Reasons Behind Head Gasket Leaks in Land Rover From Certified Technicians in Powell

Land Rovers are multipurpose vehicles that can take a beating. They provide off-road navigation and are perfect for drivers who love to explore. Even though they are tough and rugged, they still need regular maintenance. One common issue that we see in Land Rovers is a head gasket leak.

What is a head gasket?

The head gasket is located between the cylinder head and the engine block. Its main purpose is to seal the combustion chamber. It allows the coolant and oil to travel through the engine while keeping harmful gases from exiting.

Why do head gaskets leak?

There are several reasons a head gasket can fail. Head gaskets endure a lot of wear and tear over time. Engine temperature and environmental conditions cause the material to expand and contract. After years of wear, the head gasket can crack and fail.

An engine that constantly runs hot can wear out the gasket quicker than normal. It is vital that you pay attention to how hot your engine runs. If it runs hot, call us so we can perform a diagnostic check to find the problem. Taking care of the issue now will save your time and money in the future.

The main reasons for head gasket failure are:

• not enough water
• incorrect, old, or watered-down antifreeze
• contaminated, old, incorrect, or cheap oil
• low oil level
• thermostat failure
• running the engine hot

Symptoms of Head Gasket Failure

The engine needs three important fluids to run efficiently: fuel, motor oil, and coolant. If the head gasket blows, these fluids can enter the cylinders. If this happens, a few symptoms you may experience are:

• water dripping from the tailpipe
• engine overheating
• white, gray, or blue smoke coming from the tailpipe
• loss of power
• milky looking oil
• bubbling in the radiator
• low coolant levels
• oil in the antifreeze
• rough idling
• coolant on the spark plugs
• oil leak

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, stop driving your Land Rover. Do not attempt to release the pressure by removing the radiator cap. The coolant can spray out and cause severe burns. Instead, call for a tow to your trusted mechanic for help.

Continuing to Drive with a Blown Head Gasket

Since head gasket replacement often comes at a high cost, a lot of drivers ignore symptoms of failure. They often continue to drive their car hoping the problem will go away. The damage will get worse over time and you could experience complete engine failure with an exorbitant price to fix your Land Rover.

We do not recommend that you drive your car with a blown head gasket. Continuing to do so can lead to further damage and costly repairs. If the coolant leaks into the cylinders you could experience:

• damage to the catalytic converter
• overheating
• improper lubrication
• rusting
• engine fire
• total engine failure
• cooling system damage
• hose erosion
• radiator failure

Caring for Your Land Rover

With added performance comes a greater risk of issues. Your vehicle will experience wear and tear naturally, so it needs regular service to keep it in proper working condition. If you ever notice that your engine is overheating, have it checked out by a certified mechanic right away.

At Auto Assets, our ASE certified mechanics can handle all your Land Rover service needs. Our Land Rover Services include:

• A/C service and repair
• battery replacement
• clutch repair
• engine repairs
• fluid checks and changes
• oil change services
• suspension repairs
• tire services
• brake service and repair
• check engine light maintenance
• diagnostic inspections
• factory scheduled services
• mileage specific maintenance
• preventative maintenance
• transmission repairs
• wheel alignments

We stand by or work and guarantee your satisfaction. Our services and repairs are backed with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all parts provided by Auto Assets.

We Can Fix Your Blown Head Gasket

Auto Assets has been servicing European automobile owners for over 30 years. We strive to make your visit hassle-free. Our service center is equipped with the most current and up-to-date factory grade tools and equipment. This allows us to provide you with dealership-quality service at a fraction of the cost.

If you are experiencing a head gasket leak in your Land Rover, contact us today to schedule your service appointment. We proudly service clients from all surrounding areas including Columbus, Dublin, New Albany, Worthington and Powell, OH.

* Land Rover Discovery image credit goes to: Dmitrii Guldin.