A head gasket leak is one of those car problems that can leave you with a major headache and a hole in your wallet. When it is not handled carefully, you can end up with irreversible engine damage. 

A head gasket is a component that separates the engine into two sections and prevents fluids from contaminating each other. It contains the stress of combustion and keeps motor oil and coolant from running together. It is a heavy-duty component that is resistant to high pressures, friction, heat, and more.

Since our engines operate at such high temperatures, it can overheat if the cooling system isn’t properly maintained. When your vehicle gets too hot, the tension on the head gasket is increased and can cause it to swell and blow. 

Besides a blown head gasket leak, other scenarios can happen to cause the head gasket to leak. Another scenario would be a fault in the part itself.

Signs That Your Head Gasket is Leaky

• Boiling hot coolant
• Bubbling water or steam
• White or milk engine oil
• White exhaust smoke
• Engine overheating 
  • Smoke
  • High temperature gauge
  • Dashboard warning signal
• Coolant and oil around the head gasket
• Drop in engine performance

If you notice any of these signs, please get your car to Honest Wrenches ASAP. Neglecting these signs can be dangerous for your and your vehicle. Feel free to give us a call or visit our auto repair shop soon.