Name: Head Gasket Replacement
Brand: AutoGuru
Rating: 4.4 (57 reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you fill out your details, you’ll be shown the ‘search results’ which displays instant fixed-price quotes from local service providers that can be booked online.

Yes. Once you have entered in your vehicle details and location, you’ll be able to browse through available repair tasks or inspections that you would like a quote for.

Car servicing, inspections and minor repairs such as brakes can be instantly quoted and booked online. For complex repairs, we’ll get local service providers to give you a personalised quote.

Nope! Customers who book with AutoGuru pay no fees.

AutoGuru can provide servicing and repair quotes for the majority of passenger vehicles on Australian roads. If you don’t see your vehicle listed, we’re really sorry but at this time we don’t have sufficient details on this vehicle type to provide you with quotes. Please try us again in the future though, as we are always updating our vehicle listings!

Yes. For the work included in the quote, the price you’re quoted is the final price you’ll pay.

Instantly priced quotes for servicing and repair work via AutoGuru.com.au include parts, labour and GST. Note: Quotes for inspection and diagnostic jobs do not include pricing for parts.

Service providers are advised to contact you directly in order to discuss additional work that is not included in the initial quote.

Inclusions for basic and logbook services can be found on the search results page or the booking finalise page under the ‘What’s included?’ button. Find out more

Yes! You can book with a mobile service provider that can come to your home or workplace. Find out more

No. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) states that any certified mechanical workshop or mobile mechanic can service or repair your car without voiding your New Car Manufacturers Warranty. Find out more

Yes. For logbook services, the service provider will sign and stamp your logbook to meet manufacturer requirements. If the service provider has not stamped your logbook, please contact them directly to arrange a time for them to stamp your logbook.

Yes. Please click the 'manage my booking' link on your booking confirmation email. If you need help email contactus@autoguru.com.au.

If you booked through AutoGuru and your booking has been confirmed, you can reschedule to a new date or time. Simply click the 'manage my booking' link on your booking confirmation email. If you need help email contactus@autoguru.com.au. If you cancel or don't show up and don't reschedule (and you have prepaid in advance), a $20 cancellation fee will apply.

If you’ve booked with a workshop, the service provider will usually require your vehicle for the entire day due to scheduling. If you’ve booked with a mobile provider, you will only be without your vehicle for the time it takes to complete the job. Find out more

Yes! Some service providers can offer a loan car depending on their availability. Find out more

Most service providers also offer either a drop off or pick up service, where they can drop you off at or pick you up from a location within a 5km radius of their business, or a $10 Uber ride voucher. Find out more

For servicing, inspections and select repairs, we can provide instant quotes. However, some tasks require a quote request to be sent to service providers. You will usually receive at least one quote within 24 hours.

If you have sent off a quote request to local service providers through AutoGuru, you can expect to receive up to five quotes back.

Didn’t receive a quote? No worries! Email contactus@autoguru.com.au and we'll see if we can help.

Booking your car service or repair through AutoGuru gives you access to these convenient payment options:

1. Pay upfront and online using your credit or debit card or PayPal
2. Flexible payment options with Afterpay, humm, Zip or PayPal
3. In some instances, you can choose to pay the mechanic when you pick your car up and the service and/or repairs have been completed

Yes, all service providers should provide an invoice when you pick up the car. Find out more

How much does a head gasket replacement cost?

The head gasket is the most important part of the engine. Continuous stress placed on the gasket can cause it to fail or ‘blow out’ over time.

A head gasket is designed to fail first to prevent further damage to other components, but operating a vehicle with a blown head gasket may cause complete engine failure.

The average price to replace a head gasket can start around $1200 and increase to $3000+ depending on any damage and other work required. An inspection by a mechanic will confirm the costs for you.

What is a head gasket?

The head gasket serves as a crucial part that connects the cylinder head to the engine block, creating a sealed environment for combustion. It also facilitates the circulation of coolant and oil to vital components, safeguarding them from contamination.

When the cylinder head is secured to the engine block, it compresses the head gasket, forming an airtight seal. Meanwhile, the gasket features small openings that enable the smooth flow of coolant and oil to the upper part of the engine.

How to tell if a head gasket is blown?

Indications of a blown gasket may offer some clues to watch out for:

An overheating engine can occur and the increasing temperature can lead to head gasket damage. Other things to look out for include the engine running poorly or misfiring.
Additionally, if you notice excessive white steam coming from the exhaust when the engine is running it could indicate a more serious issue. Keep an eye out for milky oil, resembling chocolate milk, as it could suggest coolant contamination.
Moreover, exhaust gases in the cooling system when the engine is running, may point towards underlying problems that need attention.

How is the head gasket repair performed?

After a thorough inspection, the head gasket will be confirmed as a failed component. Following this, the engine oil and coolant will be carefully drained from the engine to prepare for the repair process.
Next, the cylinder head and all associated components will be removed from the engine. The cylinder head will be sent to a specialist to inspect, clean, and have the surface machined.
During this time, the old head gasket will be removed, and the engine block will be examined for any signs of damage or wear. Any necessary repairs or maintenance to the engine block will be performed.
Once the engine block is deemed fit, the new head gasket will be fitted onto the engine. The cylinder head and all associated components will then be also carefully refitted.
After the repair process, the engine will be filled with fresh coolant and oil. A rigorous engine run will be conducted to check for leaks or irregularities, guaranteeing the engine is functioning.
To ensure the vehicle's overall performance and safety, a comprehensive road test will be conducted to verify the repair has been successful.

What affects head gasket replacement costs in Australia?

The cost of replacing a head gasket in Australia varies based on its type and the specific issue at hand. Factors like part availability, required repair hours, and additional fixes due to engine damage significantly impact the overall cost.

Labour accounts for roughly 70% of the total expense, given the labour-intensive nature of replacing a head gasket in many vehicles. This task can be time-consuming, often requiring 10 hours or more for proper completion.

What happens if you drive with a blown head gasket?

Operating your vehicle with a blown head gasket can increase the chances of causing irreparable engine damage but may leave you stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to come and pick you up.

If you notice the temperature gauge moving towards that red ‘H’ or white smoke coming from the exhaust, it’s time to have your vehicle inspected and repaired before it’s too late. If you suspect your head gasket needs to be repaired Get a free quote online today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Head Gasket Replacement