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Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
What Oil Should I Use In My ATV?
Traditional automotive motor oils usually have a viscosity of 10W-30 or 5W-20; however, Polaris uses a viscosity of 5W-50 for its off-road engines.
Key Takeaways:
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ATV Oil is Specialized: Regular automotive oil isn’t suitable for ATVs. They require oils that can handle higher RPMs, include transmission lubrication, and work with wet clutches.
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Use the Right Viscosity: Common recommended viscosities for ATVs include 0W-40, 5W-50, and 10W-40, depending on temperature and manufacturer specs. Polaris, for example, recommends 0W-40 synthetic for its Sportsman model.
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Synthetic vs. Conventional: Synthetic oils offer better protection at high and low temperatures, resist breakdown, and extend oil life, making them a solid choice for most ATV owners.
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Oil Change Frequency: Change your ATV’s oil at least once a year, regardless of mileage. Dirty or degraded oil can lead to poor performance and engine damage.
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Gasoline Quality: Regular 87-octane gas is fine for most ATVs. Premium gas offers marginal performance gains and isn’t usually necessary unless specified.
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Oil Level Matters: Overfilling your ATV with oil can damage the engine due to increased crankcase pressure and potential hydro lock.
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Oil for Seasons:
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Summer: Use higher-viscosity synthetic oils like 10W-40.
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Winter: Use low-viscosity oils like 0W-20 or 5W-30 for better cold-start protection.
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Break-in Oil for New ATVs: Always consult your owner’s manual. Some manufacturers recommend special break-in oils with additives.
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High-Mileage Engines: Synthetic oils formulated for high mileage (e.g., Mobil 1 High Mileage) are best for older or heavily used ATVs.
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What type of oil does an ATV use?
Semi-synthetic motor oil: A blend of conventional and synthetic oil, typically comprised of about 30 percent synthetic. Viscosity. Fundamentally, motor oils for your ATV, UTV, or dirt bike are designed with the same principles as those of your car or truck.
Can you put specialized oil in an ATV?
Wrong! Your ATV or UTV requires motor oil just like any other motorized vehicle, but any oil just doesn’t cut it. These machines run at higher RPMs, work harder, and run harder than your truck, so specialized oils are called for.
Do I need motorsports oil for my ATV?
Your ATV or UTV requires motor oil just like any other motorized vehicle, but any oil just doesn’t cut it. These machines run at higher RPMs, work harder, and run harder than your truck, so specialized oils are called for. What separates motorsports oil from everyday stuff off the shelf? It’s all about what goes into the blend.
Should I change my ATV oil?
But ATV oil also has to lubricate your transmission (which gets a separate lubricant in your car/truck). ATV oil does not have the same type of friction modification as automotive oil, so it will protect your transmission better and improve transmission performance. How Often Should I Change My ATV Oil?
Related Questions
Should I use synthetic oil in my ATV?
Are you using the right oil in your ATV?
Oil is often an afterthought for most ATVers, but can make or break your machine. The basic breakdown is this: Synthetic oils are designed to withstand higher engine temperatures, reduce friction on engine parts, and resist thermal breakdown.
Should I run premium gas in my ATV?
Most ATVs can use regular 87-octane gasoline. Premium is recommended but not mandatory on some quads. Putting 91 or 93 octane will result in increased performance and a smoother engine, but if you want to save some bucks, you can always go for regular.
What’s the difference between ATV oil and car oil?
Automotive oil will not work with the wet clutch. ATV oil is designed for this and to be used in transmission gears.
Will higher octane gas improve performance?
When higher-octane fuel flows through its injectors, the engine controller can use the elevated knock threshold to dial in more aggressive timing and higher boost pressures to improve performance.
Is premium gas harmful for small engines?
Don’t Worry About Octane. Small engines have low compression ratios, meaning they won’t likely benefit from anything special in the gas, like a higher octane rating. Some premium fuels may make your equipment harder to start. So save your money and use regular gas.
Can car engine oil be used on bikes?
Car engine oil reduces friction between moving parts, providing good fuel economy and efficiency. If the friction level is too low, the clutch cannot engage, causing slippage. Therefore, you should choose a special motorcycle oil designed for your bike.
Can I use diesel oil in my ATV?
I agree that diesel oils are of great value in ATV/motorcycle engines. They don’t have the friction modifiers that kill a wet clutch early, can handle high compression and combustion contaminants, and still take care of that high-rpm turbo.
What kind of oil does a Polaris Sportsman take?
Polaris recommends Premium 4 Synthetic 0W40 as an engine oil, as it has been specifically engineered to work with Polaris four-cycle engines. This synthetic, multi-viscosity oil has decent film strength over a wide temperature range from minus-40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s recommended that a “good” quality synthetic in the 0W40 or 0W50 range is used. Note: The “0” in 0W40 indicates cold-weather pourability or how “fluid” it is at cold temperatures. A “0” is rated for -40°F ambient air temperature. The “40” in 0W40 indicates warm-weather ambient rated up to 100°F.
What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil?
A few disadvantages of synthetic oil include the following: The most glaring downside is the cost. Synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additive precipitation during cold storage conditions.
Can you put synthetic oil in all four-wheelers?
Yes, you can use a synthetic oil. Proper lubrication with this oil will help prevent corrosion of your vehicle. This is a 10W-40 motor oil that comes in a 1-qt bottle. The Valvoline four-stroke ATV Motor Oil is essential to keep your ATV running smoothly for a long time.
Though synthetics generally hold up better for more miles, regular oil changes remain essential. You shouldn’t wait beyond the time interval recommended by the manufacturer, typically every six months or a year. Using synthetics in these situations will prolong your oil life and require fewer changes.
Can you change back to regular motor oil after using Synthetic Oil?
Can I use regular motor oil in my ATV?
Yes, you can use any oil brand; make sure it has the proper viscosity and is ATV oil, NOT automobile oil. Car oil is formulated just for the engine, whereas the atv oil is synthetic, and is used to lube the tranny and clutch.
What oil is best for an ATV?
- OUR TOP PICK. YamaLube All Purpose Four Stroke Oil. PRICE.
- EDITOR’S CHOICE. Polaris 2202166 ATV OEM Sportsman Oil. PRICE.
- BEST VALUE. Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil. PRICE.
Does running premium gas make a difference?
In a word, no. Paying for premium gasoline does not make your car run better or get greater gas mileage. However, giving your car the fuel it requires to run smoothly and efficiently without damaging the engine makes a difference in your fuel mileage.
Is it bad to run premium gas?
If your engine runs fine on regular gas, filling it with premium gas is unlikely to boost acceleration or fuel economy by more than insignificant amounts. The higher octane of premium gas won’t make your car faster; the opposite is possible because higher-octane fuel technically has less energy than lower-octane fuel.
What is the best engine oil for hotter summer months?
The best engine oil for hotter summer months largely depends on the vehicle, the climate, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, synthetic oils, such as 10W-30 or 10W-40, are generally preferred as they perform well in high temperatures.
They resist thinning and maintain their viscosity, thus providing optimal protection to the engine. Synthetic oils are also less likely to evaporate in heat, prolonging oil life and improving fuel efficiency.
It is crucial to check your vehicle’s manual to determine what engine oil is ideal for hotter summer months for your specific model and make of car.
What is the best engine oil for colder winter months?
The best engine oil for colder winters is typically a lower-viscosity oil 
such as 5W-30, 5W-20, or even 0W-20. Lower-viscosity oils flow more easily at low temperatures, providing better protection to the engine during cold starts.
The ‘W’ in the oil specification stands for ‘winter’, indicating its cold-weather performance. It’s essential to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the recommended oil viscosity for your specific model.
Remember, a well-lubricated engine is key to optimum performance and longevity, especially during the chilly winter.
What happens if an ATV has too much oil?
Overfilling the engine with oil can lead to significant problems for an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Too much oil can cause high pressure in the crankcase. This excessive pressure might force the oil to seep into areas where it shouldn’t be, potentially leading to damaging effects.
Excess oil may result in oil leakage, spark plug fouling, or even engine damage due to hydrolock. Moreover, excess oil can lead to inefficient operation of ATV systems. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain the correct oil level to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of an ATV.
Having too much oil in an ATV can have detrimental implications.
Do you need to change ATV oil every year?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you change your ATV oil every year. The oil in your ATV ensures the engine’s smooth running. It lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine cool.
Oil loses its effectiveness over time due to heat and contamination. Hence, regardless of whether you’ve hit the manufacturer’s suggested mileage, changing the oil annually is a good practice to maintain the optimum performance and longevity of your ATV.
So, if you’re wondering, ‘Do you need to change ATV oil every year?’ The answer is a resounding yes.
Which oil is best for high mileage?
The choice of engine oil is crucial for maintaining the performance of high-mileage vehicles. After extensive research and testing, synthetic oil is the best option for these vehicles. Synthetic oils such as Mobil 1 High Mileage and Castrol GTX High Mileage are designed to provide superior protection against wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of engine breakdowns.
They also possess excellent cleansing properties that clean the engine from harmful deposits. Therefore, if you’re asking “Which oil is best for high mileage?” – the answer lies in high-quality synthetic oils. They not only enhance the vehicle’s performance but also extend its lifespan.
Is there a break-in oil I need to use for my new ATV?
for the break-in period. This oil usually has a higher viscosity and contains special additives that help protect the engine during its initial operation.Final Thoughts
Determining “What Oil Should I Use In My ATV?” is a critical decision that impacts your all-terrain vehicle’s overall performance and longevity. The type of oil you choose can significantly affect the running condition and the lifespan of your ATV’s engine. It is recommended that high-quality oil be used, specifically designed for ATVs. These are typically 4-stroke oils, available in both synthetic and mineral-based varieties.
Regarding viscosity, 10W-40 oil is usually suggested for most ATVs, which works well in various temperatures and conditions. However, always refer to your ATV’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Another critical point to consider is the frequency of oil changes. Regular oil changes are essential to keep your ATV running smoothly and efficiently.
While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, keep in mind that using high-quality oil is an investment in the longevity and performance of your ATV. So, when asking “What Oil Should I Use In My ATV?”, consider the type of ATV you have and the conditions you’ll be riding in. Most importantly, refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. Using the correct oil will ensure optimal performance and a longer life for your ATV.
