If your car has started acting sluggish whenever you drive it, you may wonder if there is something wrong with your engine. If so, look for the following signs that your car has a blown head gasket, which is the sealer that separates the coolant from sensitive parts of your motor, as well as from other fluids such as the oil.
Car Misfires When You Start It
One sign to look for when trying to determine whether your car has a blown head gasket can be detected when you first start up your car. You may notice that your car misfires as soon as you turn on the ignition, making a loud popping noise and emitting a puff of white or bluish smoke out of the exhaust pipe.
Normally, when you start your vehicle, gas is pulled into the motor and ignites to create a combustion. However, if the gasket has ruptured, coolant can mix in with the gas and create an uneven combustion, which causes your car to misfire. Even after the car starts, you may notice that the engine idles rough because it is not getting the proper amount of fuel.
Power Is Lost as You Go up a Hill
Another sign that your car has a blown head gasket is that you seem to lose power every time you go up a hill. If the problem is really bad, even the smallest inclines can make your car have trouble pulling itself.
This loss of power happens for the same reason that your car misfires when you start it. Coolant has mixed in with the gas, and the motor is not receiving the correct amount of fuel.
Oil Has the Color and Consistency of a Milkshake
Another reason you are losing power that serves as another sign that you have a blown head gasket is that the coolant has also contaminated your oil. The engine cannot run smoothly because the oil has lost its viscosity and lubricating properties.
You can check the condition of your oil by pulling out the dipstick to check its color and consistency. If it looks as though someone has poured a milkshake into your oil pan, this is a telltale sign that coolant has contaminated the oil and that you have a ruptured head gasket.
If your car is exhibiting any of the above signs, you most likely have a blown head gasket that needs immediate attention. Take your car to an auto repair service as soon as possible to have them inspect your engine and discuss your options for making the necessary repairs
Share3 October 2018
After my car died and I was stranded on the freeway a few years back, I knew that I had to do what I could to avoid similar issues in the future. I began working hard to identify different issues with my car, so that I could prevent problems. I began working with a mechanic to get help, and he taught me a lot about going through my car and being able to evaluate different things that were problems. It was really interesting to explore the possibilities of different car failures, and before I knew it, I could tell when my car was struggling. Read more about the early signs of car trouble on my blog.