Will the Snorkel Let Water In on Rainy Days?
2 Answers
Generally, the snorkel does not let water in on rainy days, but it may allow water ingress if the wading depth is too deep. Here is some relevant information about snorkels: 1. Introduction: The more official term for a snorkel is "high-level intake pipe" or "wading device." Simply put, it is an extended intake pipe. 2. Function: The true purpose of a snorkel is to assist the engine by allowing it to breathe fresh air, thereby enhancing performance. Thus, wading is merely a secondary effect of the "snorkel." Installing a snorkel significantly raises the engine's air intake position, ensuring that the engine does not suck in water during off-road wading, which helps the engine operate more efficiently and intake air more fully.
As a seasoned off-road enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I've modified snorkels on three vehicles. Whether water gets in during rain depends on the situation. Properly designed snorkels feature rain protection at the top, such as rear-facing bends or mushroom-shaped heads, which block about 90% of rainwater. Additionally, the engine's intake creates an airflow barrier that keeps light rain out entirely. However, during heavy downpours with strong crosswinds, a small amount of water mist might get sucked in—but this minimal amount won't even wet the air filter, as it evaporates quickly from the intake pipe's heat. The crucial factor is installation quality; leaks only occur if seals aren't tight or pipes have cracks. Last year, I drove through a torrential rainstorm on the Bingzhongluo route for two hours without any issues.
