Head gasket · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Blown head gasket? We replace it in our own workshop

Do you see white smoke, is the car losing coolant or is the engine overheating? Then the head gasket may have failed. We find out what is wrong and replace the head gasket in our own workshop. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug checks and replaces head gaskets for all makes in its own workshop at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, without outsourcing the work. We first find out whether it really is the head gasket and what caused it, so the problem is less likely to come back. You hear what the repair costs in advance. We only do extra work if you agree to it.

According to the ANWB, replacing a head gasket costs between € 800 and € 1,500. Does white smoke keep coming once the engine is warm, is the engine overheating or is the oil level rising? Then do not keep driving, because the engine can suffer serious damage. Book an appointment on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. If the car is still safe to drive, you bring it in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Jump to: warning signs · causes and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

Signs of a blown head gasket

You often notice a blown head gasket by one or more of these signs.

  • White smoke from the exhaust, even when the engine is warm
  • You keep having to top up the coolant
  • The engine overheats
  • The coolant is dark or oily
  • The oil level rises
  • The engine has less power and runs roughly

Does white smoke keep coming once the engine is warm, is the engine overheating or is the oil level rising? Then stop in a safe place, switch off the engine and call your breakdown service. Do not open the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. Read what to do in case of a breakdown.

What does the head gasket do?

The head gasket sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. It seals the combustion chamber. It also keeps coolant and oil in their own channels.

If the head gasket leaks, gases, coolant and oil can end up where they do not belong. Then you may see white smoke, the car loses coolant or the engine overheats.

According to the ANWB, a leaking head gasket is often the result of another problem, such as a cooling system that is not working properly. That is why we look for the cause as well.

What we do with a blown head gasket

  • Test the cooling system under pressure
  • Check the coolant and the oil
  • Read the fault codes
  • Replace the head gasket in our own workshop
  • Check the cylinder head for warping
  • Inspect the cooling system, so the problem is less likely to come back

We only do extra work once you agree.

Good maintenance helps to prevent overheating. Read more about a service for your car, the checks in a major service (in Dutch) and oil changes (in Dutch). With a major service, the APK (MOT) is free, except for Tesla and Polestar.

Blown head gasket: signs, cause and what to do

This table shows what a sign often means. One sign on its own does not tell the whole story. We only know what is really going on once we have checked the car.

Signs of a blown head gasket and what they can mean
What you see What it may mean What to do
White smoke from the exhaust, even when the engine is warm Coolant is getting into the cylinders Do not keep driving. Have the cooling system and engine checked
You keep topping up coolant, but see no leak Coolant is leaking away inside the engine Have it checked with a pressure test
The engine overheats Too little coolant, or exhaust gases in the cooling system Stop and switch off the engine. Read more about the radiator and the cooling system
Dark or oily coolant Oil and coolant are mixing Have it checked before the engine is damaged
The oil level rises Coolant in the oil, and in a diesel sometimes fuel as well Do not keep driving. Have it checked
Less power and a rough-running engine Combustion gases are escaping Read the fault codes and check the engine
A light, white deposit under the oil filler cap Can be condensation after short trips, or coolant in the oil Have it assessed, together with the other signs

In our own workshop

Replacing a head gasket is a big job. A large part of the engine has to come apart. We do that work in our own workshop, as we do with alternators, starter motors and clutches. So you have one point of contact from start to finish.

Head gasket replacement: what does it cost?

According to the ANWB, replacing a head gasket costs between € 800 and € 1,500. The gasket itself is not expensive, but it is a lot of work. Often the timing belt and the water pump are replaced at the same time. This is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear what it costs for your car in advance. If we find that more is needed once the engine is open, we tell you first.

We work on all makes and models. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg.

Why we look for the cause as well

A head gasket often fails because the engine has overheated. If the radiator leaks, the water pump does not work properly or the thermostat stays shut, a new head gasket can fail again too. That is why we also check the cooling system. After that you hear what is wrong, what it costs and how long it takes.

Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty applies. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

More about the head gasket

Here you can read how we diagnose a blown head gasket, what else happens during the replacement and how long a head gasket lasts.

How we find out whether the head gasket has failed

We pressure test the cooling system and check the coolant, the oil and the engine. We also read the fault codes. This gives us a good picture of whether it is the head gasket or something else, such as a leaking radiator or water pump. Sometimes we only know for sure once the engine is open.

What else happens during the replacement

During the replacement we check the cylinder head. If heat has warped it, it needs to be skimmed flat or sometimes replaced. We discuss with you in advance how and where that is done. According to the ANWB, the timing belt and the water pump are often replaced at the same time, because they are within reach anyway. You hear in advance what your car needs, with the price.

How long a head gasket lasts

According to the ANWB, a head gasket lasts at least six years or 120,000 kilometres with normal use and maintenance. An engine that overheats can make the head gasket fail sooner. So keep an eye on the temperature gauge and the coolant level.

Repairing an older car

Whether a repair still makes sense on an older car depends on the condition of the car and the cost of the repair. We tell you what we see and what the repair costs. Then you decide. If you have doubts about a quote from another garage, you can come to us for a second opinion.

Vans and motorhomes up to 3,500 kg

You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. We replace the head gasket in our own workshop for these too. A Volkswagen Crafter or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter up to 3,500 kg is also welcome for a check. Read more about van repairs and motorhome repairs.

Frequently asked questions about a blown head gasket

Below you will find answers to questions our customers often ask.

How do I know if my head gasket has blown?

According to the ANWB, the best-known signs are losing coolant, an engine that overheats, white smoke from the exhaust, less power and a rough-running engine. Dark coolant or a rising oil level can also point to it. One sign on its own does not tell the whole story. We check the engine and the cooling system and tell you what we find.

Can I keep driving with a blown head gasket?

No. We advise against it. According to the ANWB, the engine can be badly damaged if coolant gets into the cylinders. Then quick action is needed. Does white smoke keep coming once the engine is warm, is the engine overheating or is the oil level rising? Then do not drive any further. Call your breakdown service and have the car brought to us. Read how that works on our page about breakdowns.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket?

According to the ANWB, replacing a head gasket costs between € 800 and € 1,500. The gasket itself is not expensive, but it is a lot of work. This is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear what it costs for your car after the check, and we only start once you agree.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

According to the ANWB, a leaking head gasket is often the result of another problem, such as an engine that has overheated or a fault in the cooling system. Age plays a part too. That is why we look for the cause as well. Otherwise the problem can come back.

Does a white deposit under the oil filler cap mean a blown head gasket?

No. Not necessarily. A light, white deposit under the oil filler cap can also come from condensation, for example after lots of short trips in the cold. If the coolant level is also dropping or you see white smoke, it is more likely that coolant is getting into the oil. In that case, have it checked.

How long does it take to replace a head gasket?

It is a big job, because a large part of the engine has to come apart. Your car usually stays with us for a few days. That depends on the engine. If the cylinder head needs skimming or a part has to be ordered, it takes longer. You hear this with the quote.

Can I prevent a blown head gasket?

Yes. You can do part of it yourself. A head gasket wears mainly through age and through an engine that overheats. Check the coolant level regularly and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Have leaks in the cooling system repaired quickly. Also read what to do when the engine overheats (in Dutch). You can find more information on our pages about the radiator and the cooling system and about a puddle under the car (in Dutch).

Is there a warranty on the repair?

Yes. Our repairs come with a warranty. When we give you the quote, we tell you which warranty applies. We only start once you agree.

Head gasket replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You can find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is a five-minute drive away. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check, you can walk in without an appointment.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Need your head gasket checked or replaced?

Call us during opening hours with your registration number. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

See also our pages about the radiator, the timing belt, a puddle under the car (in Dutch) and car repair.