If you think it’s time for your car to get a Subaru head gasket replacement, you may be wondering about the process. Our technicians at the Subaru Clinic have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you make the decision to move forward with your Subaru head gasket repair.

What repairs are included and what should I consider adding to the repair?

Head gasket replacement includes the thermostat/gasket, valve cover gaskets, head gaskets, and a filter and oil change. We recommend replacing your timing belt, tensioner, and timing idlers at the same time, as well as your crank and cam seals. You should also have your water pump inspected if you don’t know how long it’s been since it was replaced. We will replace any deteriorated hoses, exhaust gaskets, and other small parts like spark plugs or sensors, and you should get a newly updated baffle plate if the old one has been leaking. Getting these repairs done at the same time as your Subaru head gasket replacement can save you the money of an additional trip.

The cost is more than the value of my car. Why Should I fix it?

Excellent question. The technicians at the Subaru Clinic will always be honest about telling you whether your car is or isn’t worth fixing. If it’s unclear whether the car is worth putting that amount of money into, we will help you make an informed decision. Subaru was named the number one brand for residual value in 2018 by ALG, so your car may be worth more than you think.

We use a simple formula to determine whether your car is worth fixing. Take the amount of money you could get for the car without fixing it, add it to the cost of the repair, and ask yourself, “Can I buy something better with this amount of money?”

How long will it take to repair?

In most cases, a Subaru Forester head gasket repair takes around two days. This gives our technicians time to fix the vehicle, road test it, and recheck it. If we run into a problem with parts, the repair could potentially take longer.

How long will a head gasket repair last?

The original head gaskets on a Subaru 2.5 engine tend to fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Most replacement gaskets last just as long.

Will the repair cause other problems for my Subaru?

Head gasket replacement usually goes smoothly and doesn’t cause any other issues. However, cooling system components or knock sensors occasionally fail shortly after the repair. While you shouldn’t expect problems after a head gasket replacement, you should know that it’s a possibility.

What do I do if something does go wrong?

If you notice a problem after your head gasket replacement, the best thing to do is call us and make an appointment to bring your car in as soon as possible so we can take a look and address your concerns.

If you have more questions about your head gasket or are ready to make an appointment to get the repair done, contact the Subaru Clinic today. Our honest technicians have the expertise to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible.