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.

A head gasket repair for Subaru vehicles requires specialist tools and workshop facilities, so this work is completed through the RAC Approved Garage Network. Our approved garages service models such as Outback, Forester, XV, Impreza, and Crosstrek, following manufacturer procedures, certified equipment standards and rigorous quality checks. You receive transparent pricing, progress updates and RAC‑backed guarantees.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
A mechanic standing inside a garage

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
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

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 for Subaru

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.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

GT Automotive Group ~ Sheffield

4.5/5

GT Automotive offers a comprehensive range of Aftersales services and vehicle repairs from our fully equipped onsite workshop. Our highly skilled and qualified technicians bring years of experience across multiple vehicle brands. Every vehicle that comes to us receives a FREE health check, including a full digital report for your peace of mind and safety. To make maintenance more manageable, we also provide 0% finance options over 3 or 6 months. Customers can relax in our comfortable waiting area with refreshments, or take advantage of our collection and delivery service available for local customers. As a proud family-run business, we’re committed to serving our local community with honesty, care, and exceptional service.
1 Orgreave Way, Sheffield, S139LS

Auto Care Centre

4.7/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute.In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover the postcode areas and also offer courtesy cars and a free collection and delivery service.
88 Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL45EL

Mobile Mechanics and Tyres

4.9/5

Services provided: -- Can build and assemble machines or mechanical components according to requirements -- Able to Inspect machines, engines, transmissions etc. and run diagnostic tests to discover functionality issues -- Will aim to troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner -- Will perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment and systems -- Will clean and apply lubricants to components -- Will replenish engine fluids and components -- Will provide consultation on correct maintenance and preventative measures -- Can also undertake other duties (e.g. repair of hydraulic systems) -- Can provide logs of work and report on issues Experience: Proven experience as Mechanic for 12 years. Excellent knowledge of machinery and hydraulic, electrical and other systems and their components. Experienced in using various precision tools (I have equipment to perform most mechanical work). Will follow established procedures and practices with a strong commitment to health and safety. Very good communication skills with problem-solving capabilities. Very good physical strength and stamina Qualifications: BTEC national diploma motor vehicles (2 year course) HNC motor vehicles (1 year course) HND motor vehicles (1 year course) IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) MOT Certification NT / AE / Site Manager Classes of Vehicles tested: Class Descriptionwheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) 4 Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) 4 Motor caravans 4 Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) 4 Dual purpose vehicles 4 Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) 4 Ambulances and taxis 4 Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) 4 Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) 4a Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation checkPrivate passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) 5 Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) 5 Playbuses 5a Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check 5a Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check 7 Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight
Unit 4, Red Rose Trading Estate, Lancaster Road, Barnet, EN48BZ

B&W Motor Company.

4.6/5

Welcome to B&W Motor Company From our convenient location in South Croydon, we aim to offer our customers peace of mind that we can cater for all aspects of maintaining their vehicles in a cost effective and friendly manner. We deal with all makes of cars and LCV’s whether they are Privately owned, Company or Lease managed vehicles. We are delighted to have been invited to join the national network of RAC Approved Garages. The RAC have been serving motorists since 1897, and as the motorist’s champion, it’s their duty to provide motorists with a network of independent garages they can trust, that’s why they set up the RAC Approved Garages Network. As an RAC Approved Garage we follow the RAC Customer Charter for Approved Garages. This means you will get: Honest pricing – All work will be explained clearly and the costs will be transparent Quality work – Any repairs done will meet the high standard set by the RAC Exceptional customer service – You’ll find the service friendly, straightforward and jargon free For more information about the RAC and the Approved Garages network, please visit: www.rac.co.uk/approvedgarages Our range of services offer a winning combination of affordability along with the highest technical and customer service standards; whether basic servicing, diagnostics, wheel alignment, brakes, clutches or air conditioning.
57 Brighton Rd, South Croydon, CR26ED

IN'n'OUT Autocentres - Erith

4.4/5

Professional MOT and Servicing while you shop. Simply drop off your vehicle and we’ll complete your service, MOT test or repair while you shop or relax in the café at Morrisons. With over 30 Autocentres across the UK and a 5-Star Trustpilot rating, IN‘n’OUT Autocentres is the big local garage you can trust, making caring for your car even easier
Morrisons Car Park, James Wyatt Way, Erith, DA82AH

Frequently asked questions about 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.

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.

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.