Hey all, I just got a new 2023 Polaris Sportsman 570 and I'm about to do my first big service. The manual mentions a specific coolant but I'm not sure what to buy. Does anyone know the exact type Polaris recommends? Is it a 50/50 ethylene glycol mix, or do they have a proprietary formula? Also, can I use any off‑the‑shelf coolant if I’m careful about the mix, or will that cause overheating or corrosion? Any tips before I head to the shop would be great!
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what kind of coolant does a polaris sportsman use
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Mike HendersonJun 15, 2026, 5:26 PM
I ran into the same question when I swapped out the radiator on my 2021 Sportsman 570. Polaris actually specifies a 50/50 mix of ethylene‑glycol coolant with a phosphate‑free, silicate‑free formula – basically any “ATV/UTV coolant” that meets the ASTM D3306 standard. I used a pre‑mixed product from a dealer and it’s held up fine. Just make sure you flush the system thoroughly before refilling, otherwise old coolant residues can cause gunk in the passages.
Ryan EdwardsJun 15, 2026, 5:26 PM
I’d caution against just grabbing any cheap green coolant from the auto aisle. Some of those contain silicates or anti‑freeze additives that can gel up in the small heat exchangers on a Sportsman. I once used a standard car coolant and after a few weeks the engine started running hot. I had to drain it, flush with distilled water, and refill with the recommended Polaris mix. It’s a bit more expensive but saves you headaches.
Derek ColeJun 15, 2026, 5:26 PM
From a safety standpoint, remember that ethylene‑glycol is toxic if ingested, so handle it with gloves and keep it sealed away from kids and pets. If you’re looking for a less hazardous option, there are propylene‑glycol based coolants that are safe and meet the same specs. They’re a bit pricier, but the trade‑off is worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you have kids around the garage.
Dan WalkerJun 15, 2026, 5:26 PM
If you’re doing the service yourself, consider using a coolant flush kit to get rid of any old rust inhibitors. I used a water‑based flush on my 2022 Sportsman and it made a noticeable difference in temperature stability. Also, double‑check the radiator cap – a weak spring can let pressure escape, making the system think it’s low on coolant even when it’s full.
Tom HarrisJun 15, 2026, 5:26 PM
One thing to keep in mind is the ambient temperature where you ride. In very hot climates I run a 60/40 mix (more coolant, less water) to raise the boiling point a bit, but that does reduce the overall heat‑transfer efficiency. If you’re mostly riding in moderate temps, the standard 50/50 mix is fine. Just don’t deviate too much unless you know exactly what you’re doing.