How Much Does A Head Gasket Repair Cost?

A UK head gasket repair can cost anywhere from £550 to £1,700. That’s a large difference.

A head gasket seals the engine block and cylinder head, keeping fluids and gases separate. Knowing average replacement costs and what to expect for your vehicle helps you avoid overpaying and get the best deal.

Head gasket failing? This guide breaks down repair costs, what it does, and how to avoid future problems.

Key takeaways

How much does a head gasket repair cost?

In the UK, head gasket repair costs between £550 and £1,700, with the real average being around £650. The final fee depends on your car, your location, and whether the engine has overheated.

V6s and V8s cost more because they have two heads, two gaskets, and often need the engine removed.

Head gasket repair cost for different car brands

Head gasket costs vary by car. For example, a Mercedes-Benz is more expensive than a Toyota.

Here’s what UK drivers typically pay across popular makes:

Car Manufacturer	Head Gasket Replacement Cost
Nissan	£400 to £1,000
Toyota	£400 to £1,000
Vauxhall	£500 to £1,200
Ford	£500 to £1,200
Honda	£600 to £1,300
Volkswagen	£600 to £1,300
BMW	£800 to £1,500
Audi	£800 to £1,500
Mercedes-Benz	£1,000 to £2,000
Land Rover	£1,200 to £2,500

Head gasket repair cost by location

Labour costs vary across the UK, and that affects your total head gasket bill.

Below are average hourly labour rates by region. These are just general estimates and are not set in stone.

Region	Average Labour Rate (per hour)
London	£90 – £120
South East	£80 – £110
South West	£70 – £100
Midlands	£65 – £95
North West	£60 – £90
North East	£55 – £85
Scotland	£60 – £95
Wales	£55 – £85
Northern Ireland	£50 – £80

Head gasket repair vs replacement

Repairing a head gasket usually means replacing it entirely. Sadly, there's no quick fix, so if you’re experiencing trouble, you’ll need a replacement.

A full head gasket replacement involves stripping the engine, inspecting components, and rebuilding. This often takes 6 to 10 hours.

Why is a new head gasket so expensive?

Head gasket repairs are pricey because they take skill and time.

In most car jobs, labour costs more than parts. The gasket itself might be £20, but replacing it means stripping the engine, and modern cars make that even harder. See the estimated labour costs by UK region in the table above.

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Are there any additional head gasket repair costs?

There may be additional blown head gasket costs if your car has mechanic complications. To get an accurate quote, make sure your mechanic provides a very thorough examination.

These costs can be caused by:

Engine inspection fees
Replacing broken components (e.g. water pump or thermostat)
Coolant and oil flushes

The main head gasket repair steps

You shouldn’t try to repair a head gasket yourself. An expert is always needed for this job, even if you usually do DIY repairs.

Here are the main steps mechanics will take when repairing your car.

Inspection — Your mechanic will investigate your blown gasket, paying special attention to the cylinder head.
Replacement — The gasket will be replaced where needed. Other parts of the car may have been damaged, and these will also need repairs.
Sealing — If the cylinder head is damaged, your mechanic may skim it to ensure the correct amount of connection.
Connection — Your mechanic may also replace the cylinder head bolts. This isn’t always necessary.
Completion — Once the new gasket is installed, your mechanic will complete a full inspection to ensure that there are no other problems. This is just to guarantee your car is running safely.

How long should a head gasket last?

The head gasket should last for at least 100,000 miles if the car is maintained well.

Some exceptions exist where manufacturers improperly specify the gasket materials. Still, more often than not, a head gasket will never need to be replaced if the car is maintained and cared for properly.

Types of head gasket

Modern cars mostly use Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets. It’s rare to see a different one.

MLS gaskets have up to five steel layers coated with rubber to handle intense heat and pressure. They’re tougher and more reliable than older types like copper, asbestos composites, or O-rings, and are built to keep your engine sealed tight.

How many head gaskets are in a car?

Most cars have one head gasket sealing the engine block and cylinder head.

But V6, V8, and other multi-cylinder engines can have two or more. They tend to have one for each cylinder head.

More gaskets mean more parts to maintain and potentially replace, which can affect repair time and cost. Consult a mechanic for a personal quote if this is the case.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Some serious engine issues can irreparably damage your car if you continue driving, so it’s important to know the signs of a blown head gasket to be able to identify if it has happened to your car.

Here are key signs you should know:

Loss of engine power — Broken gasket leaks cylinder pressure, reducing power.
Smoke under the bonnet — Coolant escapes as steam from the engine bay.
Milky oil — Coolant mixes with oil, creating white foam around the oil cap.
Smoke from exhaust — Steam from coolant entering combustion chambers.
Overheating — Lost coolant causes the engine to overheat.
Unusual sounds — Gurgling or hissing from the cooling system.
Bubbles in radiator — Visible bubbles when the engine runs signal a leak.

What does a car with a blown head gasket sound like?

A blown head gasket often causes unusual engine noises. For example, you might hear tapping, knocking, or a hissing sound as gases or coolant leak where they shouldn’t. These noises usually get louder when the engine heats up.

If you hear this, get your car checked as soon as possible. Even if it’s not a head gasket issue, these signs aren’t normal..

Can I drive my car with a blown head gasket?

A head gasket can fail in different ways, so there’s no exact rule. But you should avoid driving unless necessary. Subsequent overheating or coolant loss can seriously damage your engine.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

Head gaskets usually fail due to excess engine heat, often from a lack of coolant or poor engine care. Here are the three main culprits:

Overheating — Lack of coolant warps engine parts, letting gases escape past the gasket.
Cold engine misuse — Don’t over-rev before warming up; keep RPM under 3,000 until warm.
Bad engine timing — Faulty ignition or timing can cause pressure spikes and gasket failure.

Does a blown head gasket mean I need a new engine?

The need for engine repair depends on the damage and cause.

If overheating caused the gasket to fail, the cylinder head and block must be checked. Severe overheating can warp or crack these parts, meaning they may need replacing.

Final thoughts

A blown head gasket can cause serious damage or total engine failure. Getting repairs quickly is crucial. Don’t detail!

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand head gasket repair costs and what to expect. Save this page for easy reference. Or continue researching on the Bumper blog.

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