Known for their rugged capabilities yet luxurious features, Land Rovers aren’t without their share of problems, a common one being a leak in the head gasket. The head gasket is positioned between the engine block and the cylinder head. Its function is to keep coolant and oil from mixing together and leaking into the engine block and cylinder head.
If not fixed upon discovery, a leak in a head gasket can lead to more serious and costly repairs. It’s important to know what causes these leaks as well as the signs that the head gasket is failing so that you can get your Land Rover to a certified technician in a timely manner. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes and signs.
Common Causes of a Head Gasket Leak
There are several reasons a head gasket can begin leaking. As mentioned above, the primary job of a head gasket is to keep the oil and coolant in check. If you are having issues with those fluids, a leak in your Land Rover’s head gasket could be to blame. Some of the causes of a head gasket leak are:
- Low oil level
- Old or incorrect oil
- Running the engine hot
- Watered-down antifreeze
- Excessive rough driving
Cracks can also form when there are temperature changes in the engine due to harsh weather or extreme conditions. These temperature changes can cause the gasket to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
Signs of a Head Gasket Leak
Knowing what to look for when a head gasket leak begins in your Land Rover can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. Again, any issues associated with coolant and engine oil are a good indicator that something might be amiss with the head gasket. A failing head gasket is almost always accompanied by coolant and oil leaks. Here are some other warning signs to pay attention to:
- Oil or coolant leak
- Low coolant levels
- Engine overheating
- Loss of power
- Rough idling
- Water dripping from tailpipe
- Oil in the antifreeze
What to Do if You Suspect a Head Gasket Leak
If you notice any of the signs listed above, stop driving your Land Rover immediately and have it towed to a shop with certified import mechanics.
Continuing to drive with a leaking head gasket could lead to extensive engine damage and even complete engine failure. It is crucial that your Land Rover be inspected by a certified technician to prevent further damage to the gasket and engine and in turn a more costly repair. Finding a certified technician with experience in dealing specifically with Land Rovers is equally important. They will have a greater knowledge of the labor involved for an import and won’t sacrifice on quality.
Manfred’s Import Auto Knows Land Rovers
You don’t want to trust your Land Rover to just any mechanic. Especially when a seemingly minor issue like the type of oil used could lead to an even more serious issue like a head gasket leak. Manfred’s Import Auto has been servicing imports since 1986 all throughout Cary, IL and the surrounding areas.
With ASE Certified mechanics in Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Cary, we have you covered for all of your Land Rover service needs including:
- A/C Service and Repair
- Brake Service and Repair
- Check Engine Light Maintenance
- Clutch Repair
- Coolant Leak
- Diagnostic Inspections
- Electrical Services
- Engine Repairs
- Factory Scheduled Services
- Fluid Checks and Replacements
- Mileage Specific Maintenance
- Oil Change Services
- Oil Leak Repairs
- Preventative Maintenance
- Suspension Repairs
- Transmission Repairs
- Tire Services
- Wheel Alignments
At Manfred’s, we specialize in all models of Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, McLaren, Nissan GT-R, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo. We understand the unique service requirements of each make and model and our shops use the latest factory-grade tools and equipment available.
Whether your import is due for service or you are experiencing an emergency like a leaking head gasket, call us today at (847) 462-2100 to schedule an appointment. One of our ASE certified mechanics will be ready to assist you with all of your import service needs.
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