is clean.

Annual Maintenance

Once every year, you’ll need to perform the big maintenance tasks, starting with changing all the fluids. This includes your engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

From there, we recommend cleaning out the air intake system. This part of your Defender provides clean air to your engine. When it’s clogged, it runs the risk of overheating. As an added bonus, a clean air intake system often equates to better fuel efficiency. 

Next up, inspect your suspension for any wear and tear. Your suspension keeps your Defender riding smoothly (literally). When it’s worn, things start to feel sketchy.  

For any bigger jobs that you feel you can’t handle on your own, bring your UTV into a local shop to get the job done right!

Maintenance Checklist

We know that life gets busy, which is why we decided to make yours easier by creating a maintenance checklist for your Defender! Print it out, hang it in the garage, and you’ll always know what needs attention.

Component	Maintenance Interval Hours (Normal/Severe Use)	Maintenance Interval Date	Maintenance Interval Miles	What to Do
Battery	200/100	Annually	2,000/1,000	Inspect and clean
Air Filter	100/50	Six Months	1,000/500	Inspect and clean. Replace as needed.
Clutch	200/100	Annually	2,000/1,000	Inspect, clean, and lubricate
Brake Pads	200/100	Monthly	2,000/1,000	Check for wear and replace if need be
Engine Oil and Filter	200/100	Annually	2,000/1,000	Change your oil and filter
Drive Belt	200/-	Annually	2,000/-	Inspect and replace if necessary
Rear Gearcase / Transmission Oil	100/50	N/A	1,000/500	Inspect the oil level in your gearbox, checking for contamination. Refill it if necessary.
Front Differential Oil	200/-	Annually	2,000/-	Check your front differential for condition and contamination. Replace on an annual schedule
Wheel Bearings	200/100	Annually	2,000/1,000	Inspect and change as necessary
Tie Rods	100/50	N/A	1,000/500	Check the ball joints and ends
Radiator Coolant	N/A	Every five years	8,000	Check before each ride and replace when necessary
Spark Plugs	400	Every two years	4,000	Check periodically and replace when necessary

Maintenance Tips

Want to maintain your Can-Am Defender like the pros? Here are some tips that might help you out!

Keep it Clean

After a day of ripping through mud, dirt, or water, it’s easy to park your Defender back in the garage and call it a day.

Don’t be that person.

Cleanliness is a key part of maintenance. Leaving mud, dirt, and debris caked on your UTV can ruin the paint and wreak havoc on the engine’s moving parts. Just give it a good wash after every ride and be especially mindful of the undercarriage and suspension.

Use the Right Tools

Don’t skimp out on your tools. That rusty wrench or your grandpa’s old tire gauge might end up causing more harm than good. Get yourself a good set of basic tools and a proper oil change kit, so you can get the job done right the first time.

Listen to Your UTV

If you listen carefully, you might hear your Can-Am Defender calling out for help.

Like any vehicle, strange noises and unusual vibrations are often signs that something needs attention. Don’t ignore these noises and let them snowball into bigger issues.

Conclusion

Even a little regular maintenance can go a long way, especially if the goal is to prevent bigger issues. Make it a habit to check your UTV as often as you can.

If you need a little help, our store has all the gear you need to make maintenance as hassle-free as possible! Check out our inventory of Can-Am Defender accessories here at StarknightMT.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I change the oil in my Can-Am Defender?

A1: Every 100-200 hours of operation or once a year, depending on how much you use it.

Q2: Can I do my own maintenance, or should I hire a mechanic?

A2: You should be able to do most of the routine maintenance tasks above with your own basic tools. However, if you need any major repairs, we recommend consulting a professional.

Q3: What should I do if I notice a strange noise while driving?

A3: If you hear anything unusual while you’re out on the trails, stop your UTV immediately and inspect it. Loose parts or a damaged belt could do more damage if you let it slide for too long.

 

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