What is a Jeep Snorkel?

Have you ever seen a Jeep snorkel and wondered what the heck it was for? Read on for more information on the Jeep snorkel purpose, uses, and application. Coming upon a creek or stream while trailing isn't uncommon. With winter snow melting from time to time, a stream's size can change instantly, from a dry, rocky bed to several feet of water.Whatever the case, having a Jeep Wrangler snorkel may save your engine and other parts from incurring big damage.

What is a Jeep Snorkel?

What comes to your mind when you see a Jeep Snorkel? Chances are high that you will most likely think of water crossings before anything else. While this is true for every Jeep snorkel, its uses and benefits transcend that. Without a doubt, Jeep snorkels with pre-filters will also come in handy while blazing through dusty desert trails.

As we proceed, we will shed more light on the purpose, uses, and application of a Jeep snorkel. We will also recommend some of the best aftermarket options in our inventory for anybody looking to upgrade their vehicle.

More often than not, you will come across a creek or stream while blazing through the trail. With winter snow melting from time to time, a stream's size can change instantly, from a dry, rocky bed to several feet of water. Whatever the case, having a Jeep Wrangler snorkel may save your engine and other parts from incurring a lot of damage.

Trailing Streams and Creeks in a Jeep

If you have an older Jeep with a carburetor or even a newer model with fuel injection, water droplets may still sneak inside your engine when crossing a few feet of water. You might think that running through some water with a Jeep is no big deal, and for the most part, you would be correct. Sucking up water past the stock air filter is a big problem, though. Not only would it likely stall the engine, leaving you stranded in open water, it can eventually render your engine useless.

Once water is able to get inside your vehicle's combustion chamber, that's where your trip ends. Unlike air, water can't be compressed very well. Get enough of it in a cylinder, and you're looking at some bent crank rods (resulting in a loss of compression). If you ran through a deep creek or body of water, this would all happen in a matter of seconds. That's it. BOOM. You're done.

Affixing Your Jeep Snorkel Water Conditions

Fortunately, there's a modification you can make that allows you to cross water in a Jeep safely and easily. Not that it's a new idea. The military was driving under water with MB and Willys Jeeps during the war and adapted several designs to get the mighty vehicle where it needed to be. Obviously everyone doesn't need a snorkel. If you don't trail, or go anywhere near water with your Jeep, then you're good to go. However, up in the mountains, the rivers, creeks, and streams can rise and fall with different levels. In the morning the creek might be dry, but say there's a heavy rain. This might make for a rough afternoon when you have to cross it. Are you prepared? The idea of the snorkel system is to create a tight seal with the air intake on your engine. It also puts the opening for clean air high above the hood so that it will be above the water level. It's not likely you would drive where the water was much above the hood. That would be an extreme case. Pushing an entire Jeep through solid water is a lot different than driving through air. Not that it hasn't been done. But other parts of your Jeep and its engine probably wouldn't like it much. Plus, if the water is up to the hood, it's up past your waist in the seat.

Some Jeep snorkel systems require you to modify your vehicle. Usually, there is some minor sheet metal cutting and slight modifications needed. As I say, for the average Jeep owner who probably doesn't trail much, you may never need a snorkel. Alternatively, those that head for the hills and need to be ready for any contingency will want to gear up for water crossing.

Collections of Quality Jeep Snorkels at XT

Shop our selection of Jeep Wrangler snorkel systems and give your engine a big boost. Here at XT, we carry a wide range of snorkels for many Jeep Wrangler models, including:

• Jeep JK Wranglers

• Jeep TJ Wranglers

• Jeep YJ Wranglers

• Grand Cherokee ZJ

We also carry the most popular brands from reliable automotive parts and accessory makers in the industry. One great choice being the Wild Boar Low Profile Snorkel. Style and usability, all in one. Of course, we have ARB, Rugged Ridge, River Raider snorkels, and many other types and brands to fit your needs. A snorkel on a Jeep is more than practical if you travel in the right situations where a water crossing will take place.

Now, you can wade through deeper waters without damaging your engine. Our collection of high-performing Jeep snorkels will help maintain the flow of filtered air into the engine and get rid of unwanted moisture at the same time. Even if it's just a few feet of water, you are still moving the air induction above the hood, which is far above the stock factory air intake. An added bonus compared to city driving is that you are getting cooler and cleaner air from higher up. Cooler air allows your engine to run better.

Ready to tread through water with confidence? Get a snorkel on your Jeep and lead the pack! Send us your snorkel pics and videos via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.