Most drivers are acquainted with the term gasket, even if they may not be sure how they function inside an engine. Regular engine maintenance includes inspections of these vital components to ensure they’re performing their job correctly. A malfunctioning gasket can sometimes have catastrophic consequences, so it’s important to keep their maintenance up to date.
Most engine gaskets function as a kind of fence that separates systems working closely together from mixing gases or liquids. Engine gaskets come in a range of materials, the most common being rubber, but metal, silicon, or paper gaskets are also present and perform specific functions.
Depending on the material, a gasket can have a relatively long lifespan, but certain engine conditions like unusually high temperatures may have a deleterious effect on them, causing early failure. Having your mechanic perform multipoint inspections ensures catching an issue and fixing it well in advance of a problem.