Head gasket repair: What to know before booking a mechanic

Is your car frequently overheating? Your engine’s head gasket might be broken. Prolonging the issue can be dangerous as it can cause leaks that could lead to engine failure. 

But before hiring a mechanic or technician, it’s best to know more about head gasket repair costs to prevent unnecessary expenses. This guide will provide all the costs related to repairing a head gasket, from labour costs to the factors that affect the prices. 

How much does head gasket repair cost in the UK?

The cost of head gasket repair will depend on the vehicle's age, make and model, and other factors. On average, repairing a head gasket costs around £100 to £600. Labour costs roughly £50 per hour, and the work can take hours or days. However, prices of car repair differ per city. 

Here's a list of the average car mechanic cost per hour in different cities. 

A mechanic working on a head gasket repair in a well-equipped workshop. (Source: iStock)

What are the factors that affect head gasket repair costs?

Costs can vary widely as several factors come into play when repairing a gasket. Here are some of the factors that could influence the total cost of head gasket repairs: 

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 specific 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, head gasket repairs for a Holden Cruze with turbocharged engine might cost more than other vehicle models since this turbo engines are more complex to fix. 

Type of engine

Different cars have different engines and configurations, requiring specialised knowledge regarding 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. 

When should you consider a head gasket repair?

Don't let your head gasket get worse before you fix it. Here are sure signs that your head gasket needs a 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. 

Coloured smoke appears

Most vehicles nowadays are designed not to emit smoke, especially 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. You need to have it repaired or replaced with a new one. 

Find the right mechanic for head gasket repairs with Airtasker

You don’t have to go through the hassle of finding a reliable car mechanic. At Airtasker, connecting with these experts is at your fingertips! You only need to post a task, indicate your location and vehicle type, and wait for proposals from Taskers. 

Don’t wait until the issue worsens. Connect with an expert to repair your head gasket to avoid car engine problems while on the road.