MINI Coopers are amazing cars that have some of the best performance on the road. Their engine is reliable and powerful, giving a great vehicle that can last a long time. One of the important parts of the MINI Cooper is the head gasket. It is designed to handle low and high pressure levels and is responsible for preventing any fluid leaks and oil leaks to the engine.

This essential part of your MINI can cause issues if it is not working well. And just like many other parts of the MINI Cooper, it can go through normal wear and tear as you drive the car around. Whether the head gasket needs completely replaced or just a little repair, a qualified mechanic is the best choice to take a look at it and fix anything before it damages the car further.

When to Replace the Head Gasket

When the head gasket stops working, you need to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. There are a few times when you should replace the head gasket in your MINI Cooper. Check out the list below to see if your MINI Cooper as any of these symptoms of a failing head gasket:

• Coolant Leaks: If you start to notice there is a fluid leak in your MINI Cooper, then this is a major sign that something is wrong. You should check to see what fluid is leaking. If it is coolant or radiator fluid, rather than oil, then this is a sign that the head gasket is either cracked or breaking. Visit one of our qualified mechanics who will perform a diagnostic inspection and advise you on proper repairs.
• The Engine Overheats: When the head gasket is damaged, one of the biggest signs is leaking, and when this occurs, the engine starts to overheat. Leaking oil or coolant can make the engine struggle to work efficiently, as more parts rub together to create extreme heat due to friction. Without the coolant, the engine is more likely to overheat. If the engine excessively overheats, you may need whole engine repair or replacement. Our qualified mechanics will inspect the head gasket to see if that is causing the problem.
• Unusual Smells: If the leaking is excessive or there is visible damage to the head gasket, then you may start to notice unusual smells that come from the exhaust or from the radiator. Leaking oil and other fluids are going to burn and may smell really strong, based on which type of fluid starts to leak. This is an obvious sign that the head gasket is completely broken or the seal is damaged and can’t hold oil as designed.
• Check the Fluids: Another sign that the head gasket has been damaged is when the fluids are not where they should be or you run through them too quickly. If the oil seems to run out quickly or you have to fill up the coolant often, this can be a symptom of a cracked head gasket. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong in your MINI Cooper, have your vehicle checked by a professional whose expertise is in the MINI brand.

Where to Fix the Head Gasket

When you start to notice the head gasket is not working well, it is time to get the part replaced before it causes a lot of damage to the whole car. One of our qualified mechanics can help take care of this problem for you. We are happy to do the routine maintenance that you need to take care of the head gasket before it fails. But if the part is already cracked or broken, then it is time to replace it. We are happy to perform this for you as quickly and affordably as possible.

At Das European Autohaus, we are proud to serve the community of Spring and Houston, TX. We understand that it is important for your MINI Cooper to run effectively so you can get on the road to your destinations with confidence. Our team is ready to help with all of your car maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.