Your Volkswagen’s valve cover gasket is one of the small parts of the car with an important function. This gasket serves as a protection for your engine. It prevents dirt from getting into the engine, helping to maintain its function.
The valve cover gasket also helps to keep important engine fluid such as engine oils from evaporating from the engine and keeps the engine cool to prevent overheating. These functions of your Volkswagen cover gasket make it an essential vehicle part and any damage to it can be detrimental to your engine and overall, your car.
However, quick identification of the signs of failure in your VW’s gasket can help you find a quick solution and mitigate any damage.
Reasons Why Your Volkswagen Valve Cover Gasket May Fail
Your car’s valve cover gasket can get damaged for several reasons. Some of the common causes of damage are;
General Wear & Tear
With increased use, your car may begin to show signs of aging, leading to the need for several car repairs or part replacements. This can be one of the causes of gasket failure in your Volkswagen. Once your car has spent some time on the road, you may begin to identify signs of aging.
You can identify damage caused by wear and tear if you notice your car’s gasket is shrunken, has some tears around it, or is cracked from use.
Loose or missing gasket bolts/screws
Another common cause of valve cover gasket failure in many cars is when the screws or bolts that help to hold it in place get loose. This can happen if you have just replaced the gasket or due to regular rough handling of your vehicle. If you notice loose screws around your Volkswagen’s gasket, tighten them to stop leaking from the engine.
Common Signs of Valve Cover Gasket Failure in Volkswagen
1. Burning smell
If you begin to notice a burning smell while driving your car, then you should immediately check your car’s valve cover gasket as this could be a sign of damage. This is because oil can leak due to lack of the gasket’s protection and seep into the engine’s parts.
When this oil heats up in the engine’s part, it can cause you to catch a whiff of burning oil while driving. This shows a serious case of damage that may require gasket replacement.
2. Unusually low oil levels
A failed gasket can no longer protect your car’s engine from oil spills as a cut part can easily allow an oil leak. Hence, if you notice that your car begins to show low oil levels or you have to frequently top up the oil, then this can be a sign that there is a leak and you should check your car’s valve cover gasket for signs or damage.
3. Strange Engine Sounds
Damaged valve cover gaskets in cars such as Volkswagen can affect car performance. In this case, your car may begin to show signs of engine problems by making odd sounds while your car is running. If you also notice signs of rough handling or misfiring, then you should begin to look for the culprit in your engine, which could be your car’s failed cover gasket.
4. Oily Gasket Cover
If your engine is experiencing some fluid leak due to a faulty valve cover gasket, one of the signs you will see is some oil sludge around the gasket cover. You may then need to identify the exact cause of damage in this gasket.
5. Check Engine Light
The check engine light is a common indicator of problems in your car’s engine and thus, it can also come on when your Volkswagen’s cover gasket has failed to do its job, causing some engine issues.
The Best Auto Service for Your Volkswagen in California
If, during inspection or for some other reasons, you notice some damage to your Volkswagen’s valve cover gasket, the best course of action is to get your vehicle to a professional mechanic’s workshop so they can find the best fix to preserve your car’s engine.
For Volkswagen owners in Agoura, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and West Hills, the best place to have your car checked is at Bavarian Workshop. We offer high-quality services from routine inspection, to repair and replacements for German Vehicles.
Whatever the problem, we have qualified hands to help you find a lasting solution and we have the best customer service to make this as effortless as possible.
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