Top Mechanics Discuss Subaru Head Gasket Issues Subaru vehicles have gained popularity nationwide in recent years, and for good reason. Subaru boasts some of the best reliability ratings for many of its models, and its focus on comfort is a plus for many consumers. While Subaru has one of the top reputations of all auto makers when it comes to reliability, every car can have issues from time to time. As the Bay Area’s leader in Japanese auto repair, we have worked with Subaru owners from Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, and the surrounding areas to help them get the most out of their vehicles. One of the most severe issues which can impact any vehicle is a problem with the head gasket, and in this article we will discuss a few symptoms of a bad head gasket in your Subaru as well as some info on how we can help. Engine Overheating  A head gasket issue releases excess heat into the engine block, and when a vehicle runs hot, it can cause many issues. If you have ever experienced an overheating issue, you know it can be scary. If your car shows any signs of overheating, it is best to have it checked immediately in order to prevent further damage from occurring. Low Coolant Levels  In direct relation to the engine overheating, a Subaru with a head gasket problem will often run low on engine coolant. This is because the vehicle is working overtime to cool the engine block, and damaged seals in the head gasket can also lead to coolant and oil mixing, which presents further problems. White Exhaust Smoke  Excessive exhaust smoke is never a good thing in any car, and the color of the smoke can give an indication as to what the issue is with the vehicle. The presence of any smoke is reason enough to have your vehicle checked out, but white smoke in particular is another sign of a potential head gasket issue. Engine Misfiring  Because the head gasket creates the seal over the engine block, a damaged head gasket can lead to engine misfiring. This might feel like a sudden loss of power, rough idling, or uneven acceleration. Like the presence of smoke we mentioned earlier, a misfiring engine could have different causes, including a head gasket issue, but no matter the cause , it should be checked out immediately. Oil Consumption/Discoloration  As we mentioned before, a head gasket issue can cause oil and coolant to mix together, which can discolor the oil. In addition, if the vehicle is losing oil quicker than expected without showing signs of a leak, the head gasket could be to blame. As you have likely come to realize by reading this article, a potential problem with your vehicle’s head gasket isn’t something to be ignored. If a head gasket blows completely, the repair is costly and time-consuming. If you feel like your Subaru could have an issue, or if you want to set up preventative maintenance to lessen the chance of issues down the road, we would love to help. To book your service apartment, give us a call or stop by our shop today.