Service, Repairs & MOT

Head gasket repair in Watford

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

£677.40

Average price for this repair in Watford in the last 30 days^

Why choose the RAC for a head gasket repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book a head gasket repair

The head gasket is a vital seal between your engine block and cylinder head, preventing leaks and keeping engine compression. A damaged head gasket can lead to overheating, loss of power, and severe engine damage.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just head gasket repairs that we do in Watford

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Brookdene Service Centre

4.8/5

Brookdene Motors has been established for over 25 years, offering general repairs and servicing to Watford and the surrounding areas. We are specialist in VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Reputation and trust are key business tools for any independent garage and at Brookdene motors in New Road, Watford, its part of the firm's philosophy. Reputation is a very important word for the team - which explains why Brookdene Motors is celebrating over 25 years in the industry. We are also now proudly part of Elite Remaps. If you need further endorsement, many of our huge database of loyal customers have been using the garage since its very early days when it was situated in Carpenders Park. Now our location is ideal, situated at the edge of Waterfields Retail Park just behind Tesco and only three minutes walk to The Harlequin and Lower High Street Station. Brookdene Motors offers a full range of services and our busy and highly competent staff are all long-serving, With the senior technician being with the garage for over 24 years. We have invested heavily in the latest diagnostics equipment and the facilities also include an automatic tyre charger and a computerized wheel balancer. All our parts come with a standard manufacturer warranty and our labour is guaranteed for 1 year.
10-12 New Road, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2EX

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.
Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

The MOT Centre

4.3/5

Based in Hatch End, The MOT Centre has a team of expert mechanics on hand to deal with all your car repair requirments. Our repair service uses the most up to date tools and equipment to repair any make and model of car. We keep most a range of parts in stock, or parts can be delivered within the hour by one of our suppliers, so most work can be done while you wait. We can undertake insurance work and also offer sub-contracted work.
Cornwall Road, Hatch End, Piner, HA54LS

Johnson Motors

4.3/5

We are the approved dealer for the community-áKeep Spending Local Scheme for Watford. We have been providing a first class service for the Watford and surrounding areas for a many years offering service and repair to all makes of cars and light vans, to corporate, fleet and the private sector. Over the years we have built an excellent reputation for our quality workmanship and friendly service. All our fitters and technicians are fully trained and are constantly updated with changes or enhancements made by car manufacturers of all makes. Our team pride themselves in the ability of diagnostics and fault finding, saving you expensive exploratory time that may be incurred at some other garages." We are the only RAC Approved garage in Watford (we service the RAC patrol vans ) we are also AA approved Warranty repairer so the standard of our work is very high.
Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP

Junction Motors

3.7/5

Welcome to Junction Motors - Watford’s leading Vehicle Repair Specialists. We provide MOT testing, servicing, wheel alignment, diagnostics and many more services for cars, LGV’s, Mini-buses and larger vans. Our state-of-the-art workshop in Watford stocks the latest in modern technology and diagnostic equipment to ensure your vehicle gets the correct service it needs and that it is performed to an impeccable standard. Our highly skilled technicians are able to provide servicing, fault troubleshooting and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Between them they have fixed thousands of vehicles so your one will be in safe hands. Did you know our staff are fully qualified to service and repair all hybrid and electric cars? Unlike petrol & diesel models, hybrid & electric cars require a different type of care and service due to the difference in the way these cars are built and function. Not only are our staff fully qualified to look after these cars, but we also have all of the latest equipment to ensure these cars are looked after to the best conditions possible.
1A Garnett Close, Watford, WD247GL

Frequently asked questions about a head gasket repair

You should never drive with a blown head gasket. This can cause severe engine damage. The car may overheat and the engine could fail. This leads to even more cost.

Fixing a head gasket is often worth it, especially if the vehicle is otherwise in good condition. Repairing it can prevent further engine damage and extend the vehicle's lifespan.

Changing a head gasket involves labor-intensive work and the cost can range from £500 to £1,500. It’s important to get an accurate quote from your mechanic.

The cost of repairing a head gasket typically ranges from £500 to £1,500, depending on the vehicle make and model, labor costs, and the extent of any additional damage.

A blown head gasket means that the seal between the engine block and cylinder head has failed. This can lead to coolant and oil mixing, causing engine overheating and inferior performance.

Head gaskets can be replaced at most automotive service centres and by certified mobile mechanics. It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced service provider.

Some vehicle warranties cover head gasket repairs, especially if the failure occurs within the warranty period. Check your warranty terms for coverage details.

Most standard car insurance policies don't cover head gasket repairs. However, an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance might.

If your leased car's head gasket fails, you usually need to fix it. Check your lease agreement for details.

The cost of a new head gasket depends on the type of vehicle and where you’re located. It usually also includes labor.

Different garages and mechanics may do different checks. Talk to your mechanic to know what services they provide.