Outfitting Your Jeep® Vehicle 101: Snorkels

Posted on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11:54 am by Alan and Jackie Ellis in Adventures, Community, Models

 

Have you ever seen a Jeep_® 4×4 with a long pipe sticking out over the hood and wondered why anyone would put a smoke stack on it?  In this installment of Outfitting Your Jeep Vehicle 101, we’re going to help answer the question:   “What is a snorkel?”

 

As you can see in the photo, this pipe-looking fixture runs from the air intake under the hood and extends upward near the passenger side of the vehicle.  It typically extends well above the hood and can sometimes be as tall as the roof.  That long pipe is actually a snorkel, and is a modification for 4×4 enthusiasts who want their vehicle to get cool, dry, clean air into their engine while off-roading.   Although some people think they look odd on a vehicle, serious off-roaders know that a snorkel can be a valuable addition when off-roading in dusty terrain or where there are deep water crossings.  

 

 

A snorkel’s primary use is to allow for cool, dry, clean air to enter into the engine.  The snorkel can help prevent water or dirt from entering an engine.  Cooler air into the engine can increase its horsepower, improve your engine’s performance, and will help to increase the longevity of your vehicle.   The snorkel allows you to keep your air intake clear of water and mud during deep stream or river crossings.  On dusty trails, the high position of the snorkel helps to prevent road dirt and dust from being sucked into your engine.    A snorkel is not a requirement if you want to off-road your Jeep 4×4, but this modification is just one of many that can improve your vehicle’s performance or protect it. Snorkels are available for a wide variety of Jeep brand vehicles including the Grand Cherokee and Liberty.