The Importance Of Head Gasket Repairs

Many drivers in the Woodstock and Gardiner area do a great job of making sure their Subaru's are running smoothly and are up to date on maintenance. Oil changes, tire rotations, alignment, and brake service are the most common service your vehicle will need. But sometimes more intense and tricky service is required to repair or prevent further damage and one of those repairs includes Head Gasket Repairs. Not sure what a head gasket is or what it does? Well, let us explain everything about head gaskets that you need to know.

• Q: What is a head gasket?

  A: The head gasket is located between the engine block and the cylinder head and seals in the internal combustion process as well as keeps coolant and oil from mixing together.

• Q: What happens when a head gasket is "blown"?

  A: The short answer is your car will stop running and it is very dangerous to drive with a failing gasket. Your engine can over heat and your engine and cylinder head can also fail as a result of driving with a bad head gasket.

• Q: How often do head gaskets need to be replaced?

  A: While head gaskets can fail at any time most gaskets will last for at least 100,000 miles. Especially if you regularly change your oil and engine coolant.

• Q: How can I tell if my head gasket is failing?

  A: There are few different ways you can tell if your head gasket is failing and needs to be repaired or replaced. First is your engine will overheat. Another way you can tell is by checking your oil. If your oil is a golden color or black you are good. Those are the colors of clean and dirty oil. But if you oil is the color of sunscreen and is creamy you have a blown gasket.

• Q: What do I do if I have a blown head gasket?

  A: Bring your car to the talented service team here at Colonial Subaru. We can easily repair or replace your head gaskets before a much more serious problem could arise.  

  We are proud to help drivers from all over the Kingston, Albany, and New Paltz region with all of their automotive service needs. Schedule your next service appointment today by calling us at 866-949-7059 or schedule online. Colonial Subaru is located at 761 East Chester St. in Kingston, NY.