Why Put A Snorkel On A Truck?

This article explores the purpose, utility, and adventurous spirit of truck snorkels, highlighting their importance beyond just an accessory for off-road vehicles. A vehicle snorkel is responsible for feeding air into the engine to complete the fuel combustion cycle. To fit a snorkel, one needs to disconnect it. A snorkel helps your truck wade through water by using clean air from above the water to make your truck breathe properly. It performs the function of air filtration and takes in the air.

A vehicle snorkel moves the air intake system higher, moving near the roof instead of drawing air from the engine bay. This allows access to cleaner air and can be used for water deeper than 600mm. The main purpose of a snorkel is access to clean air, which is often associated with water crossings, as it prevents water from flooding through the vehicle’s airbox and into the engine, potentially causing electrical and mechanical damage.

Snorkels are often installed on trucks that drive in dusty conditions, as they reduce the amount of dust. They also allow a car to breathe when crossing water or treading sandy trails, making them one of the most popular accessories. Not all snorkel body designs produce a cold air induction effect, improving fuel efficiency and engine power.

A snorkel allows you to cross deeper water than you would otherwise, as the tube runs from the engine compartment to the top of your truck. Snorkels raise the air intake on your truck to a higher level, usually above the hood and just below the roofline. They are used to prevent the truck engine from inhaling water while fording rivers, which is generally terminal for diesels, often for petrol engines.

Why use a snorkel on 4×4?

Instead of your engine pulling air in from the engine bay, it instead relies on the snorkel to feed it cooler and cleaner air from higher up, usually around the roof height of your vehicle. It also usually provides more airflow than what your vehicles air-box, without a snorkel, is able to take in.

Stainless Steel vs Plastic Snorkels. The difference between a plastic snorkel vs a stainless steel snorkel is fairly obvious. While they both serve the same purpose (to provide your motor with lots of cool, clean air) there are a few points of difference worth mentioning.

• Snorkel Aesthetics. While the look of a snorkel is obviously personal preference, the popularity of the stainless steel snorkel aesthetic is growing. A brand such as Meredith Metalworks stainless steel snorkels (see here) are designed to be recessed into the guard making them follow the body lines of your vehicle, presenting a sleek, smooth finish.

The good quality stainless steel snorkels (such as those from Meredith) are also designed to be completely seamless, which adds to the overall modern and classy look of the vehicle it’s on. Stainless steel snorkels usually come in either powder coasted black or a brushed/polished silver chrome finish.

What are the benefits of installing a snorkel?

Instead of your engine pulling air in from the engine bay, it instead relies on the snorkel to feed it cooler and cleaner air from higher up, usually around the roof height of your vehicle. It also usually provides more airflow than what your vehicles air-box, without a snorkel, is able to take in.

Stainless Steel vs Plastic Snorkels. The difference between a plastic snorkel vs a stainless steel snorkel is fairly obvious. While they both serve the same purpose (to provide your motor with lots of cool, clean air) there are a few points of difference worth mentioning.

• Snorkel Aesthetics. While the look of a snorkel is obviously personal preference, the popularity of the stainless steel snorkel aesthetic is growing. A brand such as Meredith Metalworks stainless steel snorkels (see here) are designed to be recessed into the guard making them follow the body lines of your vehicle, presenting a sleek, smooth finish.

The good quality stainless steel snorkels (such as those from Meredith) are also designed to be completely seamless, which adds to the overall modern and classy look of the vehicle it’s on. Stainless steel snorkels usually come in either powder coasted black or a brushed/polished silver chrome finish.

What is the point of using a snorkel?

Snorkel masks cover your eyes and nose, so you can see underwater without it going up your nose. The snorkel is a flexible tube that allows you to breathe while you have your face in the water. You hold one end in your mouth and for air exchange to happen, the top of the tube has to poke out about the water’s surface.

This splash guard helps keeps water out of the snorkel that could get in there from splashes from waves or other swimmers.

Semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is located at the bottom end of the snorkel letting you get rid of water in the tube really easily.

Dry snorkels and semi-dry snorkels have the same features such as purge valves, but dry snorkels also have a float valve.

What does a snorkel do on a 4×4?

How does a snorkel work?. You can think of your 4×4 snorkel as similar to one you’d use when diving. The snorkel simply moves the air intake to a higher elevation. This protects the engine by supplying only the cleanest air – no dust, no water. This basically means your engine can breathe in tough conditions, whether you’re traversing sandy and dusty terrain or driving through shallow waters.

So what are the benefits? Well, as important protective equipment, there are numerous benefits to snorkels for 4x4s:

• Cleaner, cooler air will avoid hot, dirty air getting into your engine
• Over time, you’ll have a more efficient engine because of this cleaner air causing fewer problems, maintaining a high level of engine performance
• You’ll be able to tackle shallow water without it being drawn into the engine – something which would ordinarily cause real issues for your engine
• If you’re using your 4×4 for work – especially in agriculture – not only can you prevent dust impacting your engine, but you also avoid drawing in any chemicals
• They look great, trunking their way upwards to give your vehicle a serious edge off-road

Does a snorkel improve engine performance?

Whether on road or off road, a snorkel can improve engine efficiency by drawing in cooler, cleaner and uncontaminated air due to its elevated position. Air that is usually taken in around the engine bay is hot and will contain particles of dirt, grease and dust as your vehicle drives. This means more power and performance when you really need it.

2. Prevents dust from clogging the engine.. As humans, we use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect ourselves from inhaling dust and dirt particles. So for a combustion engine that requires a mixture of oxygen and fuel, you can imagine what dust would do to the internals of your beloved fourby. A snorkel is essentially PPE for your vehicle.

3. Increased fuel efficiency.. A snorkel helps prevent dust, water and other microparticles from entering your engine. There are various makes and models that are suited for all occasions. Installed at roof height, the snorkel can take in cleaner and cooler air which increases fuel efficiency whilst keeping your air filters clean.

Is it worth installing a snorkel?

With a properly installed snorkel, you’re able to cross rivers with confidence that your motor is going to be just fine on the other side (and that you’ll actually MAKE it to the other side). Please, if you don’t have a snorkel and you come to a river crossing, find another way.

Stainless Steel vs Plastic Snorkels. The difference between a plastic snorkel vs a stainless steel snorkel is fairly obvious. While they both serve the same purpose (to provide your motor with lots of cool, clean air) there are a few points of difference worth mentioning.

• Snorkel Aesthetics. While the look of a snorkel is obviously personal preference, the popularity of the stainless steel snorkel aesthetic is growing. A brand such as Meredith Metalworks stainless steel snorkels (see here) are designed to be recessed into the guard making them follow the body lines of your vehicle, presenting a sleek, smooth finish.

The good quality stainless steel snorkels (such as those from Meredith) are also designed to be completely seamless, which adds to the overall modern and classy look of the vehicle it’s on. Stainless steel snorkels usually come in either powder coasted black or a brushed/polished silver chrome finish.

Why get a snorkel for 4WD?

Instead of your engine pulling air in from the engine bay, it instead relies on the snorkel to feed it cooler and cleaner air from higher up, usually around the roof height of your vehicle. It also usually provides more airflow than what your vehicles air-box, without a snorkel, is able to take in.

Stainless Steel vs Plastic Snorkels. The difference between a plastic snorkel vs a stainless steel snorkel is fairly obvious. While they both serve the same purpose (to provide your motor with lots of cool, clean air) there are a few points of difference worth mentioning.

• Snorkel Aesthetics. While the look of a snorkel is obviously personal preference, the popularity of the stainless steel snorkel aesthetic is growing. A brand such as Meredith Metalworks stainless steel snorkels (see here) are designed to be recessed into the guard making them follow the body lines of your vehicle, presenting a sleek, smooth finish.

The good quality stainless steel snorkels (such as those from Meredith) are also designed to be completely seamless, which adds to the overall modern and classy look of the vehicle it’s on. Stainless steel snorkels usually come in either powder coasted black or a brushed/polished silver chrome finish.

Do you really need a snorkel?

A snorkel is one of the best investments you will add to your 4WD. Whilst most people think you only need a snorkel if you are heading through deep water crossings, I would like to explain here how important a good quality snorkel can be to assist your travels and expectations of long service life from your 4WD engine.

Snorkels, like any modification, come at a price.. Get insurance that covers your modifications and accessories for what they’re really worth, including labour.

Obviously, without a snorkel, a trip to Cape York could be a problem. Lined up at one of the various creek crossings and seeing others getting stuck can make people a little anxious. By the time their turn comes around, they might hit the water a little hard, ensuring they don’t become one of the recovered wet vehicles. This will test your snorkel’s design for sure.

Do snorkels add horsepower?

Purchasing a vehicle snorkel ought to improve your car’s performance at most engine speeds. Furthermore, it should reduce fuel consumption and make your engine run cleaner. Not all snorkel body designs produce a cold air induction effect. This effect improves fuel efficiency while also improving engine power. Once installed, your 4WD will be ready for new adventures and maybe some river crossings and let’s be honest….just look cool.

Article courtesy of: Michael Kirk-Williams, Australian engineer and designer ofAirflow Snorkels. Editor: Lori Palmer.

Does a snorkel add horsepower?

Purchasing a vehicle snorkel ought to improve your car’s performance at most engine speeds. Furthermore, it should reduce fuel consumption and make your engine run cleaner. Not all snorkel body designs produce a cold air induction effect. This effect improves fuel efficiency while also improving engine power. Once installed, your 4WD will be ready for new adventures and maybe some river crossings and let’s be honest….just look cool.

Article courtesy of: Michael Kirk-Williams, Australian engineer and designer ofAirflow Snorkels. Editor: Lori Palmer.

What are the disadvantages of a snorkel on a 4WD?

Maintenance can be another concern. A snorkel system includes components that need to be checked regularly to ensure they’re free of debris and properly sealed. Failing to maintain the snorkel can lead to issues with water or dust ingress, negating the benefits the snorkel provides.

Noise is another potential drawback. Some snorkels, particularly stainless steel models, can increase the intake noise. This is especially noticeable when the vehicle is under load. While some drivers enjoy the added engine sound, others may find it intrusive.

Installing a 4×4 Snorkel. Installing a snorkel for your 4×4 can be a bit of a challenge. It’s not as simple as just bolting it on. The process usually involves cutting into the vehicle’s bodywork. This can be intimidating, especially if you’re not experienced with car modifications. Most snorkel kits come with a template to guide you on where to cut and drill. These are the general steps involved when installing a snorkel.

Before you start, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. You’ll need a drill, a hole saw, and a variety of wrenches and screwdrivers. The snorkel kit should include all the bolts, clamps, and hoses you need. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a proper fit.

What is the benefit of a snorkel on a truck?

Why it’s so greatIncreased engine performance and efficiency. Because of its high position, a snorkel may increase engine performance on or off the road by taking in cooler, cleaner, and uncontaminated air. … Prevents dust from clogging the engine. … Increased fuel efficiency. … Reduced maintenance.

We’ve all seen 4x4s with amazing accessories such as wide, all-terrain tyres, stone deflectors, side cladding, and other accessories that make the vehicle look more rugged. But what about those exhaust-can-like pipes that run alongside the bonnet?

That’s a vehicle snorkel, and it has a purpose other than making an off-roader look that much more intimidating. A snorkel, as the name implies, allows a vehicle to ‘breathe’ while crossing water or traversing sandy paths.

This is why hardcore offroaders who like to take their 4x4s on incredibly difficult terrain frequently choose it as one of their favoured vehicle upgrades. Even if you’re not that interested in testing your fate on dangerous terrain, many people do it solely on the basis of “it looks good”. Which if we’re being honest, is as good a reason as any!