What Car? Q&A - Air intakes

Q: I am planning to buy a new Land Rover Defender. I intend to use it mostly off-road. I’m not sure I like the look of the chimney-like air intakes, but should I get the intake raised anyway?
Michael Lee

A: The purpose of raising the air intake is to protect the engine when you’re driving through deep water, although large amounts of dust can also cause engine damage. Basically, getting water into the air intake puts what’s known as a ‘hydraulic lock’ on the engine, which causes catastrophic engine damage.

The raised air intake indeed looks like a chimney and works in the same way as a snorkel, providing air to the engine from a much higher intake point. The current retail price for a Land Rover-fitted raised air intake is £332 including VAT. If you drive through deep water you’ll need to have one fitted.