Snorkels are commonly the first accessory ever fitted to a four-wheel drive.

They are a very valuable addition which assists 4×4 vehicles with deep water crossings and provides hassle-free air induction when immersed in water.

Air is cooler and cleaner at roof level than air traveling via the bonnet, which means greater fuel efficiency and less clogging of air filters.

These are important factors, particularly when 4WDing on dry, dusty roads.

Snorkels are a great accessory to fit, but how do they work; and do you need one?

To start with the basics: to keep the car moving, the engine needs two main things – fuel and air. Hopefully you’ve remembered to fill up the tank, but when you’re off-road you might be faced with deeper water crossings that could let water in underneath the bonnet.

Normally, a car takes its air in through valves in the engine block, so if the water gets into those, the engine might seize and leave you stranded in the middle of a river, creek or waterhole. A vehicle snorkel acts much like it does with humans – it takes in clean air from above the water, in order to let the car ‘breathe’.

It also saves your air filters from working overtime by taking in cleaner air from higher up and feeding it into the engine. And, as you're driving along, because of the way the snorkel is positioned; the way a snorkel 'force-feeds' air into the engine which could improve performance on the road.

By fitting a snorkel, you can ensure that you’ve got the best chance in serious off-road conditions – be it across deeper water crossings or dusty roads, that other 4WDs may not be able to negotiate.

If you’re planning for remote outback trips, you can also fit a set of stronger, aftermarket diff breathers, to prevent water and contaminants getting into your differentials.