San Francisco German Auto Repair

A head gasket problem rarely starts with a bang. More often, it begins as a small, nagging change you can’t quite explain, like coolant disappearing or the temperature running a little hotter in traffic. Because the car may still drive normally at first, it’s easy to postpone it. The risk is that once the head gasket leaks far enough, heat and contamination can stack up quickly. That is when a manageable repair can turn into a much bigger one. Here are the warning signs that deserve attention sooner. Blown Head Gasket Basics A head gasket seals the joint between the engine block and cylinder head, keeping coolant, engine oil, and combustion pressure in their correct places. When it fails, those boundaries blur, and the symptoms depend on where the leak is and how large it is. A careful inspection is usually the fastest way to confirm what’s happening without guessing. Taking care of the cooling system is necessary, as overheating is a common caus ... read more