Which cars are prone to head gasket problems?
Used cars made by MG*, Rover and Daewoo are most likely to suffer expensive head gasket failure according to new data from Warranty Direct….Warranty Direct reveals head gasket failure rates.
| Manufacturer | Chance of head gasket failure in one year |
|---|---|
| MG* | 5.61% |
| ROVER* | 4.75% |
| DAEWOO | 2.36% |
| PROTON | 2.04% |
What causes a blown head gasket on a car?
The most common cause of a blown head gasket is engine overheating. When the engine gets too hot, the cylinder head expands (thermal expansion), which can crush the head gasket and cause failure. Once a head gasket has failed it can cause all manner of problems, including: The most common cause of engine overheating is a low coolant level.
What should I do if my head gasket fails?
Head gasket failures are usually the result of an engine overheating, so the best way to prevent a problem is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition. Ensure the system has no leaks, the radiator is working efficiently and the coolant is topped up to the correct level.
Can a faulty head gasket cause an oil leak?
A faulty head gasket can also allow engine oil to leak into the coolant passages in the cylinder head. This often shows up as an oily/milky residue in the coolant expansion tank, as the oil floats to the surface of the coolant. Again, be careful though, as this can also be caused by a leaking engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler.
Why does my head gasket keep getting Milky?
This may only last a few seconds until the coolant is cleared, but should be taken as a sign – it can only get worse! Often the first sign of contamination is a milky sludge or ‘mayonnaise’ on the underside of the oil filler cap or dipstick, caused by water mixing with the oil.