WATCH: Is It OK to Drive with a Leaking Head Gasket?

WATCH: Is It OK to Drive with a Leaking Head Gasket?

Most of us have been in a situation where we know there’s a problem with our vehicle but we just don’t have the time – or money – to get it fixed today.

This video is sponsored by Bar’s Leaks.

Most of us have been in a situation where we know there’s a problem with our vehicle but we just don’t have the time – or money – to get it fixed today. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.

However, if the problem is a leaking head gasket, time is of the essence. The longer you drive with a failing head gasket, the higher the risk of causing severe damage to the engine. And that’s when things really get expensive.

In previous videos, we’ve talked about some of the signs of a failing head gasket. They could include low coolant level or coolant puddles underneath the vehicle; white and cloudy exhaust smoke; or a loss of power caused by cylinder misfires. Regardless of the symptoms, if the customer suspects the problem is a failing head gasket, it requires immediate attention.

Here’s the good news: If a customer catches a head-gasket leak in its early stages, they might be able to do something about it before the problem gets worse, by using a high-quality gasket-repair product. The manufacturers of these products say that a single application might be enough to stop a head-gasket leak for good. If it works, you could save your customer the expense of a hefty repair bill.

You May Also Like

Measuring a Serpentine Belt

Use the correct tool to measure the effective belt length at the cord line.

How do you measure a serpentine belt with no part number on it?

Would you measure the inside with the ribs or the backing of the belt? Should it be measured on or off the pulleys? What would you use to measure the length of the pulley – a string, ruler or tape measure? Do you measure the outside or inside circumference of a multi-ribbed belt?

Selling Tools for Underhood Repairs

The category is spread across several vehicle systems, and includes a number of specialty tools.

Charging Ahead: Aftermarket Eyes EV Opportunities

We’ve seen a significant uptick in industry activation surrounding vehicle electrification, in a variety of ways.

DIY Oil Changes

Changing the engine oil and filter is right in the sweet spot for your DIY customers.

Cataloging Confusion

GM’s transition to the GMT1 platform has been a bit of a bumpy ride for parts pros.

Other Posts

How Corrosion Can Ruin a Vehicle’s Brakes

Typically, the main culprit of friction-material separation is corrosion.

Unboxing a Mass Airflow Sensor

These are new units and not remanufactured.

Understanding Steering Knuckles

Wheel bearings can’t do their job without a strong mounting point, and that’s the knuckle.

Serpentine Belts vs. Stretch-Fit Belts

One of them doesn’t require a tensioner.