When you assess a car’s engine, it is easy to comprehend that an engine repair is one of the more expensive repairs. However, there is a complex structure working tirelessly to generate force to initiate and sustain movement.

There is a particular discussion about head gasket, a critical component rests between the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The primary responsibility of the head gasket is to protect the internal combustion process while blocking the coolant and engine oil from entering the cylinder block.

The head gasket bears the highest load among other gaskets throughout the vehicle. It has to seal lubricants and coolants at the same time blocking the compression.

However, a worn head gasket may cause catastrophic damage under the hood. Let’s take a look at the possible outcomes of a bad head gasket.

What makes the head gasket deteriorate?

Though a head gasket is made of durable material because it has to deal with the extreme heat, but a vehicle often goes through frequent episodes of overheating. The head gasket is definitely going to receive some sort of damage. And, it may surrender at some point in time.

A number of observations point out overheating as a primary cause when a gasket sustains a tear, especially holes.

However, any problem with ignition that has been disturbing the combustion process can push extensive pressure into the cylinder head, tearing things away, including the head gasket.

Besides, an improperly installed gasket is more susceptible to wear and tear. A head bolt should be screwed properly—not too loose to allow any leakage and not extremely tight to avoid any damage to the gasket.

However, a diagnosis, especially for a worn head gasket, is quite typical because it is hidden underneath the head. Besides, a head gasket problem is always capable of doing substantial damage. Therefore, it requires expert intervention to figure out the problem.

Service My Car is the right place for such a sensitive issue, where you get a professional inspection and head gasket replacement at very competitive prices. In case you are looking for a trusted car garage for head gasket replacement service and wondering how much is a cost head gasket replacement, then we would like to suggest you Service My Car, the best and trusted car workshop in town.

If you do not know what a blown head gasket can do to your engine, here is a detailed analysis.

A sudden loss of power might be dreadful in traffic

A head gasket failure is associated with one or more perforations. So there would be enough probability that combustion would not happen properly when there is a possibility of losing some quantity of compressed air to the fuel mixture. If there is an inconsistent amount of fuel at each internal combustion cycle, the engine will not generate proper power, and eventually, the ride will be rough.

This does not suit typical riding, especially in the traffic and even on the motorways.

Overheating might result in serious damage to critical components

Though the engine overheating due to any reason (coolant leakage, radiator blockage, etc.) does not favour the head gasket too much, but, a worn head gasket too makes an engine be in an overheated condition.

Due to perforation, coolant might find a way inside the cylinder, denying its primary job of cooling the engine. Besides, the exhaust gases that appear after the combustion process might raise the temperature further.

A heated environment under the hood is not good for a number of parts, fluids, gaskets, etc. A car, if it is driven in an overheated condition, would be catastrophic for the cylinder head. And, when coolant burns inside the chamber and turns into steam, there is always a risk to the catalytic converter. These components may multiply your repair bill.

However, it is better to sense the warning signs of a bad head gasket and take action promptly before things turn badly.

Oil contamination, specifically coolant into engine oil

As stated above, head gaskets seals the coolant and engine oil when they perform their specific duties. But a worn head gasket may allow the two to infiltrate and mix with each other. Usually, a milky sludge appears in the engine oil pan, especially at the oil filler cap or around the dipstick afterward.

Generally, this is a very strong sign of head gasket failure. However, an expert inspection is a much better alternative to finding the root cause.

On the other hand, when coolant is involved in the act of contaminating the engine, especially during a drive, there would be damage to the engine’s bearings. It may require a thorough cleaning of the entire system and sometimes complete disassembly of the engine’s lower part to confirm any damage.

As discussed above, a blown head gasket might initiate a number of critical damages to your car. However, it is up to you to be mindful and update yourself on the signs of a bad head gasket. If you act on time, you may be able to cut a lot of losses.

However, an engine overheating, white smoke at the tailpipe or engine oil contamination significantly hints at an issue with a head gasket. However, take a professional service and be assured about the issue. You can call roadside assistance from Service My Car in such a condition. Or, just book a car service or order a car repair quote on our website or app.

You're mistaken if you believe that just buying an engine or transmission will break the bank. There are other critical components that can be hard on your wallet. The clutch, being one of the most critical components of a car, cannot be ignored.

Before digging deep into this matter, just consider understanding the clutch first.

Are a clutch and a clutch assembly the same thing?

Usually, people use "clutch" in normal conversation. Though a clutch is just an umbrella term, there are a number of components that work together to facilitate a driver's absolute control of the vehicle. Therefore, clutch assembly is more of a technical term that people often refer to as a clutch.

Besides, clutches can be of two types: either a cable clutch or a hydraulic clutch. What your vehicle has entirely depends on the technology of the manufacturer.

A clutch assembly includes a pressure plate, clutch disc, flywheel, release bearing, release fork, pilot bushing, etc. All of them have their individual importance in dealing with power transfer from engine to transmission. Usually, all the components stay in between the engine and transmission.

Nonetheless, clutch replacement may be required in the future. But how can you tell whether a clutch assembly needs to be replaced entirely or if just a part needs to be changed?

When there would be a need of clutch assembly replacement?

How do you determine whether the clutch assembly needs to be repaired or replaced? These signs may definitely help you assess the situation of your clutch.

In case you own a mini car, and you are looking a mini clutch replacement then we would like to recommend Service My Car to get the best clutch replacement for your mini car in the town. Service My Car not only provide mini clutch replacement but also provide mini service, repair, engine repair, battery replacement and maintenance services.

Does your car’s clutch start to slip?

Slipping clutch is a condition in which a car's RPMs suddenly increase without any additional acceleration, particularly while in gear. This is very noticeable when driving on an incline.

A clutch emergency does not come suddenly. It takes time for a person to become completely damaged. However, if this is the case, you will need to replace the entire clutch assembly.

Does your car’s clutch start to feel hard?

A damaged pressure plate is the primary reason behind the sudden hardness of the clutch in a cable based clutch, and it could be the hydraulic line issue in hydraulically operated clutches. Sometimes, it is just a lack of lubrication in the clutch cable.

Change in release point

The release point will undoubtedly shift a little bit higher as the clutch begins to deteriorate. The car might require a longer release than usual before moving, and you get to practice letting go of the clutch a little bit more. In hydraulically operated clutches, a stretched cable or a broken master or slave cylinder may occasionally be to blame for this.

Has your car’s clutch started to shudder?

The shuddering of a clutch is the most obvious sign of damage that is occurring or has occurred.

When you use the clutch to move your car, it gives you serious vibrations. It might need a whole assembly replacement, just a check, or even a change of flywheel.

Is there any smell when you set off?

A strong smell just after you set off after idling is a sure sign of a clutch problem and may need the serious intervention of an expert.

However, a worn-out clutch assembly usually starts to show certain indications. Though you can take the help of an expert to learn about the actual condition at Service My Car, Here, experts suggest you get a car clutch replacement even after certain thorough assessments.

Besides, there could be minor problems that need a minor fix or even a part replacement. But you should be aware of these points so it would be easy for you to approve a process while mechanics deal with your problematic clutch assembly.

Is there any problem with the release bearings?

The gearbox makes a rumbling sound that alludes to the release bearing issues. After pressing the clutch, the sound stops. In these circumstances, merely replacing the release bearing should be sufficient to address your issue.

Have you experienced a gear slipping into a slot with a grinding noise?

A damaged clutch is not going to work properly, and a gear might lose its slot while producing the grinding sound. It may start to get stuck even after releasing the pedal. There might be a number of reasons for a stuck clutch, to name a few.

• Is it worn or stretched clutch cable?

Clutch cables have the tendency of stretching and even getting damaged. In such a case, it just requires a clutch cable replacement.

• Is there any problem with master or slave cylinders?

In the case of a hydraulic clutch, any problem or leakage in the pressure cylinder is not going to support a proper release of the clutch. It might require changing the problematic cylinder.

• Has air entered the hydraulic line?

Air may have an adverse impact on the pressure that is necessary for hydraulic lines.

If your car’s clutch pedal remains stuck in the floor, the above mentioned problems might be behind the scenes. However, they can be repaired easily, so there would not be a need for clutch assembly replacement.

Nonetheless, an expert inspection paves the way for you to decide whether it will be a complete clutch replacement or not, saving you money in the process. You can avail an expert’s assessment at Service My Car by booking a car service or ordering a car repair quote on our website or app.