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 Volkswagen 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 Golf, Polo, Tiguan, T-Roc, and T-Cross, 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 Volkswagen

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

ZS Motors London Ltd

5.0/5

At ZS Motors London Ltd, we pride ourselves on delivering trusted, high-quality automotive services across Rainham (Essex) and east London. With years of experience in the motor trade, we specialise in MOT, engine rebuilds, servicing, diagnostics, and repairs for a wide range of makes and models. Our mission is simple to provide honest advice, reliable workmanship, and excellent customer service. Whether you’re buying your next car, maintaining your current one, or in need of emergency repairs, our expert team ensures your vehicle is always in safe hands. Based in Rainham (Essex) East London, we have built our reputation on transparency, integrity, and a commitment to keeping our customers on the road with confidence.
Unit 3 And 4 Blackwater Close, Fairview Industrial Park, Rainham, RM138UA

Cambridge Smart Cars

4.8/5

Cambridge Smart Cars LTD are a used car dealer and autocentre based in Fulbourn, Cambridge. We are proud to offer you a full range of services which include vehicle MOT, Servicing and Tyres at very competitive rates, so please have a look through our current stock or book your existing vehicle in for repairs and maintenance. At Cambridge Smart Cars LTD, we try to stock a range of used cars and even vans, we could find you your next vehicle, just let us know what you are looking for. We will go the extra mile to guarantee that you receive the best customer service and advice you need to keep your car safe and reliable. We have a great customer base and this is the reason many of our customers keep coming back to us.
3-6 Breckenwood Road, Fulbourn, CB21 5DQ

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

Quadpoint Motor Service Ltd t/a RS Autos

4.9/5

We are a family run garage based in Farnworth, Bolton with more than 30 years of experience. We provide a range of service from mot's, diagnostic checks, repairs of all types -tyres, clutches engine faults, brakes bulbs, air con, general services and much more for cars, vans and light commercial vehicles. Our highly experienced mechanics strive to ensure that you receive a top quality, value for money service.
Unit 2 Gladstone Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL47ED

Brooklands Service Centre

4.7/5

Brookland's have been here for 30 years. We are proud in everything we do and carry everything out to a high spec. Brookland's technicians carry over 15 years of experience an have delt with many aspects of different makes and models over the year, they all carry the correct qualifications from MOT license's to NVQ 2&3. We ain’t afraid to to take on any job an work constantly around the clock the get vehicles back on the road the same day. We carry out a wide range of diagnostic test's and checks, to service and repairs we also do mot's. As on the other hand we also carry out a wide range of body work and repairs too..
162 Armley Road, Leeds, LS122TY

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.