​ How to break in your Can-Am X3

There are two viewpoints regarding the break-in theory: those who say drive it as if it were stolen and those who advocate disregarding the manual. Which camp is correct, and what should you do?

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Here is what the owner's manual tells you.

Follow the Owner's Manual

The manual for our X3 stated the following regarding break-in:

"During the break-in period:

– Avoid full-throttle operation.

– Avoid pressing the accelerator pedal more than ¾ of the stroke.

– Avoid sustained accelerations.

– Avoid prolonged cruising speeds.

However, brief accelerations and speed variations contribute to a good break-in."

These are pretty simple instructions with equally simple advice:

• Don't go wide open throttle for more than three seconds at a time.
• Don't run the engine up past 3/4 of the throttle.
• Don't drive it like you stole it.

"But wait," you say, "that's not at all what I've heard! Everyone says that the best way to break in an engine is by driving it fast and hard." Well, everyone is wrong. Wrong. How do we know? We talked to an engineer who works on Can-Am ATVs, and he told us what he would do if breaking in a new X3:

Warm up and cool down for 5 minutes each at half throttle.

That's right, babying it the whole time. But don't just listen to a guy who works on UTV's. You're going to need proof.

Here's the break-in period as described by an engineer who designs engines for BRP:

"If I were breaking in a new X3, I would warm it up and cool it down for about five minutes each at half throttle. For the first five hours, I would run at half throttle everywhere. After the break-in period, you can get on it a little harder."

So there you go, strapping down your can to a wind tunnel and going full-throttle for 5 minutes straight isn't a good idea. Just ease into it and follow this advice from BRP, and you'll be perfectly fine.

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How do you wear in the belt for Your can Am?

On your Can-am Off-Road Vehicle, a proper break-in of the drive belt will improve longevity and performance. You may also break in any additional belts for your vehicle.

A Blet We Recommend For Your CAN-AM Here

Use low gear (if equipped) to break in a belt for 5 to 10 miles while alternating speeds and avoiding wide open throttle. If no low gear is accessible, go at a moderate speed while limiting reach for 50 miles.

Breaking in a belt has more to do with bending it correctly than simply driving a certain number of miles. It's all about flexing the belt in the proper direction. The side faces must wear and come into contact with the sheave pins at an appropriate angle, and they must wear into suitable friction. When new, belts are either labeled by the manufacturer or have guidance in their installation manuals. These labels and instructions should be followed to achieve a proper, safe break-in.

Belt manufacturers commonly require that you break-in drive belts before they can tolerate peak performance. They must bend with your engine's crankshaft pulley as it spins during normal operation.

A break-in goal is to get a lot of flex cycles while maintaining low temperatures and achieving a high number of flex cycles while utilizing little power.

Drying a Wet Belt

It's possible that water may get into the PVT system by accident. To dry it out before using, follow these steps:

1. Set the vehicle's position on a level firm foundation. PARK the transmission.

2. Remove the drain plug from the furthest clutch cover. Allow all of the water to empty out. Reinstall the drain plug

3. Start the UTV.

4. To remove the moisture and air-dry the belt and clutches, vary the throttle for 10 to 15 seconds (5-6,000 RPM). Hold the throttle wide open for no longer than 5 seconds.

5. Allow the engine's RPM to drop to idle speed before shifting the gearbox into low range.

6. Check for belt slippage. If the belt slips, repeat the procedure. As soon as possible, your car must be serviced.