Can You Drive with a Blown Head Gasket?

No, you should not drive with a blown head gasket under any circumstances. Driving with a damaged head gasket will quickly lead to catastrophic engine failure. The head gasket seals the engine block and cylinder head, separating coolant and oil. When it blows, these vital fluids mix, causing severe overheating, leaks, cylinder misfires, and complete engine breakdown if you continue driving.

This article explores in detail the risks of driving with a blown head gasket, such as unsafe braking and fire hazards. It advises on safer alternatives like towing the vehicle to a mechanic. Emergency actions like checking fluid levels and avoiding further driving are suggested for suspected head gasket failure.

The costs of professionally repairing a blown head gasket are outlined, which can range from $1000 to $5000 but are still less than if the engine is ruined by continued driving. In summary, do not drive with a blown head gasket, and instead have it properly repaired immediately.

What Happens if You Drive with a Blown Head Gasket?

Driving with a blown head gasket puts your engine at risk in several key ways:

• Engine Overheating: The head gasket creates a seal between the engine block and cylinder head, separating coolant and engine oil. When the gasket fails, these can mix, causing coolant to leak and your engine to overheat rapidly. An overheated engine can suffer damage ranging from cracked pistons to a warped cylinder head.
• Coolant Leaks: Coolant leaks are one of the most common symptoms of a blown head gasket. As the sealing fails, coolant can leak externally from the engine or internally into the cylinders. Losing coolant decreases the engine’s ability to regulate operating temperature.
• Oil Leaks: Similarly, a damaged head gasket allows oil to leak between the engine block and cylinder head into areas it does not belong. Oil leaks reduce vital lubrication for engine components leading to increased wear and the potential for seizure.
• Cylinder Misfires: When coolant and oil mix in the combustion chambers, it can cause misfiring as the air-fuel mixture is contaminated. Misfires place strain on the ignition system and can destroy catalytic converters.
• Complete Engine Failure: If you continue driving with a blown head gasket, the culmination of these issues can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Overheating can crack the engine block, leaked oil can seize the pistons, and coolant in the cylinders can bend or break the connecting rods.

Safety Concerns of Driving with a Blown Head Gasket

Beyond engine damage, driving with a blown head gasket poses safety risks:

• Braking Ability: Brake fluid reservoirs are located near the engine and can be contaminated by coolant and oil leaks. This reduces braking power and increases stopping distances.
• Visibility Issues: The clouds of white smoke from burning coolant can completely obscure visibility and create dangerous driving conditions.
• Fire Risk: Leaked fluids on hot engine components increase the chances of engine fires. This can cause catastrophic damage or injure passengers.

Check the below infographic to see how visible those issues are in your car while blowing the head gasket.

Alternatives to Driving with a Blown Head Gasket

Rather than driving with this severe mechanical issue, safer options include:

• Towing It to a Mechanic: The best choice is to have the vehicle towed to avoid any additional damage. Most towing services can accommodate blown head gaskets.
• Using Roadside Assistance: Many auto insurance policies and club memberships offer complimentary roadside assistance and towing services that can rescue your vehicle.
• Seeking Temporary Repairs: In an emergency, temporary sealants or bars can be applied as short-term fixes until a permanent repair can be completed. However, even temporary driving should be limited.

Emergency Measures if You Suspect a Blown Head Gasket

If you suspect a blown head gasket, smart practices include:

• Safely pulling over and shutting off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to run it risks overheating.
• Letting the engine fully cool to avoid burns and mitigate additional warping.
• Checking coolant and oil levels. Top them up if low, but do not drive anywhere. Coolant loss indicates a leak.
• Avoiding any further driving once a blown head gasket is suspected. Even short trips risk extensive engine damage.
• Calling for professional repair assistance. Do not attempt makeshift repairs beyond adding coolant or oil.

Cost Considerations of Repairing a Blown Head Gasket

The repair costs for a blown head gasket typically range from $1000 to $2000, but can exceed $5000 for more complex jobs. The repairs involve removing the cylinder head, replacing the damaged gasket, checking for warpage, and reinstalling components. Neglecting the issue by continuing to drive often results in even greater expenses down the road due to secondary engine damage.

How Long Can You Drive with a Blown Head Gasket?

You should not drive any further than absolutely necessary with a blown head gasket. Engine overheating and internal damage can begin within minutes. The most prudent action is to immediately pull over and shut off the engine when symptoms appear. Very short trips of a mile or less may be possible if absolutely needed, but driving longer distances exponentially increases the risks.

Will an Engine Be Ruined if the Head Gasket Is Blown?

A blown head gasket will not necessarily ruin an engine if repaired promptly. However, sustained driving with a damaged gasket can absolutely cause irreversible engine destruction. Once an engine is severely overheated or hydrolocked with coolant or oil, the block, pistons, cylinder head, and other components can be fractured or bent beyond repair.

What Does a Car Run Like with a Blown Head Gasket?

A car with a blown head gasket will exhibit several noticeable symptoms that indicate severe engine issues. It may frequently overheat, especially at idle. White smoke from burning coolant will come from the exhaust. The coolant may take on a milky appearance from oil contamination, and leak externally from the engine. Oil levels may be low from leaks into cylinders. The engine may misfire or run rough due to coolant and oil in the cylinders. There will be a loss of power and acceleration, poor throttle response, and the check engine light will likely come on. Rattling or knocking noises from the engine may signal internal damage. Overall, the car will feel sluggish and struggle under acceleration. These are all clear signs that the head gasket has failed and needs prompt repair.