ADVICE: SNORKEL BUYERS’ GUIDE

ANY SERIOUS FOUR-WHEELER WOULDN’T LEAVE THE DRIVEWAY WITHOUT A QUALITY SNORKEL INSTALLED ON THEIR 4X4.

THERE’S no doubt any off-road-oriented four-wheel drive worth its salt requires a snorkel. This vital tool in a four-wheeler’s arsenal not only allows vehicles to cross deep water crossings, but its elevated position allows cleaner, dust-free air to filter through to the engine. “On a standard vehicle setup, the air intake is usually in the inner wheel arch or under the bonnet. The air from these locations is not always the best, as the air can be affected by external elements such as dust, heat or water,” explained Ironman 4x4’s product director, Adam Craze. “So, as a starting place, fitting a snorkel raises the air intake to allow the air to be taken from a higher, cooler location, that in most cases is less affected by dust.”

Engines require cooler, cleaner air to work to their optimum ability, so having an elevated snorkel filtering air into the engine when attempting to mount Big Red will make it a hell of a lot easier to reach the top.

Jason Luxon, Safari 4x4’s marketing manager, agreed: “A positively sealed snorkel system is generally installed to protect your engine against water and dust ingression, providing cleaner, cooler air at all times.

“Armax snorkel systems go one step further and have the ability to supply up to 40 per cent more airflow over a standard air-intake system, for increased engine performance.”

As well as protecting an engine from silty dust deposits, a well-designed snorkel also enhances a 4x4’s appearance. “The TJM Airtec Snorkel provides a pleasing aesthetic accessory that will enhance the look of any 4WD,” Brad Cooper, TJM’S category manager for mechanical components, told us.

James David, Sherpa 4x4 technician, added: “The snorkel is an affordable upgrade which not only improves the appearance of the vehicle but also provides a practical upgrade to the factory vehicle airflow design. It is especially important for people planning to do touring or extreme adventures off-road.”