How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Head Gasket?

The head gasket seals the engine's combustion chamber and prevents coolant and oil from mixing. Unfortunately, extreme heat and pre-ignition problems can cause it to fail, requiring a replacement. Find out how much you can expect to pay in this guide.

How much does it cost to replace a blown head gasket?

A head gasket replacement costs £662.14 on average, according to our data. Below are the average prices for different car makes.

Replacing a head gasket can be expensive for a few reasons. A blown head gasket can often damage other engine parts, like the water pump, which may also need replacing. The job is fairly labour-intensive, requiring technicians to strip off most components around the engine. The head gasket can warp under the heat of a failure, so once removed, the technician may send it for skimming, which is when a small amount of material is removed to make it smooth and flat again. Not skimming the gasket could result in another failure.

Matt Wrankmore

Head of FixMyCar's Garage Network

Signs of head gasket failure

When your head gasket is faulty, you may notice:

• White exhaust smoke

• White or milky oil

• Overheating engine

• Loss of power

• Water or a sweet smell from your exhaust

Causes of head gasket failure

There are two main causes of head gasket failure: overheating and pre-ignition problems.

Overheating

A perforated head gasket - or 'blown' head gasket, as it is often called - is usually caused by extreme heat. Find out why your car might be overheating.

Pre-ignition problems

When fuel is combusted at the wrong time, it sends a huge amount of pressure to the cylinder head, which can create perforations further down the line.

Read our head gasket replacement guide for more information about problems, causes and the replacement process.

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