The head gasket is the seal that sits between the cylinder heads and the engine block. This mechanical seal is designed to contain the combustion process, maintain pressure in the cylinders, and separate the fluids that travel between the head and the block. A blown head gasket is a serious issue that a towing service and professional mechanic should address immediately.

Towing Guide to Blown Head Gaskets

How It Happens

Because the head gasket is so close to the combustion chamber, it’s designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures. However, sometimes too much pressure or heat occurs, damaging the gasket. This makes the combustion chamber prone to leaks and pressure loss, mixing fluids such as the oil, fuel, and coolant. A blown head gasket can lead to engine failure, leaving you on the side of the road waiting for towing.

Signs It’s Happened

A blown head gasket often leads to coolant leaks or coolant burning off, which may cause a variety of symptoms. If you check your radiator levels, you may notice that they’re low, but there are no visible leaks. It may also cause a coolant leak below the exhaust manifold. As the coolant disappears, the engine will constantly overheat. Coolant may leak into your engine oil, which gives it a milky appearance. The antifreeze may also pass into the combustion chamber, where it burns off into white smoke and exits through the exhaust pipe.

If you see white smoke coming out of your exhaust or the car warns of an overheating engine, stop driving immediately. The roadside assistance team at Patriot Towing is available around the clock to tow your car and replace a blown head gasket. Their 24-hour towing is available in Washington, MO, and throughout Franklin County. Each driver is trained in emergency recoveries, load shifts, and rollovers to provide the best possible service for vehicles of all sizes — including large trucks. Learn more on their website, and call (636) 392-5070 if you require assistance.