You’ve probably heard the term “blown head gasket” before, but what does it mean? These words tend to frighten drivers because the repairs are labor-intensive and costly. Those two things are not something car owners want to hear when they’re at the auto repair shop. Read on to learn more about what a head gasket does, what the symptoms of a blown one are, and how you can prevent it from happening.
What Does the Head Gasket Do
Your vehicle’s engine is divided into two parts: the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The division between the two is where the head gasket sits. The head gasket is made to seal the pressure in and prevent coolant and motor oil from mixing together. The head gasket must withstand high pressure and temperatures.
As you know, your engine operates at extremely high temperatures. When your engine overheats, it can cause the head gasket to blow. Because the cylinder head gasket keeps the coolant contained, a blown head gasket will let coolant seep into the cylinders. As a result, you may experience the following signs:
- White clouds of smoke
- Bubbling in the radiator and coolant reservoir
- Significant loss of coolant
- White coloration in oil
- HIgh reading on the temperature gauge
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should turn off your engine as soon as possible. Please call for a tow so that a professional mechanic can inspect and diagnose your engine damages.
How to Prevent a Blown Head Gasket
The most effective way to prevent head gasket failure is with proper coolant fluid maintenance. Your car needs a proper supply of coolant. And the antifreeze mixture should meet the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you need a cooling system inspection or repairs, please feel free to call or visit the experts at Gordon Automotive today.