ASK ARB – advantages of
a snorkel part 2

Hi,

I’ve been trying for about two years to convince my wife to let
me get a snorkel for my 3.0 diesel HiLux. No matter how hard
I nag, she doesn’t see the point of getting one. She just tells me
to avoid deep water when I go out with my mates.

But apart from river crossings, what are the other benefits
that a snorkel can bring? I have been told that a snorkel can
produce better airflow to the engine, resulting in improved
fuel economy. Is this true? This is the kind of information that
would convince her that a snorkel is a good addition to the
HiLux. I need all the help I can get! Please!

Cheers,

Josh

Hi Josh,

Like a bull bar or a set of diff locks, a snorkel is another accessory for your fourby that should be thought of as an insurance policy. It’s all good and well to avoid deep water, but a weekend trip to the high country or travelling north in the wet season can show you how
quickly a downpour can change a shallow creek into a fast flowing torrent. Although driving through deep water can sometimes be avoided, there are times when it may be a necessity to get out of an area after rain.

So what other benefits can a snorkel bring? Better airflow is certainly one. Taking the air intake out from under the inner guard where it’s prone to dust intake, or out from the warm airflow of the under-bonnet can be beneficial to fuel economy and power, but it really is specific to the vehicle model. Reputable manufacturers like Safari spend a lot of time perfecting snorkel designs so that any gains that can be achieved from increased airflow are taken advantage of.

But one of the best things about raising the air intake of your vehicle by fitting a snorkel is that you move the intake further from the inner guard and the dust that is produced by the front wheels. Some snorkels also allow the fitment of Donaldson cyclonic pre-filters. Their clear bowl design lets you see the dust they separate from the airflow and they are easily serviced. The result is cleaner air, less clogging of the filter and ultimately lower servicing costs.

So an insurance policy that lowers servicing costs along with possible fuel savings can only be good thing. Hopefully, you won’t have to nag too much longer.

Mark ‘Lowmount’ Lowry
(Manager – Product Development & Evaluation)