Common Signs of a Failing Head Gasket in Your Volkswagen
Within your vehicle, the various gaskets under the hood are imperative to the reliable performance of cars like Volkswagen. Set between the engine block and cylinder head, the head gasket is one of the most important pieces in your car.
When the internal combustion process occurs, the head gasket seals and prevents the mixing of oil and coolant. Fortunately, these are not an expensive fix, so if you notice any of the below signs that yours is failing, don’t think twice about taking your car to a shop.
How to Know Your Head Gaskets Are Failing
A failing head gasket is not serious in the short-term but can have long-term consequences. Therefore, spotting any of the signs below should be reason enough to get maintenance done.
White, Blue, or Grey Smoke
When oil and coolant mix within the engine bay, discolored smoke rising from the car is a very common symptom for a blown head gasket. Regardless of whatever color the smoke appears to be, this is a serious issue and reason to shut your car off immediately.
Discolored Oil
If a milk-like substance appears to be dripping under the hood of your car, this may be indicative of a blown head gasket allowing coolant and oil to mix within the system and drip out. The natural color of oil should be a nice amber color that can even look completely black. The mixture of green coolant is what gives discolored oil the milky look and should be taken as a warning sign.
Bubbling Fluid in the Radiator
If you start your car and happen to hear weird sounds or see any discolored smoke, open your hood and look inside the radiator cap (when the engine is still cold). Bubbling radiator fluid is a sign that the head gasket may be allowing chemicals to mix that should stay separate.
White, Sweet-Smelling Smoke From Tailpipe
As coolant is let into the combustion chamber, it almost immediately burns up due to the intense heat. However, if the leak is large enough, you may begin to notice a sweet-smelling, stark white smoke coming from your tailpipe. This is a direct byproduct of the large amount of evaporated coolant escaping the vehicle.
Why should you replace your head gasket?
The mixing of oil and coolant is a serious issue that should be the reason for replacing the head gasket in your Volkswagen. Besides the fact that oil should not be burning up in the engine combustion process, the mixing of coolant and oil is a nasty byproduct that comprises the function of both chemicals in your vehicle.
When improper gases enter the combustion bay in the engine, you risk spark plugs failure. Your spark plugs are responsible for the initial spark that sends the pistons flying down in order to generate power via the crankshaft. Mixing anything besides air and fuel in this compartment puts the whole system at risk.
Attempting to drive with a blown head gasket may also cause improper air to fuel ratio readings and through off important measurement sensors within the engine bay. This can lead to improper readings that can cause additional problems under the hood.
Munich West Will Help
Munich West is here to help serve your European 
brand needs. We have been happily helping clients in the areas of Decatur and Atlanta, GA since 1976, which means we have the experience your Volkswagen needs.
Our specialization in European brands also means that we are far more likely to have the parts needed to repair your vehicle. Additionally, our mechanics are factory trained and have over 100-combined years of experience on European brands.
Blown head gaskets can be a tricky fix, but our expertise ensures that we will be able to handle the problem and return your vehicle to its reliable nature you have come to love.
Reach out and contact us right away if you see any of the above symptoms so that we can give you the highest-quality of service possible. You can call or visit us on North Decatur Road. We very much look forward to serving your auto needs.
