What Does The Snorkel Do On A Car?

A vehicle snorkel is a crucial component in off-road vehicles, enabling the engine to complete the fuel combustion cycle. It is an add-on feature that prevents contaminant and water ingestion and raises the engine’s air intake. The snorkel extends the air intake point from under the bonnet to near the roof, providing extra protection from bugs and leaves while improving air quality.

A vehicle snorkel is the land-based equivalent of the submarine snorkel, which allows submarines to use diesel engines while submerged. It is an aftermarket enhancement designed for vehicles that tackle challenging environments, such as deep water or dusty trails. The snorkel consists of three main parts: a hat or Air Ram, a Snorkel tube or the Body, and an air filter either flat or cyclonic. These parts are designed to complement each other in their efficiency.

A vehicle snorkel raises the vehicle’s air intake system, allowing it to take in air from an elevated position. Instead of pulling air from the engine bay, the snorkel feeds cooler and cleaner air from higher up, usually around the roof height of the vehicle. This provides more airflow than what the vehicle’s air-box, without a snorkel, can take in.

A vehicle snorkel acts much like a human, taking in clean air from above the water to let the car breathe. It also saves air, and not all snorkel body designs produce a cold air induction effect, improving fuel efficiency and engine power.

Many snorkels are installed on trucks driving in dusty conditions, as they reduce the amount of dust getting into the engine. They are often associated with water crossings, as they prevent water from flooding through the vehicle’s airbox and into the engine. In such cases, the snorkel supplies air for both the engine and the sealed crew compartment, allowing total submersion.