That pipe on the side of a truck or SUV isn't just for looks. It's a snorkel, and it tells you something important about how that vehicle is used.
If you’ve ever spotted a tall pipe sticking up from the hood or fender of a truck, you may have found yourself wondering, why is a snorkel on a car and why would someone need one? It looks different from the usual accessories you see on your typical car, and it tends to spark curiosity. Some people assume it’s for looks, while others figure it must have something to do with off-road driving.
What Does A Car Snorkel Do?
If you’ve ever asked yourself what a snorkel on a car is supposed to accomplish, the simplest answer is that it helps the engine get cleaner, safer air.
A car engine needs to breathe, and normally it pulls air in through an intake located low under the hood. That placement works fine on pavement, but becomes a problem when the car is surrounded by dust or rolling through a deep puddle. A snorkel solves this by moving the intake higher, sometimes all the way up to roof level.
By drawing air from above the car instead of near the wheels, the snorkel helps the engine avoid dirt, water, and other debris. Air travels through the snorkel, into the filter, and into the combustion system just like it would without the attachment. The only difference is that the source is higher and safer.
For someone who spends weekends on trails, the answer is simple. Imagine following a convoy of trucks kicking up dust that lingers like a fog, or driving through a creek that climbs halfway up the doors. Without a snorkel, the engine is forced to take in air that’s filled with dust or splashing water. That can clog filters or, worse, cause hydrolock. Hydrolock is when water makes it into the cylinders, and it’s one of the most damaging things that can happen to an engine.
A snorkel lowers the risk of those problems. It keeps the intake up and out of danger, which is why so many off-road vehicles and overlanding builds have them. For a driver who loves exploring unpaved roads, it’s less about style and more about keeping the car running.
Do Snorkels Help In Daily Driving?
Most people will never push their car into conditions that require a snorkel. On city streets or highways, the difference is minimal. The engine might get slightly cooler and cleaner air from above the hood, but most drivers do not notice that.
Still, there are practical reasons outside of off-roading. Drivers who live on long dirt roads, in flood-prone areas, or anywhere with heavy seasonal dust might find one useful. For everyone else, a snorkel is more of a rugged visual statement than a necessary upgrade.
What To Know Before Adding One
Putting a snorkel on a car isn’t as simple as bolting on an accessory. It usually means cutting into the body to connect the intake, which makes the change permanent. A sloppy job can actually let in water instead of keeping it out, so many people have it done by a shop. Kits are out there for confident DIYers, but it’s not a beginner project.
Before making the jump, think about how you really use your car. If it mostly handles city streets, you probably won’t get much benefit. And while some buyers like the look of a snorkel, others may see it as a drawback when it’s time to sell.
