Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket

Your vehicle’s head gasket keeps pressure in the combustion chamber to ensure your vehicle can run smoothly. It also prevents oil from getting into the cylinders and the coolant, so as you can see, it’s an important part of your car. What happens when you have a blown head gasket, though?

Our BMW of Atlantic City service technicians have seen this happen to many drivers over the years in Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, and Vineland, NJ. The symptoms of a blown head gasket should be well-known, so let’s take a closer look at them and how to fix the problem.

Blown Head Gasket Indicators

There are a few signs to look out for when it comes to a blown head gasket. It would be nice if you always heard a blown head gasket sound, but that’s not always the case.

• Overheating: Head gasket failure may be caused by an engine overheating (due to a coolant leak, clogged radiator, etc.), but the blown gasket can also cause an engine to overheat. If the car is driven while overheating, it can result in cylinder head warping. It could even cause damage to the catalytic converter.
• Oil contamination: If you see sludge on the underside of the oil filler cap or the dipstick itself, it could be a sign of a blown head gasket. This is due to coolant getting into the oil. We’ll find the source of the issue as soon as possible.
• White smoke: Clouds of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe are a sure sign of a blown head gasket. How do they happen? Antifreeze gets past the gasket and into the cylinders, where it turns into steam.

Can You Still Drive a Car with a Blown Head Gasket?

If you’re asking yourself this question, you may already have a blown head gasket. The head gasket is sandwiched between the engine block and cylinder head, so when it has blown, it allows fluids or gases to get into places they shouldn’t be.

Driving with a blown head gasket means driving with fluids that aren’t in their proper places. Coolant could get into the engine oil. Spark plugs could be damaged by leaking coolant. Engine oil could leak, lowering engine power. When the head gasket has blown, do not continue driving, and immediately have your vehicle serviced.

Stay Up to Date Thanks to Our Service Department

The best way to prevent head gasket failure is to ensure your car’s engine doesn’t overheat. Be sure to check the radiator and coolant overflow tanks when you check the oil level. Add in coolant as needed, and look for any loss of fluids.

Radiator hoses should be checked for any splits or frays, with replacement occurring at the first sign of damage. When it does come time for service, schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians online or give us a call!

Service for a Blown Head Gasket at BMW of Atlantic City

If your vehicle requires service, be sure to stop by BMW of Atlantic City. The symptoms of a blown head gasket may not show at first, but if they are clear, it’s time to visit us.

We’ll provide efficient service and return you to the roads of Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, and Vineland, New Jersey, as soon as possible.