Will a Snorkel Void Your Warranty?
Have you ever wondered what vehicle snorkels are for? This guide is here to give you an idea on what they are used for, and to help make an informed decision if they’re worth the money and effort. There are several car upgrades that are designed to improve the vehicle’s functionality or safety. Let’s find out if a snorkel is one of those upgrades. Plus, will a snorkel void your warranty? You’ll find tips on how to ensure you can keep your warranty even when adding vehicle modifications.
Key Highlights
• A snorkel is an important upgrade, especially if you are an off-road enthusiast.
• A snorkel blocks water and dust from entering the air intake system and feeds air into the engine to boost power and fuel efficiency.
• When installing a snorkel, make sure to have a professional do it and use only the best quality snorkels.
• Manufacturers and dealers cannot avoid your warranty for installing a snorkel, but it is important that you meet their requirements to minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle (which could end up voiding the warranty).
What is a Snorkel?
Driving off-road presents many challenges, including conquering different terrains – from dry to wet surfaces. Even if you have a capable car, there are some obstacles that are beyond a vehicle’s capabilities. Don’t risk damaging your car engine and navigating obstacles that it isn’t built to handle. One example is crossing rivers and waterlogged roads. When you are faced with this scenario, a snorkel can save the day.
A vehicle snorkel is a pipe running on the side of a vehicle’s windshield. It is called as such because it resembles a snorkel that swimmers use to breathe underwater. The same is true with vehicles, especially off-road and 4×4 vehicles. But it performs more functions than simply allowing your car engine to breathe when driving through water.
It is a type of engine conversion kit that increases your vehicle’s air intake to prevent unwanted objects from making its way into the air cleaning system. Your car’s engine uses air to burn fuel, which is delivered to an air filter and into a chamber located at the front of the vehicle. But if there is water in the air intake and then travels into the engine, it can damage your car, especially the engine.
Snorkels help ensure that only the cleanest air is fed into the engine. It also separates water from the air intake system. It gives you confidence to wade through water even when there is an increased water level on the road.
Why Do You Need to Install a Snorkel?
If you’ve been off-roading before, you know the difficult challenges presented by this adventurous endeavor. It demands a lot from your vehicle, whether it’s driving over rocky terrains, overcoming river crossings and water obstacles, or dealing with muddy landscapes, it is treacherous. If you don’t have proper equipment or your vehicle is not built for the off-road conditions, you’re in for a catastrophic engine damage.
One risk that is involved when off-roading your vehicle, even a 4×4 vehicle, is a condition known as hydrolock. It is every off-road enthusiast’s worst nightmare. A hydrolocked engine is when too much water enters the cylinders, resulting in the pistons and other internal components to seize.
Aside from water, even the dusty trails can be a serious risk to your vehicle when off-roading. When dust and debris enter the engine, it can wreak havoc and cause premature damage to your internal components. It is paramount that you protect the engine and the snorkel does that, which is contrary to popular belief that it is suited for treading waters.
Advantages of Installing a Snorkel
Despite the fear of having your warranty void by installing a snorkel, this addition can offer plenty of benefits to your vehicle.
• It helps prevent water and dust particles from entering the air intake system and into the engine.
• It improves the quality of air that feeds into the engine while pushing dirty air out at the same time.
• It improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency by optimizing the fuel-burning cycle as it feeds more air into the combustion chamber.
• It increases the power and performance of your vehicle by taking in clean and uncontaminated air.
• It prevents dust and dirt particles from entering and clogging the engine.
• It maintains your engine to reduce the need for maintenance.
Does Installing a Snorkel Damage Your Car?
There are many benefits of adding a snorkel to your car. However, it is important to know that there are some risks involved.
The biggest risk comes during the installation process. You need to carve a hole in the fender and drilling bolts. You must hire a professional to perform the installation to avoid this process from potentially damaging your car and its external components.
Another thing to note is that while having a snorkel allows you to wade through waters, you must be aware of the vehicle’s wading capacity. You must not exceed that limit or else the engine’s electrical components could malfunction.
Will a Snorkel Void Your Warranty?
The short answer is no. No one can deny consumers of their warranty with the addition of a snorkel. However, most warranty terms have a clause that states any damage to your vehicle and its components directly resulting from the addition of a snorkel can be grounds for voiding warranty.
To avoid any issues when upgrading your vehicle with a snorkel, make sure to hire a professional to perform the installation and choose only the best-quality snorkels that meet your manufacturer’s standards.
For example, if you own a Jeep (Wrangler or Gladiator), make sure you buy a snorkel that’s made for either the Wrangler or a Gladiator. You can review what is a Jeep snorkel and find out recommendations on the top five snorkels in the market.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to take the plunge? Make sure to review the information on adding a snorkel and choose a professional to perform the installation. It’s worth educating yourself about how to choose the right snorkel that is fit for your vehicle.
These steps could save you thousands of dollars when your vehicle malfunctions or you suffer from engine damage. Plus, it could also mean you get to keep your warranty coverage!
