A head gasket is an essential component that is located between the cylinder head
and the engine block. A vehicle’s engine is split into two parts, the engine
block where the pistons and cylinders live and the cylinder head which houses
parts such as the valves, spark plugs, etc.
Situated between these two engine parts, the head gasket is designed to seal the
internal combustion process and keep any fluids from leaking and mixing. The
head gasket plays a crucial role in sealing the engine’s combustion chamber so
that your car can build the appropriate compression that is needed to maintain
your engine power. It also keeps coolant or oil from leaking anywhere else,
preventing your engine from overheating and catching fire.
For these reasons, when building a head gasket, most manufacturers use thin
layers of steel, making them more durable and sustainable. As an important
component of your car frame, it serves a similar role to the skeleton of your
car’s body. As engine downsizing is one of the most noticeable trends in modern
cars, the head gasket also tends to be more light and rigid these days.
Purpose of Head Gaskets
Combustion gases (unburned air/fuel mixture and exhaust gases)
in each cylinder