Towing a Car with a Blown Head Gasket: What You Need to Know

Published on Mar 13, 2025

Towing a Car with a Blown Head Gasket: What You Need to Know

Having your car break down on the side of the road can be one of the most stressful experiences a driver can face. The feeling is even worse when you realize that the cause of the breakdown is a blown head gasket. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can tell you that towing a car with a blown head gasket requires some specific considerations to avoid further damage to your vehicle. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about towing a car with a blown head gasket, based on my own experiences and research.

united towing
United Towing Service Inc.

26170 Adams Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

1. Understanding the Blown Head Gasket Problem

A blown head gasket is a serious issue that can affect the engine's overall performance and integrity. When the head gasket fails, it allows coolant and oil to mix or leak into areas of the engine where they shouldn’t be, which can cause significant damage if left untreated. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with this problem, you’ll know that it usually leads to overheating, loss of engine power, and, eventually, engine failure. But how do you know if your car’s head gasket has blown? The signs are often pretty obvious: smoke from the exhaust, coolant leaking, or the engine temperature rising too quickly.

j and j towing
J & J Towing

4560 N Webster Ave, Perris, CA 92571, USA

2. Why Towing is Necessary with a Blown Head Gasket

If you’re still driving your car with a blown head gasket, you’re asking for more trouble. Continuing to drive can cause irreparable damage to your engine. Overheating could lead to a warped engine block or even a complete engine failure. That’s why towing your car to a safe location, such as a mechanic’s garage, is absolutely necessary. It’s important not to try and fix the issue on the spot—especially if you’re not experienced in engine repair. A professional mechanic should handle it. Towing your car is the best way to avoid causing further damage.

3. Choosing the Right Towing Service

When it comes to towing a car with a blown head gasket, you can’t just call any towing company. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a towing service. First, you need to make sure the tow truck company is experienced in dealing with vehicles that have engine problems. Not all tow truck drivers are knowledgeable about the intricacies of engine repair, and some may not take the proper precautions to prevent further damage to your vehicle during the tow.

Secondly, you’ll want a company that offers flatbed towing rather than standard hook-and-chain towing. Flatbed towing is especially important for cars with a blown head gasket because it ensures that your vehicle is not exposed to unnecessary strain or stress during transportation. With a hook-and-chain tow, the car’s wheels are forced to rotate, which can cause additional damage if the engine is severely compromised. Flatbed towing, on the other hand, keeps the car off the ground entirely, reducing the risk of further damage.

4. How to Prepare Your Car for Towing

Before the tow truck arrives, there are a few steps you can take to prepare your vehicle and make the process smoother. While you shouldn’t attempt to fix the problem yourself, here’s what you can do:

Turn off the engine: If the engine is still running, turn it off immediately. Continuing to run the engine with a blown head gasket can make the situation worse.
Check for leaks: Inspect the area around the car for any visible coolant or oil leaks. While you shouldn’t try to fix the leaks, noting where they are located can help the towing company understand the severity of the situation.
Inform the towing company: When you call for a tow, let them know that the car has a blown head gasket. This will ensure they send the right type of tow truck and are prepared for any special requirements.
Clear the area around the car: Make sure there’s enough space for the tow truck to maneuver and hook up the vehicle.

5. The Towing Process: What to Expect

When the tow truck arrives, the driver will carefully assess your car to determine the best way to load it onto the truck. If you’ve opted for flatbed towing, the driver will likely use a winch to pull the car onto the bed of the truck. Once the vehicle is secured, the driver will make sure the car is stable and ready for transportation.

Throughout this process, it’s crucial to stay calm and let the professionals handle the situation. If you try to intervene, you may risk making the problem worse or even injuring yourself. The tow driver will ensure that your car is safely transported to the mechanic’s shop without causing further damage to the vehicle.

6. How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car with a Blown Head Gasket?

The cost of towing a car with a blown head gasket can vary depending on a few factors, including your location, the distance the car needs to be towed, and the towing company you choose. Generally, flatbed towing is more expensive than regular towing because it requires specialized equipment. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 for local towing services. If your car needs to be transported over a longer distance, the price can go up significantly. It’s a good idea to get a quote from the towing company before they arrive, so you’re not caught off guard by any unexpected charges.

7. What Happens After the Towing?

Once your car has been towed to the mechanic’s shop, the repair process can begin. Depending on the severity of the blown head gasket, repairs can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, the head gasket can be replaced relatively easily, while in others, you may need to replace the entire engine. It’s important to work closely with your mechanic to understand the extent of the damage and the best course of action for getting your car back on the road.

During this time, it’s also important to be prepared for additional costs. Not only will you have to pay for the repairs, but you may also need to pay for the towing service. If you’re on a tight budget, be sure to discuss payment options with the repair shop and towing company to ensure you can manage the costs.

8. Preventing Future Head Gasket Failures

While a blown head gasket is sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of it happening again in the future. Regular maintenance is key. Keep an eye on your engine’s temperature gauge and make sure to change your oil and coolant at the recommended intervals. Additionally, if you notice any signs of overheating or performance issues, don’t ignore them—addressing the problem early can prevent a much bigger issue down the line.

Lastly, always ensure that you’re using high-quality coolant and engine oil. Cheap or low-quality fluids can cause your engine to overheat and put extra stress on the head gasket. Taking care of your car’s engine is one of the best ways to avoid costly repairs and prevent the need for a tow truck in the first place.

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If you're looking for more tips, help with your car, or roadside assistance, don't hesitate to visit Rescue & Towing for reliable services.

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