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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

How to Quickly Identify a Blown Head Gasket

Model: (Various brands) Various

One of the first signs that may indicate a damaged and/or blown head gasket is water leaking from the coolant reservoir. If no leaks are found in other components such as the heating radiator or thermostat, the cause is likely the head gasket. To confirm this, you can proceed in various ways. Some methods require special detection tools, while others can be done independently. For example, check if white smoke is coming from the exhaust, indicating water in the combustion chamber. Another method involves observing the behaviour of the water immediately after starting the vehicle with a cold engine. If it does not pressurise, it means there is a leak caused by the blown gasket.

Updated on 6 May 2026 by ScegliAuto

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