Have you ever described someone losing their temper as “blowing their gasket?” Chances are, most of us have “blown a gasket” at some point in our lives. This common idiom describes a person who is losing one’s temper, becoming extremely angry with rage, or losing control of their emotions. The figurative use of the phrase “blow a gasket” is not much different from what can literally happen with your vehicle when you neglect an important component, the vehicle’s head gasket. Read ahead about the problems that can arise with your vehicle’s head gasket and ways to identify a potential problem on the horizon.
Function of the Head Gasket
The head gasket of your vehicle:
- is a mechanical seal that protects your internal combustion engine,
- sits between your vehicle’s engine block and the cylinder head, and,
- bonds or seals the two components to prevent the mixture of oil and coolant as they move from your engine block to the cylinder head.
The head gasket is a relatively simple and inexpensive component of your vehicle’s engine but plays an important role in keeping it running effectively.
Head Gasket Problems and Warning Signs
The location of your vehicle’s head gasket exposes it to a considerable amount of temperature conditions. The head gasket is susceptible to breakdown through ongoing wear and tear. As well, when your engine overheats, there is the potential that the expansion of the cylinder head can “blow the gasket.” A blown gasket is not good. Replacement of a head gasket is very expensive, because in order to replace it, the majority of the vehicle’s engine needs to be disassembled.
So, what are some of the warning signs that might indicate a developing problem with your head gasket?
| What to look for... | What might be happening... |
|---|---|
| White or bluish smoke coming from your tail pipe. | Possible oil leak that is burning off through your exhaust. |
| Quickly overheating engine | Possible coolant leak which is causing rapid pressure buildup due to lack of coolant. |
| Coolant leaks on the ground beneath the vehicle | Possible coolant leak that is draining beneath the engine block onto the ground. |
| Foaming, gurgling or bubbling in the coolant system | Possible air pressure buildup in the coolant from a blown gasket. |
| White colored oil | Possible coolant leak into the oil system, mixing with the oil. |
Preventative Maintenance for Gasket Problems
The common denominator to most of these problems lies with the engine’s coolant system. If you properly maintain the cooling system, it will regulate the temperature of the engine parts, providing protection from damage to the head gasket.
Consider the following maintenance items for your coolant system:
Flush and Replacement of your Coolant Fluids
Repair or Replacement of worn, torn, or cracked belts and hoses
If you would like to alleviate a potential problem with your vehicle’s head gasket, make sure to contact our auto repair shop in Wallington, NJ, for service. We will conduct a full inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are any issues with your head gasket or coolant system.
Proactive maintenance is your best guarantee that you won’t encounter problems that can end up in costly repairs and a “blown gasket.” Schedule an appointment with Car Kings today.