Head gasket repair

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£633.17

Average quote for a head gasket repair

What is a head gasket?

In your car, a head gasket is a fairly technical but hugely important component that plays an integral role in the functioning of your engine. 

Your car’s engine is made up of many different parts, working together to turn fuel into power and put the wheels into motion. Because this combustion process in your engine is so complex, it requires many functions and lots of different liquids to make it happen. Engine oil is there to keep everything lubricated, so no friction occurs when parts move quickly. Engine coolant is there to keep the temperature regular, so it doesn’t overheat or freeze.

The role of your head gasket is to keep these liquids separate and stop them from mixing. It’s located at the cylinder head and acts as a seal, keeping the fluids involved in different processes away from each other. If fluids mix, they become faulty and stop doing their job. It also seals in pressure. 

Head gasket repair average costs and prices

The average cost of a head gasket repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £633.17

However, the exact price you’ll end up paying can depend on a couple of things. The main factor is the type of car you have. The higher the value of your vehicle, the more you might end up paying for a head gasket repair. The table below gives you a good idea of the different costs for popular car makes.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£612.03
BMW£726.98
Citroen£655.69
Ford£724.27
MINI£664.56
Mercedes£654.13
Nissan£613.09
Peugeot£643.90
Renault£564.04
Toyota£580.98
Vauxhall£615.10
Volkswagen£647.55
Volvo£511.11

How can you find a head gasket specialist in your area?

Looking for a head gasket specialist near you? Here are some of the common services that our trusted head gasket specialists provide. Just click on the one that suits you best to compare quotes in your area and find the best price.

  • Head gasket replacement

    The average cost of a head gasket replacement when booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £633.17. A head gasket helps to seal and separate the liquids in your engine. If your engine overheats, you may have a blown head gasket. It's crucial to get it replaced to stop further damage to your engine.

    Can include
    • Visual inspection and diagnosis
    • Head gasket replacement
  • Car diagnostic test

    The average cost of a car diagnostic booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £51.66.

    Car diagnostics testing involves plugging your vehicle into special software that can reveal issues with its engine, electrical system, transmission, braking, exhaust system, and more. A specialist will run tests on your vehicle to expose the cause of any problems you're having with your car.

    Can include
    • Full diagnostic testing
    • Recommended repairs
  • Mobile mechanic

    The average cost of a mobile mechanic booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £81.64.

    A mobile mechanic will visit you at your home or workplace and can carry out a wide range of different repairs. If the repair is more complex, the mechanic will collect your car, take it to a garage to be repaired, and drop it off when it's finished. The exact cost of a mobile mechanic will depend on the repair you need.

    Can include
    • Home visit
    • Servicing
    • Tyre change
    • Oil change
    • Recommended repairs

Common head gasket repairs

You’ll often hear people talk about a ‘blown head gasket’ as this is a common engine problem. The main thing that can go wrong with your head gasket is that it blows, breaks, and leaks, allowing fluids that should be kept separate to mix. 

Replacing your car’s head gasket is relatively inexpensive due to it being such a small part. It’s unlikely a professional will try to repair the head gasket; it’s much easier to simply remove and replace it.

However, if the issues with your engine surpass just a blown or leaking head gasket, you might need more work done. For instance, a cylinder repair is a much bigger and more expensive service. 

A loss of power, thick engine oil, and an engine that starts to overheat are all signs that could be attributed to a faulty head gasket which needs a replacement. If your engine overheats and stops working altogether, on the other hand, there’s likely a bigger issue that goes beyond just your head gasket.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

There are a few key warning signs that your head gasket is struggling. When you’re aware of these, you can get the right repair before any further damage is caused to your engine.

  • You notice your engine oil is thicker than usual.

  • Your car feels like it’s lost power when you try to accelerate.

  • You see bubbles when you remove the cap of your car’s radiator.

  • The temperature gauge on your engine is higher than usual.

  • Engine coolant is leaking, which is a key sign of a leaking head gasket.

  • White smoke is coming from your exhaust.

If you notice any of the above, there’s something wrong with your car, and it’s likely due to a blown head gasket. Be sure to book your car in at a garage as soon as possible to get the problem fixed.

When do I need to get a head gasket replacement?

Your head gasket should last the lifetime of your car, but sometimes things go wrong. Because of the intense pressure and heat in your engine, the longer you’ve had your vehicle, the more likely you are to suffer from a blown head gasket.

If you notice any signs and symptoms of a faulty car engine, it’s crucial to get it looked at as soon as possible. The complex nature of the components means that the longer you leave it, the more damage can occur. 

Noticed an overheating engine, dark or white-coloured exhaust smoke, or leaking fluids? Take your car along to a nearby garage as soon as possible to diagnose and repair your head gasket problems.

What happens when your head gasket is replaced?
Read our guide

What impacts the cost of a head gasket repair?

There are a few factors that can impact the cost of your head gasket repair. The main one is the size and value of your vehicle. You can compare average prices for a head gasket repair by car make using the table above.

If your engine problems aren’t just caused by your head gasket, you’re likely to end up paying more too. If there’s damage or wear to your engine’s cylinders, this will be a much more expensive job because it’s a much larger part to repair or replace.

The key is getting a diagnostic and repair as soon as you notice something is wrong to avoid causing unnecessary damage to other parts of your engine through overheating.

Find a head gasket specialist near you

Most qualified technicians at a garage will be able to replace your head gasket. They can also inspect and diagnose your issue if you’re not sure what the problem is.

To find a head gasket specialist near you, search and compare using our handy online tool.

How much does it cost to change a head gasket?

A head gasket change costs an average of £633.17 when booked online with WhoCanFixMyCar.

What does a blown head gasket mean?

A blown head gasket is essentially a broken head gasket. It means that the component can no longer provide a seal between parts of the engine, and different fluids will leak and mix. You’ll also experience a loss of pressure.

Where can I get my head gasket replaced?

Most garages will have qualified technicians who can replace your head gasket. It’s relatively quick and cost-effective to replace a head gasket compared to other components in your engine.

Does a head gasket repair fall under warranty?

A head gasket repair is usually covered under your car’s warranty, as it’s not expected to happen during the vehicle’s lifespan. Check your warranty documents to find out whether the repair is covered or not.

Is a head gasket repair covered by insurance?

If you need to get a head gasket repair, you should claim the cost back on your insurance. However, this will depend on the policy you have, and it’s essential to check your insurance documents to find out what’s covered. 

Do I need to get a head gasket repair for a leased car?

If the head gasket blows on your leased car, you’ll need to get it replaced before returning it.

How much is a new head gasket?

Getting a new head gasket costs an average of £633.17 when booked online using WhoCanFixMyCar. However, the exact price you’ll pay will depend on the type of car you have.

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