Compare Ford S-Max head gasket repair quotes from specialist garages

Ford was the first carmaker to introduce a vehicle assembly line, speeding up the process of production and bringing cars to more people than ever before. The brand's motorsport credentials are equally impressive. In the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Ford ended Ferrari's six-year winning streak, beating the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to the title with an ever-popular GT40.

Jim Morrison, the lead singer of rock band The Doors, famously adored his 1967 Ford Shelby GT500, the only car he ever owned. It is a mystery to this day where the vehicle ended up after his death.

Find out the average price of a Ford service or MOT here, or read this guide to see how Ford's maintenance costs compare with Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The head gasket is crucial because it prevents oil and coolant from mixing and seals the internal combustion process. It is under the most pressure of any engine gasket, and it can be expensive when it fails, so it's best to shop around.

Head gasket symptoms to look out for include white or milky oil caused by leaking coolant, white exhaust smoke, loss of power and water or a sweet smell from the exhaust. Blown head gaskets are usually caused by overheating, so keeping your coolant topped up is important. You shouldn't try to drive with a blown head gasket.

A head gasket repair is usually only a temporary fix, especially when you use sealant, and if the damage is too extensive, you may need to book a full head gasket replacement. A cylinder head repair is sometimes required if the head gasket has blown.

A head gasket specialist can advise you on the exact repair your car needs and how much it will cost. Read our complete head gasket replacement guide for more information.