A blown head gasket is a serious issue, but it's one that often gives you signs before complete failure. To make sure you're aware of what it is and how to avoid it, read this post that DFW Distributor in DFW Area has put together for you.

Your car’s engine is a complex, high-performance machine made up of many critical components working in unison. One of those components is small, flat, and easy to overlook—but if it fails, it can cause serious and expensive damage. It’s called the head gasket, and when it “blows,” it can lead to major engine trouble.

Let’s break down what a head gasket does, what happens when it fails, and how to spot the signs before things get worse.

Call DFW Distributor in DFW Area at (817) 821-2533 or visit AMSOIL's online store if you're ready to maintain your engine perfectly with the best products for it.

Blown Head Gasket 101

What Is a Head Gasket?

The head gasket sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. Its job is to seal off the internal combustion process while also keeping oil and coolant from leaking into the cylinders or mixing together. Because it handles extreme temperatures and pressures, the head gasket is made from durable materials like steel, composite, or multi-layered metal.

In short, it’s a seal that plays a critical role in keeping your engine running efficiently and safely.

What Does It Mean to “Blow” a Head Gasket?

A “blown” head gasket means the seal has failed. This failure can create a path for coolant or oil to leak into the engine cylinders, allow combustion gases to escape, or cause fluids to mix. When this happens, it disrupts engine performance and can lead to overheating, loss of power, or internal engine damage.

This kind of failure can be gradual or sudden, and it can be caused by overheating, engine stress, or wear and tear over time.

Common Signs of a Blown Head Gasket

Catching a blown head gasket early can sometimes save you from major engine repairs. Look out for these warning signs:

• White smoke from the exhaust: This often means coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber.
• Overheating engine: A compromised gasket can cause coolant loss, leading to overheating.
• Milky oil: If coolant and oil are mixing, it can turn your engine oil a light, milky color.
• Loss of engine power: A blown gasket can reduce compression in one or more cylinders.
• Bubbles in the radiator: Exhaust gases entering the cooling system can cause bubbling.
• Visible coolant loss with no leaks: If coolant is disappearing but there’s no visible leak, it could be entering the engine.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop driving and have the engine inspected right away.

Pay attention to your engine and feed it with AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, the best synthetic oil in DFW Area, to keep it in mint condition for many years to come.

What Causes a Head Gasket to Blow?

There are several reasons a head gasket might fail:

• Overheating: One of the most common causes. High engine temperatures can cause the gasket to warp or crack.
• Poor maintenance: Low coolant levels, failing thermostats, or worn radiator hoses can lead to conditions that damage the gasket.
• Aging engine: Over time, even a strong gasket can wear down or degrade from thermal cycling.
• Detonation (engine knock): Abnormal combustion can increase cylinder pressure and stress the gasket.

Repairing a Blown Head Gasket

Fixing a blown head gasket is not a simple job. It involves removing the cylinder head, inspecting for further damage, replacing the gasket, and reassembling the engine with precision.

Because of the labor involved, head gasket repairs can be expensive—often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the vehicle and severity. In extreme cases where additional engine damage has occurred, a full engine rebuild or replacement might be necessary.

How to Prevent Head Gasket Failure

While you can’t guarantee your head gasket will last forever, proper maintenance significantly reduces the risk. Here’s what you can do:

• Keep the cooling system in good shape: Regularly check coolant levels and replace coolant on schedule.
• Address overheating immediately: Never ignore a rising temperature gauge or steam from under the hood.
• Use quality parts and fluids: Cheap or incorrect products can accelerate wear and tear.
• Watch for early warning signs: White exhaust smoke or rising engine temps are red flags worth checking out early.

Using the highest-quality products for your engine's maintenance will help you avoid a slew of mechanical failures, including blown head gaskets. Call DFW Distributor in DFW Area at (817) 821-2533 or visit AMSOIL's online store to buy the best synthetic oil on the market.