Head Gasket Replacement Service Available at Russ Darrow Madison Kia
Technical Details in Layman's Terms about Head Gasket Replacement Is There Such a Thing as Head Gasket Repair?
The first thing people ask when told their car needs head gasket replacement is, “Can it be repaired?” That's a valid question because generally speaking repairs tend to be less expensive than replacing a part. Unfortunately, that's not the case with a head gasket. Theoretically there might be ways to patch the damaged part of the gasket, but such repairs aren't going to work well and aren't going to last long. For the price of the gasket and the amount of work it takes to access the gasket, it doesn't make sense to risk further damage while knowing the repair is going to have to be done again soon anyway.
Reasons the Head Gasket Might Need Replacement
The head gasket rarely goes bad on its own, except on much older makes of vehicle. Perhaps a bolt might come loose, which requires all the bolts to be removed and reinstalled to maintain proper and even pressure to the gasket. The head might also need to be removed to access internal engine parts. Anytime the cylinder head is removed for any purpose, a new gasket needs to be installed. Again, the gasket is not the expensive part of the repair compared to the labor and other parts which might need replacing. The solution is fully removing and cleaning off the old gasket and its sealant, then putting a new gasket in place to assure it's not going to cause more problems in the future.
Problems Involved with a Bad Head Gasket
The main problem and symptom of a bad head gasket is leaking oil. Not only are low oil levels a nuisance to have to continue topping off, but it's bad for the environment and is rough on the engine, leading to excess friction and heat on the moving engine parts. The oil also makes a mess in the engine compartment, causing unrelated inspections, maintenance, or repairs much more difficult. A leak left unattended will eventually cause damage to the cylinders and pistons. Sometimes this is repairable, but it is also likely to result in permanent damage which cannot be reversed.
Where to Go for Kia Head Gasket Replacement near Madison, WI
If you suspect an oil leak from the head gasket or any other reason in the Monona, Waunakee, Cottage Grove, and DeForest areas, give us a call at Russ Darrow Kia of Madison. Our full service shop and professional technicians are fully trained and equipped to handle any maintenance or repair needs your car might have. Come see us today!
