Chances are that if you have ever had a blown gasket in your vehicle, you clearly understand the literal and figurative meaning of that term.  When we say that someone has “blown their gasket” we are generally describing a moment when their anger gets the best of them causing them to lose control of their emotions and the situation. This is true for a vehicle’s blown gasket as well.  If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of a blown head gasket in your vehicle, you know that it signals the worse possible scenario for your vehicle’s engine and your wallet. Don’t let your vehicle get to the point where you “blow your gasket,” literally or figuratively.  Read on to learn more about what to look for and how to prevent this mechanical nightmare.

The Head Gasket Explained

In basic terms, a gasket is a type of seal between two components or parts.  For example, a typical two-piece toilet uses a gasket to provide a seal between the tank and the base of the toilet.  The toilet tank is seated on top of a gasket that covers the base and it compresses so that the two opposing parts can easily fit together and form a seal devoid of leaks.

Your vehicle’s head gasket provides the compression and seal between the engine block and the cylinder head.  The seal between these two components is of utmost importance because it prevents the two main engine fluids – oil and coolant, from mixing.

Symptoms and Causes of Head Gasket Failure

Your vehicle’s head gasket is subjected to harsh conditions, including high temperature.  That’s where your vehicle’s cooling system plays a part – to regulate that temperature so that engine parts or function are not impeded by extreme heat fluctuations.

Gaskets can wear out over time. The actual term “blown gasket” occurs when your vehicle overheats and it puts undue pressure on the gasket, compromising the effectiveness of the seal between the engine block and cylinder head.

Luckily, your vehicle will always provide you with symptoms when something is not functioning properly.

What you see or experience when you have gasket failure:

 White or bluish smoke emitting from your exhaust pipe caused by leaking oil
 Your engine overheats quickly when you start the vehicle
 Puddles or leaks of coolant underneath the engine block
 Engine oil has a white tint to it and sizzles vs. smokes when dropped on a hot engine
 Bubbles or gurgling coolant in the coolant overflow tank from increased air pressure in the coolant system.

The symptoms listed above may indicate a problem has developed or may be developing within your cooling system and the head gasket.

Addressing Head Gasket Failure

The easiest way to prevent head gasket failure is to ensure that your vehicle’s coolant system is always working properly.  Regular maintenance and check-ups are helpful in early identification of potential gasket failure.

Key maintenance tips:

 Have your coolant system flushed and replenished once every two years
 Have your belts and hoses inspected for aging, breaks, or other wear and tear at a minimum twice a year.

If you believe that your vehicle might have issues with the cooling system or even a potential head gasket issue, contact us today to schedule an appointment in our auto repair shop in Staten Island, New York.  The service professionals at Colonial Service Station will provide you with a full inspection and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements of critical engine parts.