Snowmobiles are high-rev power sport engines that get hot and require a specific type of coolant to prevent engine damage and enhance reliability and performance. Which coolant will protect your snowmobile the best?
Learn what brands and types work best in the 5 best coolants for a snowmobile buyer’s guide to understand what coolants to use, and why.
The best coolant for snowmobiles is Engine Ice Hi-Performance Snowmobile & Winter Coolant + Antifreeze. It provides versatile protection for all types of snowmobiles when OEM product is unavailable. The advanced formulation protects against heat and cold extremes, protects cooling system components better, and it’s biodegradable.
Table of Contents
Can You Use Regular Automotive Coolant In Your Snowmobile
Regular automotive coolant is not formulated to meet the requirements for snowmobile engines.
High rev engines can overheat when pushed to the limits under adverse riding conditions, creating strain on the engine, and overheating without the maximum protection from the coolant.
You may get by but you’re taking a risk. Powersports coolant is formulated with ethylene glycol to protect from engine heat to 226 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage but also provides freeze protection from temperatures to -35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coolants that contain borate, nitrite, and phosphates deplete fast, leaving your machine vulnerable.
They leave deposits in the system, increasing heat transfer and risk for damage.
Powersports formulations offer benefits of cleaner running, prevention of leaks, heat transfer, and corrosion to internal parts.
Coolants that do not meet OEM standards can cause damage to gaskets, hose materials, and metal parts over time.
How Much Coolant Does A Snowmobile Take
Most snowmobiles hold approximately a gallon of coolant. Each manufacturer provides specific recommendations for the amount of coolant required.
It’s essential to refer to the manual to know the best antifreeze formulation for the model, the coolant-to-water ratio, and the amount it will hold.
It’s safe to plan on a gallon in most cases unless you’re directed to do otherwise by the manufacturer.
Underfilling a snowmobile with coolant can result in overheating and damage to the machine. Optimal amounts are recommended at all times.
Keep extra coolant on hand, check the levels regularly, and replace as needed.
Top 5 Best Coolant For Snowmobiles
1 – Best Snowmobile Coolant
- ✅ PHOSPHATE FREE, RTU – Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant + Antifreeze is phosphate free and ready to use, reducing operating temperatures and effectively keeping boil over temperatures to 256° Fahrenheit or less and freeze-up protection to -45° Fahrenheit
- ✅ MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE – With an average reduction in operating temperatures of 10° – 20° Fahrenheit Engine Ice is perfect for the high-performance demands of your snowmobile and winter vehicles.
- ✅ EASY TO USE – Engine Ice Hi-Performance Snowmobile & Winter Vehicle Coolant + Antifreeze provides superior head dispersion allowing you to maximize horsepower and performance. Easy to Use – Premixed with deionized water for out-of-the-bottle use.
- ✅ STOP LOSING PERFORMANCE – Engineered to keep your operating temperatures at optimum performance to not lose power through excess heat; Engine Ice is safe for machines over all types of terrain.
- ✅ ADVANCED FORMULATION WITH OAT TECHNOLOGY – Product contains no ethylene glycol, uses propylene glycol, which has been proven to eliminate water pump gasket and seal failures; it has also shown. This winter formulas freeze protection is boosted to -45° Fahrenheit!
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Description
The advanced formula eliminates ethylene glycol, substituting propylene glycol, more effective in protecting gaskets and seals in the cooling system.
It’s an all-season coolant that protects against damage from extreme heat and frigid temperatures for maximum engine performance and protection.
Features
- Advanced Formula For Enhanced Protection – The use of propylene glycol better protects gaskets and seals from corrosion and heat and freeze damage Tested to protect engines from temperatures between 256 degrees Fahrenheit to -45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Versatile For Multiple Applications – Advertised as suitable for all snowmobile brands and models.
- Biodegradable – Designed with no phosphates. This product is biodegradable to help protect the environment from harm.
- Premixed – Convenient premix eliminates the need for measuring and premixing with water.
User Experience
Consumers gave this product a perfect 5 5-star rating for satisfaction and quality. 12 reviewers would recommend this coolant to others.
Price Comparison
The price per half a gallon is $24.99. It’s more expensive than some of the branded snowmobile coolants like Polaris, Yamaha, Ski-Doo, and Arctic Cat.
What I Like
- Rated for use in all snowmobile types
- Versatile for use in multiple engine types
- New improved formula is better for cooling system components
- Extreme temperature protection
What I Dislike
- More expensive than comparable brands of coolant.
Product Updates
This is a new product first available on August 30, 2021.
2 – Polaris Snowmobile Coolant
- Genuine Polaris part that fits your specific vehicle
- Antifreeze
- Part Number: 2879411
- Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Description
Polaris brand Slingshot antifreeze in a 50/50 pre-mix for snowmobile protection is aligned with manufacturer recommendations for most Polaris snowmobile models.
Convenient premix formulation eliminates the need for measuring.
Features
- Genuine OEM Formulation – No guesswork is needed with the genuine manufacturer’s formulation for Polaris snowmobile protection from engine heat and freezing temperatures.
- Extended Life – Additives that prevent corrosion protect the internal components of the cooling system in Polaris snowmobiles.
- Extreme Heat And Freeze Protection – The formulation provides extended life of the coolant for less dissipation and reliability for protection of the internal components from heat and cold damage. Prevents boilover and protects up to -34 degrees F.
User Experience
Consumers who purchased and used this product gave it an overall rating of 4.5 of 5 for satisfaction.
71% of the 35 reviewers gave it a perfect 5-star rating for quality and value.
Although satisfied with the product, 17% gave it 4 stars for quality but took off a point for the high cost.
Price Comparison
This product costs $47.93 per gallon. Polaris antifreeze is available at $14 per quart, versus $14.50 per quart for Ski-Doo.
The prices are comparable with Polaris having a slight edge on affordability, yet it is more expensive than off-brand products.
What I Like
- Extended life provides less chance of dissipation with added ingredients for component protection from corrosion.
- Versatile formulation for most Polaris snowmobiles
- Pre-mixed for buy and fill convenience.
- Quality OEM genuine product from a trusted brand.
What I Dislike
- Sellers may not provide the original package. It doesn’t inspire confidence in authenticity but has no impact on the quality of the original product.
Product Updates
This product was released on December 20, 2016. No known updates are listed since the original formulation went on the market.
3 – Yamaha Snowmobile Coolant
Description
Genuine Yamaha brand coolant in a 60/40 premixed formulation at a reasonable price for a single quart-sized container.
Features
- Premixed – Convenient premixed dilution of a 60/40 blend that is ready to use
- Versatile – Advertised to protect all cooling systems.
- Exceptional Heat And Cold Protection – This product is rated to protect from temperatures up to 272 degrees F to -62 degrees F.
- Trusted Brand – Genuine Yamaha OEM product designed for Yamaha brand cooling systems
User Experience
Consumers give this product a nearly perfect score of 4.9 of 5 for quality, value, and satisfaction.
94% of reviewers gave it 5 stars. They remark that it’s convenient and easy to use.
Price Comparison
The cost of this product is $13.95 per quart. It is less expensive than either Polaris or Ski-Doo brand snowmobile coolants.
What I Like
- Less expensive than other branded products
- Versatility
- Extreme temperature protection
- High consumer rating scores/trusted product
What I Dislike
- Not specific about which engines it works best for.
Product Updates
This product became available on July 6, 2012. It has since been replaced with the new product ACC-YAMAC-BL-32
4 – Ski-Doo Snowmobile Coolant
- 1 QT / 0.946 L
- Color: Green
- Antifreeze/Coolant contains the correct dilution and the necessary additives to prevent corrosion and inhibit cavitation in powersport cooling systems
- Blended to perform best in our Rotax engines with anti-corrosive additive
- For vehicles that normally use a 2-year antifreeze/coolant (green)
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Description
Quart-size of genuine BRP Ski-Doo antifreeze/coolant from the factory. It’s recommended for Rotax engines to protect from heat, cold, and corrosion.
Features
- Green Color – Ski-Doo coolants for specific models are easy to identify by color to avoid using the wrong product. It’s a Green (2-year) antifreeze.
- Premixed – This product is conveniently premixed to save the hassle of measuring and mixing before adding to the snowmobile.
- Engine-Specific Formulation – This product is intended for use in power sports vehicles featuring Rotax engines with the ideal formulation.
- Anti-Corrosive – Additives prevent corrosion in cooling systems.
User Experience
Consumers who purchased and used this product gave it an overall rating of 4.6 of 5 for quality and satisfaction.
Price Comparison
The cost of this product is $14.50 per quart. It is slightly more expensive than the Polaris brand of snowmobile coolant but more expensive than non-OEM brands with comparable formulations.
What I Like
- Genuine OEM product that is engine and model-specific for various Ski-Doo snowmobile models.
- Protection from heat and cold temperatures
- Convenient premix
- Protection from corrosion.
What I Dislike
- Not compatible with all Ski-Doo snowmobile models per the manufacturer
Product Updates
This product became available on November 17, 2017, with no confirmed updates to the formulation.
5 – Snowmobile Coolant Arctic Cat
Description
Arctic Cat 60/40 Premixed Extended Life Antifreeze Coolant is a multi-purpose, extreme weather antifreeze for Arctic cat 2-cycle and 4-cycle engine protection.
Features
- Extreme Temperature Protection – This product is rated to protect snowmobiles and other power sport engines from temperature extremes from 270 degrees F to -62 degrees F.
- Extended Life Formula – The extended life formula is guaranteed to work for 2.5 years before it needs flushing and replacement.
- Animal Friendly – Bitter additives discourage pets from injury or death from ingestion.
- Premixed – Convenient premix means no messy measuring. It’s ready to go out of the container.
- Anti-Corrosives – Additives that prevent corrosion of internal components of the cooling system.
- Versatile – Works for all Arctic Cat snowmobiles, ATVs, and other products.
User Experience
There is a lack of consumer reviews for this product. It’s possible because it is a new replacement formulation that has not had time to reach market saturation.
Price Comparison
The cost of $60.94 per gallon. It’s a solid value compared to other top coolant brands.
What I Like
- Less expensive than other top brand names.
- Premixed 60/40 formulation for convenience.
- Safe for animals with a bitter additive to discourage lapping spills.
- OEM approved for all Arctic cat snowmobiles, wildcats, prowlers, and ATVs.
What I Dislike
- Lack of consumer reviews
Product Updates
This is a product replacement for the original Part # 6639-916, now sold as Part # 6639-917.
How To Choose The Best Coolant For Snowmobiles
1 – Refer To The OEM Requirements For Your Brand/Model Snowmobile
Each snowmobile manufacturer understands the engine design and which products provide optimal reliability, performance, and protection.
OEM coolant and formulations with the same ingredients and ratios will work.
2 – Confirm The Temperature Protection Range
Compatible coolants will meet the maximum heat your snowmobile engine produces.
They must also protect the coldest environmental conditions your sled encounters.
Confirm the range for the best protection.
3 – Buy High-Quality Formulations
Some coolant formulations contain ingredients that dissipate quickly, like borate, nitrite, and phosphates.
Avoid these coolants if possible.
4 – Consider A Pre-Mix
If you’re unsure of the best ratios for mixing snowmobile coolant, buy a premix.
It’s a little more expensive, but it can save time, effort, and guesswork.
5 – Maintain Optimum Coolant Levels
Antifreeze dissipates over time and with frequent use. Confirm the level of coolant in your snowmobile before and after use.
Don’t run the machine if the levels are low or you’ll lose the protection and put your machine at risk of damage.
Helpful Tips To Know About The Best Coolant For Snowmobiles
Know the facts about the best snowmobile coolant for your snowmobile. Some riders substitute OEM antifreeze for comparable formulations, but manufacturers do not support the reasoning.
Don’t risk voiding a warranty by using the wrong type of coolant, as damages to your sled may not be covered.
- Choose the recommended coolant for your brand and model snowmobile. Adhere to the manufacturer’s requirements to avoid voiding your warranty.
- Not all coolants are suitable for use in snowmobiles. Only precise formulations per manufacturer requirements will protect your vehicle from damage.
- Choose non-OEM substitutes rated for the specifics of your snowmobile’s engine.
Final Thoughts
The best coolant for snowmobiles is a genuine OEM brand that is compatible with the brand and model of the machine you own.
Some coolants that meet the specifications and formulations of OEM fluids are the best second choice if nothing else is available.
Compatibility with your engine is essential to prevent damage to your cooling system or engine.
Going outside of the guidelines for optimal operation puts your machine at risk for damage and could void your warranty.
Even if no warranty exists, consider the cost of repairs before you take the chance. It’s better to go with the recommendations whenever possible.