Understanding Can-Am Defender Service Intervals

April 08, 2025 by Jenny Wilkins

Consistent Can-Am Defender service intervals are essential for keeping your machine running at peak performance. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines, you’ll ensure that each component of your Defender functions properly and avoid costly repairs down the road. This guide outlines the key Can-Am Defender service intervals and the important tasks associated with each one. Shop Can-Am Defender Service Kits here.

Why Can-Am Defender Service Intervals Matter

Your Can-Am Defender is built for tough jobs and rugged trails, but every ride puts wear on crucial systems. By sticking to the recommended Can-Am Defender service intervals, you can:

Prolong the lifespan of your Defender.
Maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Avoid unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.

The secret to keeping your machine reliable is following your Can-Am Defender service intervals without skipping a beat.

Key Can-Am Defender Service Intervals

The initial Can-Am Defender service interval sets the tone for long-term performance.

Every year, 200 hours, or 1900 miles

This deep-dive Can-Am Defender service interval covers all major systems.

Air and Fuel Delivery
- Inspect, clean or replace air filter
- Inspect and clean air delivery components and function
  - Airbox
  - Throttle body
  - Ducts
  - Clamps
- Inspect fuel components and function
  - Fuel tank cap
  - Fuel tank hoses
  - Clamps
  - Leaks
Body, Chassis, and Accessories
- Torque cage fasteners
- Inspect and clean seat belts retractors, buckles and semi-cinching
- Inspect and clean the winch
- Torque windshield hinge screws (if equipped)
- Lubricate and torque door latches, hinges and key barrels
- Lubricate power tilt bed hydraulic cylinder spherical bearing (if equipped)
Engine and Cooling
- Replace oil and filter
- Inspect and adjust valve clearance (V-twin engines)
- Inspect engine seals and gaskets
- Inspect and adjust engine cooling components
  - Concentration levels
  - Hoses condition
  - Clamps
  - Leaks
- Clean radiator
Exhaust and Emissions
- Inspect components
  - Gaskets
  - Pipes
  - Muffler condition
  - Leaks
- Replace fuel tank vent breather filter (Non EVAP models)
- Clean muffler spark arrester
- Clean debris around exhaust pipe and muffler area
HVAC
- Inspect and clean air filter
- Inspect and clean heating and air conditioning components and function
Brake
- Inspect, clean, lubricate, and adjust brake components and function
  - Fluid level
  - Brake pads
  - Brake discs
  - Calipers
  - Lines and master cylinders
Drive
- Inspect and adjust
  - Gearbox oil
  - Front differential oil
  - Rear final drive (mono-cyl engines)
  - Middle and rear differential oil (6X6 models)
  - Tires, check for wear and pressure
- Torque wheel lug nuts
- Torque beadlock screws (if equipped)
- Inspect drive components and function
Controls
- Inspect and adjust gearbox lever operation
- Inspect throttle operation
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Inspect, clean, lubricate CVT components
  - Air filter
  - Drive and driven pulley cleaning
  - Drive belt
  - Drive pulley rollers and hub bearing
- Inspect rollers in driven pulley
Electrical
- Inspect and clean battery connections and condition
- Inspect modules fault codes and applicable software updates
- Inspect operation of control switches and lighting
Steering
- Inspect Steering components and function
Suspension
- Inspect, clean, lubricate and torque suspension components and function

Every 2 years, 400 hours or 3700 miles

For high-mileage riders, these Can-Am Defender service intervals keep things reliable.

Inspect fuel pressure
Inspect and adjust valve clearance (mono cyl. engines)
Replace spark plugs
Replace Canister vent pre-filter (CARB and EVAP models)
Inspect air conditioning compressor belt
Replace
- Gearbox oil
- Front differential oil
- Rear final drive (mono-cyl. engines)
- Middle and rear differential oil (6X6 models)
Clean vehicle speed sensor (mono-cyl. engines)

For high-mileage riders, these Can-Am Defender service intervals keep things reliable.

Every 5 years or 7500 miles

Replace engine coolant

Gearbox oil initial replacement schedule:

Replace at first 1900 miles, and at 3700 miles. Then follow the regular schedule

Every 620 Miles

Inspect and lubricate stabilizer bar bushings

Pro Tips to Stay on Top of Your Can-Am Defender Service Intervals

Track Hours and Mileage: Keep a maintenance log to track hours and miles, ensuring you don’t miss an interval.
Use OEM Parts: Especially critical when using a Can-Am Defender service kit.
Inspect Between Services: Even between scheduled intervals, inspect critical components like brakes, tires, and fluid levels.

Must-Have Products for Every Can-Am Defender Service Interval

Oil Change Kits: Simplify every oil service with a full Can-Am Defender service kit. A comprehensive Can-Am Defender service kit includes all the essentials you need for quick, efficient maintenance.
Drive Belts: Stay ahead of wear and avoid unexpected failures.
Air Filters: Protect your engine with clean, OEM-rated filters.
Coolants & Fluids: Replace and top off as recommended for peak performance.

Don’t wait for problems to arise. Stick to your Can-Am Defender service intervals and stock up on essentials like a Can-Am Defender service kit to keep your machine in top shape.

Shop Can-Am Defender Maintenance Products Now and stay on schedule with every mile and hour!

For more maintenance guidance, explore these helpful reads:

FAQs

How often should I service my Can-Am Defender?

At 50 interval hours or 6 months, inspect and replace your Air Filter as necessary. At 100 interval hours or 12 months inspect and replace the following parts as needed: Engine & Oil Filter, Front Gearcase Oil, Spark Plugs, Wheel Bearings, Drive Belt, Rear Gearcase/Transmission Fluid. At 600 interval hours or 36 months, inspect the clutch and replace worn parts. Change the Coolant within 5 years, but check before every ride.

Can Am Defender Break-In Oil Change?

Does a Can Am Defender require a break-in oil change? Yes, typically within the first 10 operating hours or 300 kilometers (200 miles) of use.