The head gasket is part of the internal combustion engine (ICE), which sits between the cylinder head and engine block.
It seals oil, coolant and compression from the cylinders, regulating the temperature and ensuring that there's the right amount of pressure and that coolant gets where it needs to go.
It’s an important part of any engine, but one that drivers of older or high-mileage vehicle should be particularly aware of.
A blown head gasket is a serious engine fault, but early detection can make all the difference.
Your car might have a blown head gasket if you've noticed any of the following warning signs:
Low engine coolant
An illuminated engine warning light
The temperature gauge is very high
Engine overheating
You're struggling to accelerate or the car runs rough
The engine is working harder than normal
White exhaust smoke and sweet smell in the car
Milky oil on the dipstick
Fluid under the engine when the car is off
If you don't have your car's head gasket repaired promptly, your engine may be significantly damaged - or possibly even fail altogether.
However, the average repair costs around £600, so it must be worthwhile fixing your car. If you drive an older or high-mileage vehicle and the head gasket fails, the cost of the repair may be more expensive than buying a new vehicle.
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Make managing car maintenance effortless and give yourself the gift of one less thing to worry about when you book a professional head gasket repair today.
What Causes a Blown Head Gasket? (and What Does it Sound Like?)