The head gasket, located between the cylinder head and the engine block, is designed to seal off the internal combustion process and prevent the fuel, oil, and coolant from mixing or leaking. Since they must be able to withstand a lot of stress, head gaskets are made of high-performance materials that help withstand the heat produced by the engine. Depending on the material, some head gaskets can withstand less heat than others. For example, aluminum expands faster when it’s heated. Once the gasket blows it allows pressure to escape, which significantly reduces engine power. The best way to prevent head gasket failure is to keep your coolant at the proper level using the mixture recommended by your manufacturer. If you’ve ever had to replace the head gasket on your car, you know it can cause sticker shock. The biggest issue with a blown head gasket is the labor involved to fix it. The gasket itself isn’t very expensive, but the entire engine needs to be pulled out of the vehicle to replace the part. Preventive maintenance is the key when it comes to avoiding a blown head gasket. Whether you’ve noticed symptoms of a blown head gasket or need routine maintenance, our ASE-certified technicians will have your car back to you and on the road in no time. Call us today at (206) 527-8828.