If you have ever had an oil leak or an odd smell coming from under the hood of your Volkswagen, the valve cover gasket may be the culprit. Today, we will be exploring valve cover gasket failure in an attempt to find the reasons behind this very common car problem.
The engine of your Volkswagen is a complex web of moving parts that are working together to keep you driving. One of the small but important components in the engine is the valve cover gasket. This Volkswagen part is like a protective seal that sits between the valve cover and the engine block, preventing oil from seeping out and dirt from entering. There are many reasons why the gasket might fail, so let us look at some of the common ones.
What Makes Valve Cover Gasket In Fail in VWs
- Heat and Pressure: As a Volkswagen driver, your engine can get pretty hot under the hood, especially during those long drives or spirited accelerations. When you now combine the heat with the pressure generated by the engine’s combustion process, you’ll see that what you have before you is a recipe for trouble. Over time, this combination can cause the valve cover gasket to become brittle and prone to leaks. It will eventually yield to the heat and pressure by cracking or breaking.
- Poor Installation: Sometimes, the problem or fault in a valve cover gasket starts right from the beginning – during the installation process when you carry out a repair or replacement near the gasket. As a driver, you need to ensure that your VW is handled by professionals who are experienced with the brand and can complete the task smoothly. If the gasket is not fitted in perfectly during replacement, or if the surface it is supposed to seal isn’t clean and smooth, it is like trying to close a door with a crooked hinge – there will always be a gap and it will not close properly.
- Age and Wear: The gasket in the valve cover is subject to the same wear and tear as any other part of your vehicle. These gaskets are like small rubber bands that get stretched and deteriorate as time goes on. This mostly happens in the older Volkswagens or those that might have a higher than normal mileage for their age.
- Engine Vibrations: Excessive vibrations might lead to premature wear and tear of the valve cover gasket due to the additional stress it is subjected to. If your VW engine is not running smoothly, you should find the exact cause of the problem to prevent the gasket from getting damaged.
Solutions For Valve Cover Gasket Failure
- Regular Maintenance: A thorough maintenance routine can save you a lot of trouble in the future and prevent valve cover gasket failure. Ensure that you take your VW for routine service checks and act quickly when you notice any leaks or other problems so as to prevent recurring expensive repairs.
- Quality Replacement Parts: After your old valve cover gasket has reached its end of life, it is important to choose durable replacement parts from trusted manufacturers. Spending extra money on a high-end gasket might, at first, seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save you time, money, and possible headaches in the future.
- Professional Installation: Trusting experts with the installation of your new valve cover gasket is important to the lifespan and function of the gasket. Make no compromises when it comes to the engine health of your Volkswagen – leave it to the pros.
Get Help From Our Trusted Volkswagen Mechanics
At Das European Autohaus, we are 
here to be your ally when it comes to the maintenance and repair of European vehicles. If you are a Volkswagen driver and you need a garage that you can count on to do things like replacing a gasket or fixing other components, then you need not look any further.
Our shop is fully equipped with the latest tools and experienced professionals who are ready to deal with any issue with the utmost professionalism and care. Whether you are in Spring or Houston, TX, you can rest assured that we will provide you with excellent service that will transcend your expectations. Call us now to schedule an appointment with us.
