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Snorkels Explained: Do You Really Need One for Your 4WD?

If you’re into off-roading, you’ve probably seen a few 4WDs decked out with a raised air intake, commonly known as a snorkel. They’re one of those accessories that look tough, but are they actually essential? Or is it just a bit of bush bling? Let’s break it down and see if a snorkel is worth the investment for your rig.

What Is a Snorkel?

A snorkel is a raised extension of your vehicle’s air intake system. Instead of sucking air in from the engine bay (which is usually behind the front guard), a snorkel relocates the air intake to roof height. This setup is designed to give your engine access to cleaner, cooler, and (most importantly) dryer air.

The Main Benefits of a Snorkel

Water Crossings

This is the big one. In Australia, especially if you’re travelling through the Kimberley, Cape York or the High Country, water crossings are just part of the game. A factory air intake can easily suck in water during a deep crossing, which can hydro-lock your engine, a costly and potentially catastrophic event. A snorkel keeps the air intake high and dry, reducing that risk dramatically.

Cleaner Air Intake

When you’re driving on dusty tracks, like the Gibb River Road or anywhere out past the bitumen, the air down low is full of dust and debris. A snorkel draws air from up high, where it’s usually cleaner. That means your air filter stays cleaner for longer, and your engine breathes easier.

Cooler Air = Better Performance

Air up top is also cooler than what’s being sucked in from the engine bay. Cooler air is denser, which means better combustion, and ultimately better performance and fuel efficiency for your 4WD.

Do You Need One?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on how you use your 4WD.

  • If you’re mostly city driving with the odd gravel road to the campsite, a snorkel is probably overkill.
  • If you’re regularly hitting dusty outback tracks, remote touring routes or doing river crossings, a snorkel is almost a must-have.
  • And if you’re towing a camper or running a heavily loaded setup, every little bit of engine efficiency counts, so a snorkel can make a difference there too.

What About Installation?

Fitting a snorkel isn’t a job for the faint-hearted. It involves cutting into your guard, sealing the connections, and making sure the system is watertight. Done wrong, it can cause more harm than good.

At Off Road Equipment, we stock high-quality snorkels from trusted Aussie brands and can handle the fitting in our workshop. We’ll make sure it’s done right, so you’ve got peace of mind on your next trip.

Worth It or Not?

A snorkel isn’t just about looking the part (though they do look tough). It’s a smart, functional upgrade if you’re serious about off-road travel in Australia. From keeping water out of your engine to improving airflow in dusty conditions, it’s an investment that pays off, especially when you’re exploring a remote country.

Need help picking the right snorkel for your 4WD?


Drop into our store in Myaree or give the team at Off Road Equipment a buzz, we’re happy to help get your rig adventure-ready.