Our MINI of Portland service department team recommends having your vehicle's gaskets checked during routine scheduled maintenance. Why? Gaskets are small but tough and very important to your car's overall health. Here's a quick look at what they are and what they do.
Automotive Gaskets Demystified
Hundreds of gaskets inside your car form seals between various parts. The seals are airtight, keeping debris out of the automotive component and keeping the component from leaking. Gaskets come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, such as:
- Rubber
- Composites
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Multi-layered steel (MLS)
Each type of gasket has its own unique shelf life. This lifespan shortens or lengthens according to road conditions, weather, vehicle mileage, and driving habits. You can help your car's gaskets last a little longer by only using automotive fluids that the vehicle manufacturer recommends or that our MINI of Portland service department techs recommend.
Automotive Gasket Service and Replacement
Since gaskets wear down at different times, a seasoned tech may check all of the most frequently stressed gaskets during routine scheduled maintenance. The most frequently stressed gaskets are:
- Engine gaskets
- Transmissions gaskets
- Cooling system gaskets
- Fuel supply gaskets
- Differential gaskets