How much does a head gasket repair cost?

A car’s head gasket not only helps the vehicle maintain engine power but also prevents any leaks that can lead to overheating. A head gasket is a tiny yet critical part of your car, so if you find it malfunctioning, you must get it repaired to ensure car safety before the problem blows.

A blown head gasket repair costs around $90 to $925 on average. Labour costs roughly $100 per hour, and the work can take hours or days.

If you want more about how much it costs to repair a head gasket, this article will walk you through the cost factors to help you make an informed decision the next time you get head gasket issues. 

Average head gasket repair costs

Factors that affect the costs of repairing a head gasket

Age of the vehicle

Head gaskets usually wear out with years of use - you’ll need to repair them at some point. Gasket repairs for older cars cost more because of wear and tear, so ask your specialist for a quote on repairing your vehicle's head gasket. 

Make and model of the vehicle

The make and model of the car will affect how much the repair of your head gasket costs. For example, a Holden Cruze's head gasket repair might cost more than other vehicle models. 

Type of engine

Different cars have different engines and configurations, requiring specialised knowledge when it comes to head gasket repairs. For example, a Subaru with a boxer-type engine has a different configuration. Thus, you'll need a repairer familiar with Subaru engines and head gaskets for the job. 

Severity of the damage

The gasket is the lid that ensures the different fluids within the car don't mix. So when a head gasket is blown or broken, it affects the state of the other parts of the engine. Blown head gaskets can damage the exhaust, cooling system and other engine components. As expected, this will play a role in the overall repair costs. 

Type of gasket

Knowing this is particularly important if you are to get your gasket replaced. The material of the gasket, whether made of layered steel or copper, will determine the total cost of the repair. 

Signs that a head gasket needs repair

Don’t let your head gasket get worse before you fix it. Here are some telltale signs that your head gasket needs repair.

Your engine is overheating

If your engine is overheating, your head gasket is most probably blown. This happens when your car's hydrocarbons or gas enter the cooling system. 

Appearance of white, blue, and grey smoke

Most vehicles nowadays are designed not to emit any smoke, moreso coloured smoke. So if you notice your car belching white, blue or grey smoke, have it inspected immediately. When this occurs, it means the coolant or oil has entered the combustion chamber.

Loss of power

If your car keeps losing power, especially at unexpected times, it's time to go to a mechanic. This symptom implies a lack of compression, resulting in sputtering and loss of power. This can also affect your car's fuel efficiency.

Discoloured oil

Does your oil look like chocolate milk? There's probably something wrong with your gasket, as this indicates the coolant is mixed with oil in the engine.

Post a task for head gasket repair

It's hard to find a reliable car mechanic, but you can find trustworthy ones with the help of our platform. Post a task, provide all the details necessary (i.e., location, make and model of your vehicle, etc.) and wait for Taskers to reach out and provide you with a quote. 

It's best not to take the risk and fix it yourself. Hiring a specialist will do the job for you. Connect with a Tasker now and get your head gasket repaired to avoid a pretty hefty bill and bigger issues in the future.