Most Common Symptoms of a Failing Cylinder Head

Do you own a BMW, Buick, Subaru, Mini Cooper, or a 2011 Chevy Cruze?

If so, be warned. All of these cars have one thing in common: They’re all more likely to have a failing cylinder head.

The cylinder head is an essential part of the combustion chamber. You can find it right above the cylinder block, sealed by something called a head gasket.

When cylinder heads fail, it can be a serious (and expensive!) problem. Keep an eye out for these warning signs if you want to save yourself time and money.

Poor Engine Performance

Have you been experiencing slow acceleration? Maybe your car struggles more than usual when you drive up hills, or maybe you’re getting fewer miles to the gallon than you used to.

This might be a warning sign of a cracked cylinder head. If you have a bad feeling about your engine performance, consider taking your car to the shop to ask about replacing cylinder heads.

Leaking Oil Or Coolant

This sign is one of the most obvious. The cylinder head is continuously lubricated by oil, which means that oil can leak when the cylinder head is cracked or broken.

If you notice a pool of oil under the car when it’s been parked for a while, that’s not a good sign. It may be an indication of a failing cylinder head.

Just as with oil, leaking coolant can also be a warning sign. You may see coolant dripping beneath the car, or you may notice that your car is overheating. Either way, it’s time to check out your head cylinder.

Smoking Engine

If you get to the point where your engine is smoking, it’s already too late.

That’s because white smoke probably means that your cylinder head has totally failed, and the car’s exhaust is filling the space that the engine occupies. 

If this happens to you, take your car in immediately. Don’t pass Go and don’t collect two hundred dollars. Your only hope at this point is to get the cylinder head replaced as soon as possible.

If you don’t, your car may become damaged beyond repair.

How To Replace Your Cylinder Head

Not sure how to get your cylinder head checked out? If you’re worried about your cylinder head, we recommend either taking your car in to a professional or shopping for car parts on your own.

If you have a good amount of mechanical know-how, you may want to save money by looking for a new cylinder head on your own. But if you’re not confident with cars, you probably want to find a professional.

Either way, it’s important not to waste time. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, you should take action right away.

Take Care Of Your Car

Wondering when to replace cylinder heads? Don’t wait. If you’re worried about your car, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

After all, a little inconvenience is better than spending thousands of dollars on a new car.

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