Will the Snorkel Let Water In on Rainy Days?

[MacGenevieve]

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.

[Miguel]

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.

[AlyssaMarie]

Last time I accompanied my friend to the modification shop to install a snorkel, the technician explained the principle to me by pointing at the structure. You see, the air intake is shaped like an upside-down trumpet. Rain falls vertically, but the opening is angled toward the rear of the vehicle, which physically blocks most of the rainwater. The real danger comes from waves created when wading through water, but during rain, the vehicle speed is low, and the intake airflow can reach over 20 meters per second, which actually disperses raindrops. In fact, the engine intake temperature is nearly 80 degrees Celsius, so any stray water droplets vaporize instantly—much safer than you might think. Their shop uses thickened silicone hoses for modifications, and the clamps are tightened three times to ensure no leaks at the joints. Before the rainy season, remember to clean the drain holes on the air filter housing—that’s more practical than worrying about water ingress.

[DelKira]

After spending a long time in the off-road community, I've noticed that eight out of ten beginners worry about water entering the snorkel. In reality, the design already accounts for rainy conditions—just look at the drainage grooves on the top rain cover. As long as you don’t modify it with a straight competition-style snorkel, daily use is completely fine. The key is to monitor the filter's condition. I check mine every 5,000 km—at most, I’ve found a bit of moisture at the bottom of the airbox after rain, not even enough to leave a water stain. What you really need to inspect immediately after water crossings is the filter. Last time, half a bottle’s worth of water splashed in during a river crossing, but thankfully the air filter caught it. The real concern in rainy weather should be the electrical system—leaks in the high-mounted brake light are the real headache.

[Julian]

Over the years in car modification, customers always ask if rain can damage the engine. Here's the thing: the snorkel's intake path is three times longer than the factory setup, actually providing more buffer space. Engine stall only occurs when water intake exceeds 30ml—but calculate the raindrop density: during moderate rain, less than 5ml of water falls into the intake per minute, with most blocked by the pipe walls. During testing, we directly sprayed the intake with a high-pressure water jet without issues, as the water was absorbed by the air filter cotton. The real problem lies with aftermarket snorkels—plastic parts can warp and develop gaps after prolonged sun exposure. If you're buying, choose resin-based composite materials. The set on my car has lasted four years without any seal aging.