What Type of Oil Does a 2018 Can-Am Outlander MAX 570 Take?

What Type of Oil Does a 2018 Can-Am Outlander Max 570 Take?

Start With the Engine Itself

The 2018 Can-Am Outlander Max 570 is built around a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Rotax four-stroke engine displacing roughly 570cc. That single fact settles the biggest question right away: this is a four-stroke machine, so it takes conventional four-stroke engine oil. There is no premix to measure at the pump and no separate two-stroke injection reservoir to keep topped off. The Outlander Max 570 also uses a belt-driven CVT automatic, and it is a four-wheel-drive machine with a locking front differential, which means engine oil is only one of several lubricants you will eventually think about. For the engine itself, though, the answer is straightforward: a quality four-stroke powersports oil in the correct viscosity.

Viscosity: What Weight Belongs in a 570-Class Utility Quad

Across the four-stroke utility ATV world, the 500cc to 600cc class overwhelmingly settles on a 10W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity. Those two weights are the industry-typical recommendation for machines in this displacement range, and either is a reasonable choice for a 2018 Outlander Max 570 under normal riding temperatures. Where conditions push outside the norm, the numbers shift in predictable ways. Riders who regularly start their quad in deep winter cold often step to a 0W-40, because the lower first number flows more readily when the engine and oil are frigid. Owners in consistently hot climates, or who run long, slow, heavily loaded days, sometimes prefer a 20W-50 for its thicker film at high operating temperatures. The second number matters most once the engine is warm; the first number matters most in the first seconds after a cold start. Your owner's manual lists the exact viscosity chart for this model, and it is worth a quick look to see which weight the manufacturer places in the middle of its temperature range.

Why a Powersports-Specific Oil Is the Right Call

Automotive engine oil is formulated for engines that do not share their lubricant with a clutch or gearbox. Many utility ATVs do exactly that, and the Outlander family is no exception in the sense that its engine oil is expected to handle duties beyond simple bearing and cylinder lubrication. That is why a JASO MA or MA2 rated oil is the safe default for a machine like this. The JASO MA/MA2 standard exists specifically to ensure the oil has the right friction characteristics for wet clutch surfaces, and it also carries the anti-wear and shear stability that a high-revving single needs. A friction-modified automotive oil with an energy-conserving additive package can cause clutch slip and is best avoided. Can-Am publishes its own branded oil formulation for this engine, and following that recommendation is a sound, low-risk default if you would rather not compare specs yourself.

Drivetrain Fluids Are a Separate Conversation

Engine oil is not the only fluid on a four-wheel-drive Outlander Max 570, and mixing them up is a common and expensive mistake. This machine has a front differential that uses a specialized fluid tied to its locking engagement system, a rear gearcase or final drive, and a transmission gearcase that is serviced independently of the engine. The front differential is the one to treat with the most care. Because its engagement relies on the specific friction and viscosity behavior of the fluid inside it, pouring in a generic gear oil can change how and when four-wheel drive engages. The rear gearcase and transmission typically call for a hypoid gear oil in the 80W-90 range, though the exact grade and capacity vary. Each of these is drained and filled on its own schedule, separate from any engine oil change, and each has its own fill and drain points.

How Hard Work Changes Your Oil Strategy

An Outlander Max 570 is a work-capable machine, and the way it is used has a real effect on oil life. Plowing snow, towing a trailer, hauling loads at low speed, crawling through mud, and fording water all put more stress on engine oil than a casual afternoon on groomed trails. Slow-speed heavy work keeps oil temperatures high without much airflow, and long idle periods dilute the oil with fuel and moisture over time. Water crossings and deep mud are their own concern, because contamination can find its way into both engine oil and drivetrain lubricants. A milky, frothy appearance on the dipstick is the classic sign that water has gotten in, and it means the oil should be changed rather than run further. Cold-weather operation is the other major factor, and it is the main reason to consider the lower first number in a multigrade oil.

Conventional Versus Synthetic

Both types will work in this engine, and the choice comes down to priorities. Synthetic oils generally flow better at cold startup and hold up longer under sustained heat, which suits a machine that plows, tows, or runs hard in summer. Conventional oil costs less and remains perfectly suitable for owners who ride moderately and change their oil on a disciplined schedule. A synthetic blend sits between the two. Whichever you pick, the viscosity and the JASO rating matter more than the base stock label on the bottle.

Confirming the Exact Specification

Everything above reflects what is typical and widely recommended for four-stroke utility ATVs in this class, and it will get you to the right shelf at the parts counter. For the precise viscosity, the exact fill quantity, and the specific drivetrain fluid types for your 2018 Outlander Max 570, check the owner's manual or ask a dealer. It takes a minute, and it removes any doubt before you pour.

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your ATV's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.