When it comes to vehicle problems, a blown head gasket is near the top of the list of things you want to avoid. A blown head gasket on its own is a problem that necessitates repair or replacement. However, the broken head gasket leads to a variety of other issues which only get more expensive to fix over time. In order to save yourself a ton of money and time wasted at an auto repair shop in Corpus Christi, TX, keep reading—this post will teach you a few of the ways to avoid a blown head gasket and subsequent issues.

What does a head gasket do?

Before we dig into how to avoid blowing your head gasket, it might help to learn what it actually does! Your head gasket seals your engine’s combustion chamber, preventing exhaust from escaping and ensuring fluids like oil and coolant don’t flow into your engine, which could cause catastrophic problems.

Avoiding problems

The good news is that a little bit of prevention and due diligence can solve practically any problems with your vehicle. Performing steps below helps ensure the ongoing good health of your head gasket:

  • Check your coolant level: First, pop the hood and check the coolant level in your radiator and overflow tank. In a perfect world, the line would always be at “full.” Be sure to bring your car into an auto repair shop if the coolant level is low in your radiator tank but full in your overflow tank. This is a sign that something’s seriously wrong and you could soon blow a head gasket!
  • Top off coolant as needed: If the coolant level is below the line, make sure to top it off. If you find yourself constantly refilling your radiator, you may have a leak that’ll necessitate repair.
  • Test the condition of your coolant: Engine coolant is designed to be 50 percent water and 50 percent glycol—any other ratio than that, and you’ve got problems. The temperature in your engine will rise above normal levels, which will put undue stress on your head gasket. Bring your car to an auto shop and have them test your coolant to ensure it’s good to go.
  • Have an inspection: Your head gasket is bound to blow if it’s not already in perfect condition. Unless you have a trained eye, you might not know what a bad head gasket looks like. The only way to ensure that everything is on working as it should be is to bring your car to a mechanic for an inspection. Additionally, the mechanic will be able to fix anything else that’s amiss.

Despite your best efforts and preventative maintenance, head gaskets can still have issues which require the help of a professional. If there’s an issue with your head gasket or any other type of problem with your vehicle, be sure to choose Coastal Diesel Injection to make the repairs. As a top auto repair shop in Corpus Christi, TX, we can perform any routine maintenance or repair job that your vehicle requires. Call us today to learn about all of our services or to schedule an appointment.