You probably know the feeling when your Polaris Sportsman 570 starts acting a bit off , the engine feels rough, or it sounds louder than usual. You wonder if it’s time for some maintenance. Here’s the real answer: Yes, it’s time to change the oil and filter. You don’t need a mechanic or fancy tools. In this article, I’ll walk you through the full oil and filter change process, just like a friend helping you out in your garage. You’ll get step-by-step help, even if you’ve never done this before. Let's make your 570 run smooth again.
Gather Everything You Need First
Before you start working on your Polaris Sportsman 570, you need to gather all the tools and items that will help you do the job easily. Imagine starting to change the oil and suddenly you realize you’re missing the oil filter or don't have the right socket. That's frustrating and can waste a lot of time. Getting ready first makes everything smoother.
First, check your owner's manual or search online to confirm the type of oil your 570 needs. Most Polaris Sportsman 570 models use Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5W-50 oil. This is important because using the wrong oil type can damage your engine. You will also need a Polaris oil filter. You can get a kit that comes with both the oil and filter together. That's usually easier.
Here's a list of what you'll need:
- Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5W-50 oil (about 2 quarts)
- Polaris oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- 6mm Allen socket
- Ratchet wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Rubber gloves (if you want to stay clean)
- Socket extension (optional but helpful)
- Small flashlight (optional)
Now, find a flat area to work on your ATV. A garage or driveway works great. Make sure the engine is off and cool. If it's hot, wait about 20 minutes. Warm oil drains better, but you don't want it too hot or you could burn yourself.
Wear gloves if you don't want to get oil all over your hands. Also, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Keep all your tools nearby, so you're not running around once you start draining the oil.
Lastly, grab an old box or newspaper and place it under the oil pan to catch any drips. This keeps your floor clean and makes cleanup easier later.
- Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5W-50 oil
- Polaris oil filter
- Drain pan and funnel
- Tools: ratchet, Allen socket, oil filter wrench
- Gloves, rags, and a clean space to work
Drain Out the Old Oil
Now that you have everything ready, it's time to get rid of the old oil from your Polaris Sportsman 570. This is one of the most important parts of the job. Old oil gets dirty and breaks down over time. If you keep using it too long, it stops protecting your engine and can even cause damage.
Start by warming up your engine just a little bit. Turn the engine on for about 2 minutes. This helps the oil flow better and drain out fully. Then turn it off and let it sit for a minute or two.
Next, find the oil drain plug. It's on the bottom of the engine. You'll need your 6mm Allen socket to unscrew it. Put your oil pan right under the plug before you open it. Slowly unscrew the plug and be ready , the oil might come out fast at first. Let all the oil drain into the pan. Be patient and give it a few minutes.
While the oil is draining, look at the oil. If it's thick, black, or has tiny metal pieces in it, that means it was definitely time for a change. Clean oil should look more like honey and feel smooth.
Once all the oil has drained out, clean the drain plug with a rag. Check the washer or O-ring on the plug. If it looks cracked or damaged, replace it. A bad washer can cause leaks later.
Now screw the drain plug back into place. Use your ratchet to make it snug, but don't over-tighten it. That can strip the threads and make a big problem.
- Warm up engine for 2 minutes
- Find the oil drain plug and place the pan underneath
- Use 6mm Allen socket to remove the plug
- Let oil drain fully (takes a few minutes)
- Inspect oil for color and metal
- Clean and reinstall drain plug
Take Off the Old Oil Filter
Once the old oil is drained out, the next job is removing the old oil filter. This part might seem tricky at first, but it's easy once you know what to do. The oil filter catches dirt and debris, so it needs to be changed regularly too. If you skip this part, new oil won't do its job as well.
Find the oil filter on your Polaris 570. It's usually on the front lower right side of the engine. You might have to get down low or use a flashlight to see it clearly. It's a round, metal canister. You'll need your oil filter wrench here.
Use the wrench to slowly twist the filter counterclockwise. It might feel tight at first, but it will loosen up. Be careful, though , some oil might still be inside the filter, so keep your drain pan underneath.
Once it's loose enough, you can unscrew it with your hands. Let the remaining oil drip out. Hold the filter face up so oil doesn't spill everywhere.
Now, take a clean rag and wipe the area where the filter was attached. This surface needs to be clean so the new filter can seal properly. Also, check to make sure the old filter's rubber gasket didn't stick to the engine. If it did, remove it. If you leave it there, the new filter won't seal right and might leak.
Before installing the new filter, take a little clean oil and rub it on the rubber ring (gasket) of the new filter. This helps it seal better and makes it easier to remove next time.
Screw the new filter on by hand. You don't need any tools for this part. Just turn it until it's snug, then give it another ¾ turn more. That's tight enough.
- Find the oil filter on the engine
- Use wrench to loosen, then hand-unscrew
- Watch for oil drips and keep pan under it
- Clean the mounting surface
- Check for leftover gasket
- Oil the gasket on the new filter
- Install by hand and tighten gently
Add the New Oil
Now it's time to give your Polaris Sportsman 570 the fresh oil it needs. This is the exciting part , you're almost done, and your engine is going to love you for this.
First, take your funnel and place it in the oil fill hole. This is on top of the engine, usually near the front. You'll see a cap that says ‘Oil Fill’. Unscrew that cap and set it aside.
Carefully pour in your new Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5W-50 oil. Start with about 1.75 quarts. You'll add more later if needed. Go slow , it's better to pour slowly than to spill.
After pouring, screw the oil cap back on. Now start the engine and let it run for about 2 minutes. This allows the oil to move through the engine and into the new filter.
After the engine runs for 2 minutes, turn it off and wait a few minutes so the oil can settle. Then pull out the dipstick (usually next to the oil fill cap), wipe it clean, put it back in fully, then pull it out again to check the level.
The oil should be between the low and full lines. If it's still low, add more oil just a little at a time and check again. Don't overfill. Too much oil can be just as bad as too little.
Once it's at the right level, put the dipstick back in and tighten the oil cap.
Wipe up any spills around the engine and make sure everything is tight and clean.
- Add oil using a funnel into the oil fill cap
- Pour in about 1.75 quarts
- Run engine for 2 minutes, then shut it off
- Wait a few minutes, then check dipstick
- Add more oil if needed
- Oil should be between the marks
- Clean up and secure the cap
Check for Leaks and Test the Engine
You've done most of the hard work now, but don't skip this final part. After changing the oil and filter, it's important to check your work. You want to make sure everything is sealed properly and nothing is leaking.
Start by looking under the ATV and around the oil drain plug. Use your flashlight and check closely. If you see any oil dripping or wet spots, that's a sign of a leak. Check around the new oil filter too. If you see leaks there, the filter might be too loose , or too tight. Adjust it as needed.
Next, start the engine again. Let it run for about 3 to 5 minutes. Listen carefully. The engine should sound smooth and normal. If it sounds rough or makes weird noises, shut it off and double-check everything.
After 5 minutes, turn the engine off. Wait 2 or 3 minutes, then check the oil level again with the dipstick. This is your final check. The oil should be right in the safe zone between low and full.
Now take your Polaris Sportsman 570 for a short test ride around your yard or down a safe trail. Pay attention to how it feels and sounds. If everything feels smooth, you did it right.
Once you're back, give the engine one last check. Look for leaks again and wipe down any leftover oil.
Throw away the old oil and filter properly. Most auto stores or waste centers will take them.
- Look for oil leaks under the drain plug and filter
- Run engine for 5 minutes and listen
- Recheck dipstick oil level after shutdown
- Take a short test ride
- Do a final check for leaks
- Dispose of old oil and filter properly
Keep Track and Stay on Schedule
Now that your Polaris Sportsman 570 has fresh oil and a new filter, you want to make sure it stays in good shape. Keeping track of oil changes is an easy way to keep your engine running strong for years.
Write down the date you did this oil change and how many hours your machine had on it. Most riders change the oil every 50 to 100 hours of riding or at least once a year , whichever comes first. If you ride in dusty, wet, or rough places, it's better to change it more often.
You can also set a reminder on your phone or keep a small notebook in your garage for ATV maintenance. This helps you remember when it's time again and avoids guessing.
Don't forget to check the oil level every few rides. Engines can use a little oil over time. If it ever looks low or dirty, top it off or change it early.
Doing regular oil changes not only makes your ATV run better, but it also helps it last longer. You'll have fewer problems, better performance, and save money in the long run.
- Write down oil change date and engine hours
- Change oil every 50-100 hours or once a year
- Check oil often and keep it clean
- Use reminders to stay on schedule
- Regular care saves money and keeps your ATV happy
Final Thoughts
Changing the oil and filter in your Polaris Sportsman 570 is not hard once you know what to do. You don't need to be a mechanic or spend a lot of money. With some simple tools, a little time, and this guide, you can do it yourself and feel proud of it. Keeping your oil fresh is the best thing you can do to protect your engine and enjoy smoother rides. Next time, it will be even easier. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to change the oil on a Polaris Sportsman 570?
No, it's actually pretty simple if you follow the steps. You don't need special skills or expensive tools. As long as you have the right oil, filter, and a few common tools, you can do it yourself. The process just involves draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, adding new oil, and checking for leaks. It's something that takes about an hour or less once you've done it a couple of times. If you're doing it for the first time, just take it slow and follow each step carefully. You'll learn fast and save money.
Can I use a different oil than Polaris PS-4?
You can, but it's not always the best idea. Polaris PS-4 is designed especially for the Polaris Sportsman engine. It handles high heat and works in rough riding conditions. If you use a different oil, make sure it's also full synthetic and the same weight , like 5W-50. Some cheaper oils may not protect your engine as well, especially in extreme cold or hot weather. Using the wrong oil can also void your warranty if something goes wrong. It's safest to stick with the oil recommended by the company.
Do I need to change the filter every time?
Yes, you should always change the oil filter when you change the oil. The filter collects all the dirt, dust, and tiny metal bits that can build up inside the engine. If you leave the old filter in, your fresh oil will go through all that dirty stuff and won't stay clean for long. Filters are not expensive, and changing it only takes a few minutes. Skipping this part can lead to faster engine wear. It's always worth the small extra cost and time.
Is it okay to overfill the oil?
No, adding too much oil can cause problems. Your engine needs just the right amount , not too little and not too much. If you overfill it, the oil can foam up, and that foam won't protect your engine like proper oil does. It can also increase pressure inside the engine and cause leaks. Always check the dipstick after adding oil, and add slowly. Stop as soon as the oil level reaches the safe zone on the dipstick. If you ever add too much, you can remove some using a syringe or drain plug.
Can I reuse an oil filter?
No, oil filters are made for one-time use. Once they are full of dirty oil and trapped particles, they lose their ability to protect your engine. Trying to clean or reuse a filter won't work and could even damage your engine. A new filter is not expensive, and it's easy to install. Reusing an old one puts all your fresh oil at risk. Always install a new filter when you do an oil change to get the best protection and performance.
Do I need to warm up the engine before draining oil?
Yes, but just a little. Running the engine for 2 to 3 minutes helps warm up the oil so it flows out more easily. Warm oil moves better and carries out more of the dirt and sludge inside the engine. But don't let the engine get too hot. If the oil is very hot, you could burn yourself when removing the drain plug. Just let it warm up slightly, then shut it off and wait a minute or two before starting the drain.
Is it safe to change oil by myself?
Yes, it's safe if you follow the right steps and work carefully. Always make sure the engine is off and cool enough to touch. Wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean, and use tools that fit well. Don't rush, and always check that everything is sealed tight before you start the engine again. As long as you follow the guide and stay aware of what you're doing, changing your own oil is a safe and smart way to care for your ATV.
Can I throw the old oil in the trash?
No, you should never throw old oil in the trash or pour it on the ground. It's very harmful to the environment. Most towns have places where you can drop off used oil and filters for free. Auto parts stores, recycling centers, or city waste programs often accept it. Pour the old oil into a sealed container like the bottle your new oil came in, and bring it to the right place. Doing this helps protect nature and keeps harmful chemicals out of the water and soil.