Head Gasket Repairs

What is the head gasket?

The head gasket is a vital component, positioned between the cylinder head and the engine block; its job is to keep coolant and engine oil from combining and to seal the combustion chambers.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

The most common cause of head gasket failure is overheating; this can cause the cylinder head to crack or to become distorted which in turn, can weaken the gasket seal. Apart from that, it’s mostly a case of wear and tear causing the head gasket to deteriorate over time however, sometimes we come across faulty head gaskets which can fail prematurely.

How would I know there’s a problem with my car’s head gasket?

There are signs that you can look out for. If you have seen any of them, get in touch with our team at Mill Road Motors:

• You may spot coolant leaking in the engine or underneath your vehicle which can be a sign of a failed gasket.
• When the head gasket fails, coolant can enter the combustion chamber, leading to thick, white smoke coming from the exhaust.
• If the head gasket isn’t working as it should or has completely blown, it can disrupt the flow of coolant and this can cause engine overheating.
• If you notice that the engine oil appears milky, this can be caused by coolant and oil mixing due to a blown head gasket.
• A failed gasket can result in a loss of power and poor engine performance.

Can I drive if the head gasket is blown?

Driving with a blown head gasket is not recommended. The longer you drive with any head gasket issues, the more chance that your vehicle is going to need complex and expensive repairs.

The repair process for the head gasket and related components can be quite complex and sometimes the only solution is replacement. Get in touch with our team at Mill Road Motors if you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle’s head gasket and we’ll be happy to help you out.

At Mill Road Motors, our affiliations with respected organisations like the RMI, IGA, The Motor Ombudsman and 1 TEC Auto Hub ensure we deliver services of the highest standard, staying up-to-date with the latest automotive technologies. 

To find out more about Head Gasket Repairs in Christchurch, contact us online or call us directly on 01202 485718

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