An Introduction to Car Snorkels and Their Off-Roading Benefits

Date Posted: 27 February 2024

Driving off-road across the vast landscapes of Australia requires more than just a capable car - it requires equipping your ride with the right gear to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. One of the essential off-road accessories is the car snorkel, a robust component that plays a crucial role in safeguarding your engine while traversing rugged terrains.

But what exactly does a snorkel do on a car, and why is it indispensable for off-roading? Let's delve into the world of car snorkels and explore their off-roading benefits in the wild outback.

What Does a Snorkel Do on a Car?

If you’re venturing into the bush or tackling challenging off-road tracks, understanding the role of a car snorkel is paramount. These robust accessories aren't just fancy additions, they're essential safeguards for your engine's well-being. Car snorkels are purpose-built intake systems designed to elevate the air intake point of a vehicle's engine (and that’s why they’re also called raised air intakes). Unlike standard setups that draw in air from lower positions, snorkels are mounted higher, often above the roofline. This clever positioning ensures that your engine breathes in cleaner, cooler air, regardless of the terrain's challenges.

The mechanics behind a car snorkel are grounded in simple physics. By tapping into the natural air density gradient, snorkels capitalize on cooler, denser air. Drawing air from above eliminates the risk of water ingestion during river crossings and keeps dust and debris at bay when tearing through dusty trails. Alongside its raised position, a car snorkel boasts specialised air filters. These filters act as the gatekeepers, trapping dust, pollen, and debris, ensuring only pristine air reaches your engine. This not only shields your engine from premature wear but also amps up its efficiency and performance.

The Components of a Car Snorkel System

An 4x4 SUV with a snorkel on a hill. A typical car snorkel system has several crucial components:

Snorkel Head: This visible component sits above your vehicle's roofline, serving as the air intake point. It's designed to optimize airflow efficiency and redirect water away from the intake duct.
Intake Duct: The intake duct is responsible for channelling air from the snorkel head to your engine and ensures a smooth, unrestricted flow. It connects the snorkel to your engine's intake manifold.
Air Filter: The air filter traps airborne nasties like dust and debris, ensuring only clean air makes its way to your engine.
Mounting Brackets: These sturdy brackets secure the snorkel assembly to your vehicle's body or chassis, ensuring it stays put even when the going gets tough.
Sealing Gaskets: Essential for maintaining the integrity of the system, sealing gaskets prevent water, dust, and debris from sneaking into your engine's domain.

Different Types of Car Snorkels

Now you know what a car snorkel does on a car and what its components are in general, but not all snorkels are the same. Here are some common types:

Traditional Raised Snorkels: Straightforward and reliable, these snorkels mount vertically on your A-pillar or fender, extending above your vehicle's roofline.
Scoop Snorkels: With a design optimised for aerodynamics and airflow efficiency, scoop snorkels are favoured for their performance-boosting capabilities.
Ram Snorkels: Harnessing the vehicle's forward motion, ram snorkels create pressurized airflow, ramping up engine performance, especially at higher speeds.
Hybrid Snorkel Systems: Hybrid systems merge elements from different snorkel types, offering versatility and performance in equal measure.

Off-Roading Challenges and the Need for Snorkels

Off-road escapades in Australia present a myriad of challenges that demand more than just four-wheel drive prowess. Crossing rivers and water obstacles can be as treacherous as it is thrilling, especially if your vehicle isn't properly equipped. Without a snorkel, your engine becomes vulnerable to hydrolock - a nightmare scenario where water enters the cylinders, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage.

The dusty trails pose another set of challenges for off-road enthusiasts. Dust particles and debris can wreak havoc on your engine, infiltrating its delicate internals and causing premature wear and tear. Similarly, in extreme off-road conditions, be it deep mud pits or sandy dunes, maintaining a steady supply of clean air to your engine is paramount. And all of these challenges are met by the snorkel.

Benefits of Car Snorkels

A red SUV with a snorkel on a mud track. By raising the engine's air intake point, snorkels prevent water from entering the cylinders, safeguarding your engine against the dreaded hydrolock. You can confidently navigate water crossings without sacrificing engine performance or reliability, ensuring a smooth and worry-free off-road experience.

Snorkels also feature high-quality air filters that effectively trap dust, dirt, and debris, preventing them from entering the engine and causing damage. By keeping these contaminants at bay, snorkels help extend the life of your engine and minimise the need for costly repairs, ensuring your vehicle remains in peak condition for years to come.

But snorkels don’t just keep your engine from getting damaged. Elevating the air intake point allows your engine to breathe in cleaner and cooler air, which results in improved combustion efficiency and overall performance. With a steady supply of fresh air, your engine operates more efficiently, delivering increased power and torque output, giving you the edge when tackling challenging off-road terrain.

Choosing the Right Car Snorkel

Selecting the perfect car snorkel for your off-road adventures requires some consideration of various factors. Here's what you need to keep in mind when choosing the right snorkel for your vehicle:

Vehicle-Specific vs. Universal Fit Snorkels

Deciding between a vehicle-specific snorkel or a universal fit option depends on your vehicle model and personal preferences. Vehicle-specific snorkels offer a precise fit tailored to your vehicle's specifications, ensuring optimal performance and integration. On the other hand, universal fit snorkels provide greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, albeit with some customisation required during installation.

Materials and Construction Quality

When it comes to durability and longevity, the materials and construction quality of your snorkel are non-negotiable. Look for snorkels crafted from robust materials such as UV-resistant polyethylene or corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Quality construction ensures your snorkel can withstand the rigours of off-road adventures without succumbing to wear and tear.

Compatibility with Off-Road Modifications

If you've outfitted your vehicle with aftermarket accessories such as roof racks, light bars, or bull bars, ensure they are compatible with your chosen snorkel. Some snorkel kits may require modifications or additional accessories to accommodate existing off-road gear. The safe bet is to opt for a snorkel that seamlessly integrates with your vehicle's modifications, allowing you to maximise functionality without compromise.

Regular Maintenance and Care

A vehicle with a snorkel crossing flowing water.

Maintaining your car snorkel is the best way to ensure its continued performance and longevity. So, you should regularly inspect the snorkel system for signs of damage, wear, or blockages. Clean the air filter periodically to ensure optimal airflow and filtration efficiency, particularly after dusty off-road excursions.

It’s also advisable to inspect the snorkel system for any signs of water or dust ingress after each off-road adventure. Check all seals and connections for tightness and integrity to prevent potential damage to the engine or snorkel components. Test the snorkel system periodically to ensure proper functionality and performance. If you address any and all issues promptly, you will prevent potential damage to the engine or snorkel components and avoid costly repairs.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If you encounter persistent snorkel problems or require expert assistance with installation or repairs, don't hesitate to seek help from qualified professionals or experienced off-road technicians. Ignoring snorkel issues can lead to more significant problems down the line, so it's essential to address them promptly and effectively.

An Important Note - the Legal Considerations

Before hitting the trails with your newly installed snorkel, it's crucial to understand the legal considerations surrounding off-road modifications in Australia. Different states and territories have specific rules governing vehicle modifications, so ensure your vehicle remains compliant with applicable laws and regulations to avoid potential fines or legal issues.

Verify that your chosen snorkel complies with emission and noise standards set forth by regulatory authorities. Non-compliant modifications may result in failed inspections or penalties, so it's essential to choose a snorkel that meets regulatory requirements while enhancing your vehicle's off-road capabilities.

While snorkels are primarily designed for off-road use, ensure they do not compromise your vehicle's street legality or roadworthiness (assuming you won’t just be using your car for off-road driving). You also need to maintain proper visibility and adherence to safety standards when operating your vehicle on public roads and can even consider removing any non-essential off-road accessories before hitting the pavement.

Where Can You Get a Snorkel for Your Car?

After you’ve decided about the type of snorkel you want, the rest is easy. At Perform-Ex Auto, you can find all types of performance parts, including snorkels. Simply order what you need online and we’ll deliver it to your chosen address. If you have any questions about the payment options, shipping, or warranties, read our policies or feel free to contact us in case you need additional information.