If you own a car, there might come a time when you visit a mechanic with car problems, and they tell you that your car has a blown head gasket. Below is an overview of the significance of the mechanic's words.

Meaning of Head Gasket

A gasket is a material used to fill the space between two joined surfaces to prevent leakages. The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the engine block. The head gasket seals the cylinder-engine junction to prevent the leakage of coolant, oil, and exhaust gases. The head gasket also seals the combustion chamber to allow the combustion process to take place.

Meaning Of Blown Head Gasket

A head gasket can suffer damage, say due to wear and tear and fail to perform its functions efficiently. Such a head gasket will have holes or cracks that allow leakages to occur. Auto mechanics refer to such head gaskets as blown.

Effects of Blown Head Gasket

The head gasket performs an important function, which means the effects of a blown head gasket are dire. Below are some of these effects:

• The combustion chamber will depressurize, affecting the combustion process and reducing engine power
• The exhaust will exit the engine without going through the exhaust system, thereby fouling up the environment
• The oil and coolant may leak into the combustion chamber and other undesirable parts of the engine
• Continued operation of a car with a blown head gasket can lead to costly engine damages

In addition to the above, you might notice all manner of car malfunctions if something blows the head gasket. The extent of these problems will depend on the size of the head gasket damage.

Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket

As you can see, you need to act fast if you suspect your car has blown a head gasket. Below are some of the telltale signs that should make you suspect a blown head gasket:

• Lots of smoke from the exhaust pipe as a result of poor combustion, oil leakage, and coolant leakage
• Loss of engine power due to inefficient combustion
• Loss of coolant (in the reservoir)
• Engine overheating

The type of engine, fuel, coolant, and oil may determine the exact symptoms. However, loss of engine power is usually common with all cars with blown head gaskets.

A blown head gasket presents doom for your car, but only if you don't take immediate action. Consult an auto mechanic such as Nortown Auto LLC as soon as possible to diagnose the extent of the damage and fix it.