Cold Air Intake Water Protection Systems

Finally, your cold air intake has been installed and is ready to power up your vehicle. Your next concern becomes how to protect your cold air intake from sucking in water that can damage your engine. This is called cold air intake water protection, and this protection may come in handy during the rainy season or if you live in a swampy area.

We will discuss ways to protect your cold air intake from sucking in water to your engine, we will also suggest the best protection material for your cold air intake system.

How Does Water Get Into Cold Air Intake?

A situation whereby water gets to your engine through a cold air intake is called hydro locking. So, how exactly does water get sucked into your cold air engine? Hydrolocking usually occurs during the rainy periods, this happens because your air filter Is located low and close to the ground, so it may soak up water and causes hydro locking.

Some car users make use of a spray bottle to clean the internal part of their car, in situations like this, your air filter may soak up some little water and this water can get to the engine..

What Happens When Your Cold Air Intake Sucks In Water?

Hydrolocking occurs when a none combustible fluid gets into your cylinder, instead of your cold air intake sucking in air, it sucks in water which causes water to fill your cylinder. This water in your cylinder cannot be compressed so it causes your connecting rod to bend.

When your connecting rod is bent, your piston is squeezed inside your bore, causing it to get locked, hence the name hydrology.

Cold Air Intake Water Protection

Cold air intake water protection includes ways to protect your cold air intake and prevent it from sucking water into your engine. This can be done by installing bypass valves, fender lines, or a polyester shield. A bypass valve is installed along the upper part of your cold air intake inlet, when your air filter becomes submerged in water, a bypass valve shuts down induction, but the air is redirected to the valve diaphragm for a continuous flow of air while keeping the water out.

Fender liners prevent mud, water, and dirt from getting into your engine bay. A fender liner is another alternative but it is not the best option, it can only protect your cold air intake to an extent. A polyester shield is another option, just like a plastic bag, a polyester shield is used to cover your air filter, it is then secured with a plastic band to keep it in place.

Polyester shields are water repellant and not water-resistant. It is advisable to be careful when driving in a swampy area, even if you have installed one of these protection from waters water can still seep into your cold air intake.

Best Cold Air Intake Water Protection

In this section, we recommend the best bypass valve, the best fender line, and the best hero shield for your cold air intake. This should prevent hydro locking and keep your car engine in good shape.

Injen technology hydro-shield pre filter

Key features

1. Water resistant for rain and poor construction
2. Prevent larger debris from passing through the air filter
3. Simple and easy to install

AEM-20-403S air bypass valve

Key Features

1. It is installed on the upper part of your air intake with some minor modifications
2. Complete installation instructions included

Armordillo skid plates

Key features

1. Offers a high level of protection against dust and water
2. Powder coated aluminum for corrosion resistance
3. No drilling required during installation
4. Aggressive and stylish angular design

Conclusion

To fully use a cold air intake, you should endure that it is safe and this includes protecting your cold air intake from water. Cold air intake water protection is most needed during spring or when you frequently drive through swampy areas. Using a bypass valve or a hydro shield is a good way to prevent yyour air filter from sucking water to the engine.