Why Every Off-Roader Should Consider a Snorkel
The concept of the vehicle snorkel has its roots in military history, with early versions appearing on tanks and other vehicles before and during World War I. These snorkels provided a critical solution to keeping engines free of water and debris, ensuring reliable performance even through flooded battlefields and deep water crossings. This technology was later adopted by the agricultural industry, where farmers and transport operators found it equally useful as a protective measure for their tractor engines and transport vehicles. Today, snorkels have become a popular modification for off-road vehicles, offering superior protection from the elements while delivering that unmistakable, rugged look that shows it's built to take on just about anything. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about snorkels, from how they work, their benefits, and why they’re an essential upgrade for anyone serious about off-roading.
THE PROBLEM
Fording through deep rivers and puddles can leave your engine vulnerable to water potentially entering the air intake and engine, which can lead to costly engine damage like hydrolocking. Hydrolocking basically means that water has filled the cylinders, and since liquid can’t be compressed, something has to give. Usually, it’s your internal engine components, like a bent connecting rod, or worse. Much worse. Either way, it can cause your engine to come to a sudden, if not violent stop.
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THE SOLUTION
Fortunately, there are a couple of easy solutions to this problem. The first and most obvious solution would be to steer clear of water at all costs. No puddles, no water crossings, and no fun. While this may sound simple enough, when you're deep in the wilderness with limited fuel, dodging water might limit your trail choices. The second option, and our personal favorite, would be to equip your vehicle with a snorkel.
IAG carries snorkels for your Bronco, Jeep, Toyota and more-
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FITMENT IS EVERYTHING
Investing in a snorkel tailored to your specific vehicle will ensure the best performance, lifting the intake point up near the roof of the truck and providing a watertight seal against the engine’s intake manifold to keep water out. While a snorkel allows for safer water crossings, it's just as important to have some solid fording skills to rely on, such as checking the depth before “diving” in. Also, don't assume your truck can submerge as deep as the raised intake might suggest—it’s not a submarine. Tip- even with a snorkel, water can still reach vital components under the hood. Knowing your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations, along with taking precautions to seal exposed electrical systems can save you from being stranded or from costly repairs.
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THE BENEFITS
Snorkels aren't just useful for water crossings; they can also help keep your engine safe from dust and debris. When dust gets into the intake, it can mix with the oil, leading to premature engine wear and higher oil consumption. Positioned higher than the OEM intake, a snorkel draws in cooler, cleaner air from above, reducing the risk of contamination. This not only shields your engine but can also enhance performance and fuel efficiency. While invaluable on dry desert trails or dusty back roads, snorkels offer the same advantages when driving through polluted city streets.
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NOT ALL SNORKELS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Of course, not all snorkels are created equal. A universal snorkel may save money up front, but a compromised seal can cost you money in the end. Additionally, if the snorkel manifolds aren’t designed to provide the proper airflow, it can cause your engine to run poorly, or even choke at higher RPMs. Our solution? If you have a 2021+ Ford Bronco with the 2.3L or 2.7L engine, the IAG Intake Snorkel seamlessly mounts on the factory Bronco intake, ensuring an exact fit for a tight seal. Constructed from durable ABS plastic, the manifolds on the IAG Snorkel are tough enough to take on the trails, while providing plenty of clean air for your engine.
Check out our huge selection of air induction parts and components here-
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MAKE YOUR SETUP WORK FOR YOU
While most snorkels are based on a relatively simple design, it's important to consider certain features before choosing one for your vehicle. Some snorkels have an entirely open manifold, which, despite being elevated, can still take in dust and debris. Others have a simple screen that is built in to collect debris, but requires removal of the upper manifold to clean. Our Intake Snorkel is equipped with a reversible air intake system, allowing you to easily swap interchangeable plates to either open or close the forward-facing snorkel inlet. This gives you full control over your intake, especially in tough environments where dust is a persistent issue.
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ONE LAST THING...
One last thing to keep in mind when choosing a snorkel is the installation process. Since the snorkel mounts to the engine’s intake manifold and passes through to the exterior, you’ll need to cut into your vehicle’s front fender for proper fitment. Precision is key here—you’ll want to ensure the cut is accurate to create a solid mounting point and to prevent water intrusion. If you’re confident with tools and feel comfortable modifying your vehicle, installing a snorkel is a pretty straightforward task, especially if your snorkel came with good instructions. That said, if cutting into body panels feels daunting, a professional installation is always a stress-free option.
Installing a snorkel on the Gen 6 Bronco couldn’t be easier, check out the IAG Intake Snorkel, designed for a custom fitment to 2021+ Ford Broncos.
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When it comes to off-roading, a snorkel is more than just a cool looking accessory—it’s a critical upgrade for engine protection and performance. Whether you’re navigating deep water crossings or tackling dusty backroads, a well-designed snorkel can make a world of difference. If you own a Gen 6 Ford Bronco, the IAG Intake Snorkel is an ideal solution to keep your engine running safely, no matter the terrain. And for those without a Bronco, choosing a vehicle-specific snorkel tailored to your needs can offer similar benefits. As always, if you need expert advice or have questions about your off-road setup, feel free to give us a call at (410)840-3555 or send us an email at sales@iagoffroad.com. We’re happy to help!