If you regularly drive in the bush or the Outback, you know how much dust is flying around. Your engine depends on large quantities of air to work effectively. The hot, dusty conditions of our Aussie summer can leave any engine gasping for air. Isuzu has the answer for your D-MAX: the genuine Isuzu D-MAX snorkel. Let’s take a look at what it is and how it can improve your engine performance in Emerald, QLD.

How Does Combustion Work?

Air is essential for your engine, as the combustion process requires a mixture of air and fuel. Your Isuzu’s computer uses information from the vehicle sensors to ensure that the right quantities of air and fuel are drawn into the intake manifold. The air has to be clean, without any dust, dirt, or other particles that can damage your engine.

Once the air and fuel have mixed in a 14:1 ratio of air to fuel, the resulting mixture will enter the cylinders. Inside the cylinders, the mixture is compressed and then ignited to create the energy that moves your D-MAX.

Air Intake

The air intake is positioned on the driver’s side, a short distance in front of the door. This improves the speed and airflow of air into the engine. Air enters the air intake and then passes through a filter that removes dirt, dust, and other debris. This allows only clean air to enter your engine. The air filter will eventually become blocked and needs to be regularly replaced.

In addition, our hot, dry climate means that much of the air that enters the engine is warm. Warmer air isn’t as efficient as cooler air. If you drive in the city, this isn’t a serious problem, but it will place extra strain on your engine in the dry, dusty conditions of the bush. This is where a snorkel can help your engine overcome these problems.

What Is a D-MAX Snorkel?

The snorkel was developed for our conditions here in Oz, and it extends the air intake. The snorkel is attached to the body pillar in front of the door and follows a straight line up to the roof. At roof height, the snorkel curves forward to reveal a large air intake. Dust is more common closer to the ground, and the new air intake position increases the time it takes for the engine air filter to become clogged.

A secondary benefit of a snorkel attachment is that water is more effectively filtered out of the air. As we all know, when it rains here, it can be torrential. Water is an enemy to most car parts, particularly engine components, as it can rapidly cause rust. A heavy downpour could cause damage to your engine if large quantities of water hit hot engine components.

Increasing airflow into the engine and the extra protection against dust and water makes the snorkel a must-have attachment. Visit your local dealer today to see the snorkel in action. The dealer will also be able to install a snorkel for you.