A head gasket is a necessary component in combustion engines. It allows the fuel to ignite and separates the engine coolant from motor oil. The head gasket is deep within the engine, making it difficult and expensive to replace. But according to Michael E. Gray and Linda E. Gray, authors of "Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care, Maintenance and Repair," if you take steps to maintain the head gasket, it will typically last as long as you are driving the vehicle.
Change the car's fluids consistently every 3,000 miles, either at home or by taking it into an auto shop. According to Deanna Sclar, author of "Auto Repair for Dummies," the most common cause of a blown head gasket is insufficient engine coolant, which causes the vehicle to overheat.
Do not accelerate quickly. Sudden acceleration causes a sudden increase in the engine's temperature, which can cause the head gasket to crack or warp, Sclar says. Allow the vehicle to accelerate slowly up to speed, pushing the gas pedal only halfway to the floor.
Pull over if the engine begins to overheat. Driving a vehicle while it is overheating can cause a head gasket to crack. If the vehicle's temperature gauge is higher than normal, pull over and turn off the engine. If the temperature is consistently higher than normal, have the engine inspected to find the cause.
