If your head gasket is blown, or if you think it's about to fail, our guide will help you understand the costs of fixing it. 

Knowing average head gasket replacement costs before reaching out for a quote can help you get the best deal for your wallet. We’ll also explain a little bit about what the head gasket does, and how to prevent issues in the future.  

How much does a head gasket repair cost?  

Full-head gasket repair in the UK can cost between £550 and £1,700.  

How much strictly depends on the region, type of car, and whether or not the engine has overheated.

A vehicle with an engine in any kind of ‘V’ arrangement, i.e. a V6 or V8, can cost considerably more, as they have two cylinder heads and two gaskets. In many cases, removing the heads is often easier with the engine out.   

Why is a new head gasket so expensive?  

Gasket repair costs a lot due to the expertise needed to repair it. 

In car repairs, labour time drives up costs more than parts. A head gasket may cost £20, but replacing it requires extensive engine disassembly. Modern cars' complexity and need for special tools or procedures make repairs even more expensive.

Gasket repairs can be unpleasant for your finances. Split the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly repayments with a reliable partner from Bumper Car Repair Finance. 

Head gasket repair cost for different car brands 

Head gasket repair costs often depend on your car type. Here’s what UK drivers can expect to pay for a head gasket replacement for the following car manufacturers: 

What is a head gasket? 

An engine or cylinder head contains the explosive power of an internal combustion engine. Bolted to the cylinder block, it houses key components for engine operation. 

Due to the high pressure in the cylinders, a gasket is needed between the head and block to withstand heat, pressure, and moisture. Failure at any point can harm engine performance.

Breakdown of head gasket repair steps 

You shouldn’t try to repair a head gasket yourself — an expert is always needed for this job! 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. 

Are there any additional 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

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. 

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 5 signs you should know: 

1. Reduction in engine power 

When a head gasket breaks, the seal on one or more cylinders fails, causing energy loss and reduced power. Even a minor leak in a 4-cylinder car can significantly decrease power.

2. Smoke from under the bonnet  

A head gasket seals the waterways between the cylinder head and block. If it breaks, coolant can escape as steam due to the high temperature and pressure.

3. Milky-coloured oil  

When a head gasket breaks, coolant can mix with engine oil, creating a white foam due to the heat and mixing. This foam is usually visible at the oil filler cap and when draining the oil.

4. Smoke from the exhaust  

A common symptom of a failed head gasket is steam from the exhaust, caused by coolant entering the combustion chamber and evaporating. The coolant system's pressure will keep forcing coolant into the cylinders until it's depleted.

5. Overheating  

When coolant escapes, either into the engine or the engine bay, it eventually runs dry, preventing heat removal via the radiator and causing the engine to overheat.

6. Unusual sounds

Any gurgling, crackling, or hissing noises from the coolant system can indicate a problem.

7. Bubbles in radiator

If you see visible bubbles in the radiator while the engine is running, you might need a head gasket repair.

Can I drive my car with a blown head gasket?  

A head gasket can break in various ways, so there's no definitive answer. However, avoid driving more than necessary. Overheating or significant coolant loss can dangerously overheat the 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. Learn more below.

Overheating  

Without coolant, the engine quickly overheats, causing the block and cylinder head to warp. This creates gaps, allowing high-pressure gases to breach the gasket.

Not allowing your engine to warm up  

Avoid over-revving a cold engine, as it can cause uneven heating, warping, or cracking. Keep rpm below 3,000 until the engine reaches operating temperature, typically a mile or two for petrol cars and up to twice as long for diesel engines.

Improper engine timing  

Faults in ignition or timing systems can disrupt the engine's combustion cycle, often due to a stretched or skipped cambelt. This may cause valves to remain closed at the wrong time, leading to pre-ignition, excessive pressure, and gasket failure.

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

This depends on the problem's severity and the cause of the gasket failure. If the head gasket failed due to engine overheating, the cylinder head and block should be inspected. Severe overheating often warps the head beyond reuse, and the engine block may also crack or warp, necessitating the replacement of these parts.

Head gasket repair - Final thoughts 

If your head gasket blows, you can suffer significant damage and even complete engine failure. Getting the gasket fixed as soon as possible is critical. Hopefully, this article has pointed you in the right direction and helped identify the average head gasket repair costs. Save the page so you don’t lose the info!

How Bumper can help

Split the cost of a head gasket replacement and other repairs with Bumper. Pay your bill in monthly instalments at no extra cost and choose from 1000s of dependable repairers. 

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.