Faulty Head Gasket? We’ve Got You Covered!
What’s a Head Gasket and What Does It Do?
Your vehicle’s engine is a complicated system full of many different components. One of the most important parts of an engine is the head gasket.
But what is an engine head gasket, and what does it do?
To help you better understand what’s going on under the hood of your car, the engine repair specialists at Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers in New Berlin, Wisconsin are here to tell you more.
Here’s everything you need to know about your engine’s head gasket.
What Is It?
A head gasket is the part of an internal combustion engine that is located between the cylinder head and the cylinder block. It looks like a long rectangle with four circles inside.
The head gasket’s main job is to seal the internal combustion process and allow oil and coolant to flow through your engine, keeping it lubricated efficiently. This keeps your engine operating efficiently and prevents it from overheating. Additionally, the head gasket also seals the engine’s combustion chamber. This enables your car to produce enough power to drive forward, as well as keep toxic fumes from coming out of the combustion chamber by moving them through the exhaust system.
If your gasket “blows,” this could spell trouble.
Why is My Head Gasket Blown?
There are a number of reasons why your gasket can blow. The most common culprit behind a damaged head gasket is an overheated engine. High engine temperatures are generally caused by low levels of coolant in the radiator.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Head Gasket?
If your vehicle’s head gasket blows, it will suffer from a few telltale symptoms, including:
- Overheating
- Blue, black, or gray smoke
- A loss of power
- Engine oil that resembles chocolate milk
If you notice any of these signs, call the auto repair technicians at Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers right away.
Dependable Engine Repair
If you need engine repair services, we can help! Call our New Berlin, Wisconsin repair shop today at (262) 567-0284. We’re always here to help!