A snorkel kit is one of the most popular 4×4 upgrades on the market and with good reason: If you value the quality of the air reaching your engine and the health and performance of your vehicle then it really is a no-brainer.
Whether you’re a regular off-road driver, just an occasional dabbler or never even intend to go off-road at all, using a snorkel kit is the only way you’re going to ensure your engine is getting the purest air possible. The fact that it’ll also give your 4×4 an incredibly authentic off-road aesthetic is just a bonus!
Even if you’re not regularly crossing rivers or driving through dust clouds, a snorkel can help to dramatically improve engine performance and fuel efficiency – particularly in heavy rain.
What is a snorkel
We’re not talking about the snorkels used by tourists on holiday in Spain looking to catch a glimpse of sea life here. A 4×4 snorkel is a conversion kit for your 4×4 engine that elevates the air intake to prevent harmful elements from finding their way into the engine’s air cleaning system.
They are designed to funnel the cleanest possible air into the engine, whilst also separating water from the intake and removing it from the air stream. This means that a snorkel will allow a fully kitted out 4×4 to safely traverse even the most brutal tropical storm.
The benefits of a 4×4 snorkel system
- Air taken in by the engine is typically hot and ridden with dust, dirt and grease particles. Raising the intake means cooler and clear air getting into your engine.
- A snorkel is basically PPE for your engine, blocking contaminants that could seriously damage the internal operation of your engine over time.
- With fewer micro-particles entering your engine, your engine will be able to operate more efficiently which will save you a small fortune in fuel over time.
- Perfect for wading through shallow waters, as the elevated position means they won’t be drawing in any water. This makes it ideal for farmers working in wet environments and those working near any body of water, including the ocean.
- For farmers spraying crops, if a Donaldson head is fitted alongside it then the snorkel can act as an air filtration system, preventing the dangerous chemicals from entering the engine.
- It looks awesome.
Taking the plunge
When it comes to choosing your snorkel kit, there is a range of types and brands to choose from but the current market-leading brands that you’ll often be pointed enthusiastically in the direction of are Safari and Bravo.
Safari snorkel kits, in particular, have designed snorkel kits for most common modern 4×4 engines and are quick and simple to install, with comprehensive fitting guides included with every purchase.
Ultimately, it’s one of the best ways you can improve the lifecycle, efficiency and health of your 4×4 and not only that but it looks awesome too. There is something undeniably intimidating and impressive about a 4×4 sporting a snorkel kit. And once you’ve gone there, you’re unlikely to go without again!
