What Is a Head Gasket (and Why Is It Serious)?
A blown head gasket is one of the repairs owners fear most. A Cranbourne West specialist explains what it is.
What it is & what it does
The head gasket seals the joint between the engine block and the cylinder head, containing combustion pressure and keeping oil and coolant in their separate passages. It works under huge heat and pressure.
When it fails, those fluids and gases mix — which is why it’s a serious, often expensive repair.
Signs of trouble & how we help
Signs include white sweet-smelling exhaust smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, overheating, or a milky look under the oil cap. Continuing to drive risks warping the head and major damage.
We pressure-test and check for combustion gases in the coolant to confirm it before any major work.
Questions about your car? Just ask.
Understanding what’s under the bonnet makes servicing decisions easier — and we’re always happy to explain what your car needs and why, in plain English.
Book a service or a check with a Cranbourne West specialist online in 60 seconds, or call 03 8782 0711.
What Is a Head Gasket (and Why Is It Serious)? — FAQ
It seals the block to the cylinder head, containing combustion and keeping oil and coolant separate.
White sweet-smelling smoke, coolant loss without a leak, overheating, or milky oil.
Yes — driving on can warp the head and cause major damage. Get it confirmed.
We pressure-test and test for combustion gases in the coolant.
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