best coolant for atv

I've been running Engine Ice in my Can-Am for two years now. It's a propylene glycol based coolant that's non-toxic and works great for ATVs. Just make sure you flush the system completely before switching from ethylene glycol. My temps stay consistent even in slow technical stuff.

Stick with the OEM coolant from Polaris. It's pre-mixed and designed specifically for your water pump seals. I tried a generic green coolant once and ended up with a leaking pump after a season. Not worth the hassle for a few bucks saved.

I use Peak OET Extended Life in my Honda. It's silicate and phosphate free which is what you want for aluminum engines. Just make sure it's the OAT type, not the old green stuff. Been solid for three seasons now with no issues.

Don't use the cheap stuff from the auto parts store. Many of those have additives that can eat the seals in ATV water pumps. I learned that the hard way. Spend the extra few dollars on something specifically for powersports or at least check the label for compatibility.

I mix my own with distilled water and concentrate. I use Zerex G05 which is a hybrid OAT coolant. It's safe for aluminum and has good corrosion protection. Just make sure you get the right concentration for your climate. 50/50 works for most places.

Engine Ice is overpriced in my opinion. It's just propylene glycol with some dye. I've used Prestone low-toxicity coolant with no problems. The key is to change it every two years regardless of what you use. Old coolant loses its corrosion inhibitors.

I run Evans Waterless Coolant in my race quad. It doesn't build pressure so it's easier on hoses and seals. But it's expensive and you have to get all the water out first. Probably overkill for a trail machine but it works if you want zero corrosion risk.

Check your owner's manual. My Yamaha specifically says to use ethylene glycol based coolant with no silicates. I use Yamalube coolant because it's pre-mixed and I know it meets the spec. Peace of mind is worth the extra cost to me.

I've been using Honda HP Coolant in my Suzuki and it's been fine. It's a phosphate free OAT coolant. Just make sure whatever you buy is compatible with your water pump seal material. Silicates can cause seal wear over time.

If you ride in cold weather, make sure your coolant has enough freeze protection. I had a buddy use a 70/30 mix thinking it would help cooling, but it froze and cracked his engine case. Stick with 50/50 or check the label for your lowest expected temp.

I flush my system with distilled water every spring and refill with fresh coolant. I use the Peak Long Life stuff from Walmart. It's cheap and meets the same specs as the name brands. Just make sure it's the purple stuff for Asian vehicles.

Don't mix different types of coolant. If you don't know what's in there now, flush it completely. Mixing OAT and IAT coolant can create a gel that clogs your radiator. I've seen it happen. Better safe than sorry.

I run Evans in my Kodiak 700 and love it. No pressure means no blown hoses on the trail. But it's a pain to install because you have to remove every drop of water. Not for everyone but it's bulletproof once it's in.

For a Sportsman 570, I'd just get the Polaris coolant. It's like $20 for a gallon of pre-mix and you know it's right. Why risk a $200 water pump job to save $10? I've seen too many guys cheap out and regret it.

I use the Prestone All Makes All Models in my Arctic Cat. It's a yellow OAT coolant that's safe for aluminum. Been using it for years with no issues. Just make sure you burp the system properly after filling to avoid air pockets.

If you're doing a full flush, consider replacing the thermostat too. They're cheap and can fail over time. I do both every two years and my cooling system has been trouble-free for over a decade. Coolant alone won't fix a bad thermostat.

I switched to Engine Ice after my KFX started running hot in the dunes. It dropped my temps about 10 degrees. But for trail riding in moderate temps, any quality OAT coolant will work. The difference is mostly in extreme conditions.

Make sure you check the model year compatibility. Some older Polaris machines used different seal materials. I think the 2018 should be fine with most OAT coolants, but double check on the forums before buying. A quick search will confirm.

I use distilled water with Water Wetter in the summer and switch to a 50/50 mix in the winter. Water Wetter improves heat transfer but offers no freeze protection. It's a good option if you ride in warm climates and want maximum cooling.

Before you buy anything, confirm your coolant type by looking at the reservoir. If it's pink or blue, it's probably OAT. If it's green, it's IAT. Mixing them is bad news. When in doubt, flush and start fresh with a known compatible coolant.