Signs of Head Gasket Failure and What to Do About It

If your car had a serious overheating issue recently, you should be on the lookout for a blown head gasket or coolant leaks. Not every overheating instance means a blown gasket, but it increases your chances of one. In many cases, the problem starts small, and you will see subtle signs before the gasket blows.

Here are some signs your car's engine's head gasket is about to fail and what your mechanic can do to keep things from becoming worse.

What Does the Head Gasket Do?

Your car's engine has two parts: The head and the block. The head contains the camshaft (for overhead cam engines) or the rocker arms (for older models) and the valves. The block contains cylinders and pistons. Each part has channels to allow for oil to flow and lubricate the engine and coolant to keep temperatures low.

The head gasket seals the two parts of the engine. It keeps oil out of the coolant and coolant out of the oil. Many head gaskets are made of steel combined with a flexible rubber-like material called elastomer. These materials ensure a tight seal that withstands engine combustion pressures and temperatures.

What Are Signs of a Head Gasket Leak?

Many people first notice a problem with the head gasket when they see signs of leaks. Below are some of the common ways to tell if you have a leak.

White Exhaust Smoke

Coolant is not designed to burn in the combustion chamber. When coolant seeps into the cylinder or cylinders, you will see a billow of white smoke from your rear tailpipe. Even a tiny amount of coolant is enough to see a difference in your exhaust.

Uneven Idle

When the gasket leaks, your engine compression may be affected. As a result, cylinders won't work efficiently. Your car may misfire and run rough. In addition, you could have trouble starting your car's engine.

External Leaks

If your gasket blows or begins to weaken, you may see coolant or oil leaking on the side of your engine.

Unusual Coolant Appearance

When a head gasket leaks, the oil mixes with the coolant. When you take off the radiator or coolant reservoir cap, the color may look odd. Most likely, a blown gasket will give your coolant a milky appearance.

Why Do Head Gaskets Blow?

The number one reason why head gaskets fail is when the engine gets too hot. Most cars can handle high temperatures very well. However, if you don't perform regular cooling system maintenance and repairs, then your car's engine will overheat. An overheated engine and blown gasket can also warp or crack the block. When that happens, you will need a new engine.

How Are Head Gasket Problems Fixed?

If you catch the problem at the earliest stage, then you may be able to save your engine. At the very minimum, your gasket needs replacement. However, most cars also need additional engine repairs at the same time. How much work your car's engine will need depends on how bad the leak was and how long you drove the car with the problem. Some engines need a complete tear-down to diagnose all of the damage.

The best way to prevent a blown head gasket is to not let it happen in the first place. Make sure your car has adequate coolant and replace worn components. Bring your car in for regular maintenance to catch problems early. If you see signs of coolant in the cylinders or your car overheats, don't drive it. Instead, have your car towed to Powers Car Care Centers for diagnostics and repair.

We can also help you with general car maintenance so a blown head gasket won't happen. Call us to see how we can help you.