Bar's Leaks is a well-known brand in the automotive industry. They offer a range of products that claim to fix a variety of car problems, including head gasket leaks. Many drivers and car owners will swear by the ability of Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix to repair leaks and problems in the engine. However, many owners have also reported that Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix does not work as advertised. In fact, they report that this fix worsens the problem, or completely ruins their engine.
Additives for leaks highlights
- Efficiency:close to zero
- Availability:agood deal of brands
- Average price: $35
- Way to use:pour into the coolant tank
- DIY use:yes
- Experts' advice:only biased advice
- Independent testing:onlynegative
- Consequences:contaminated coolant, contaminated cooling system, no effect whatsoever
What Is a Head Gasket Leak?
Before we can get into why Bar's Leaks does not work for head gasket leaks, we need to understand what a head gasket is, and what sort of damage a head gasket leak comprises.
The head gasket is a crucial seal located between the engine block and the cylinder head. Like most other seals in the engine, it prevents fluids from leaking out of one compartment into another. In this case, the head gasket serves to seal the cylinders and prevent coolant and engine oil from mixing or leaking into the cylinders.
Head gasket failure is a very serious engine issue that can cause a wide range of problems, including engine overheating, oil leaks, and reduced engine performance. If the issue is ignored or isn't dealt with promptly, then it is only a matter of time before the engine suffers serious damage or complete failure.
When the head gasket leaks, oil and coolant could start to leak out of their respective passages. This can cause the engine coolant to mix with the oil, which results in the engine oil taking on a milky color or appearance. This also results in a drop in engine coolant levels, which can cause overheating, and eventually engine failure.
A significant leak can cause pressure to build up in the cooling system, which can cause damage to the radiator and engine.
What Does Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix Claim to Do?
Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix is marketed as a solution for repairing head gasket leaks, but the product does not fully work as advertised. Bar's Leaks is an additive that is added to the engine coolant with the aim of plugging and sealing leaks. It claims to repair the head gasket problem at a low cost by sealing leaks.
Here are some other things the Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix claims to do:
- Seal warped or cracked engine blocks and cylinder heads.
- Repair blown gasket heads.
- Stop coolant leaks and overheating.
- Repair damage and create a seal that is stronger than the original head gasket.
In reality, the product is not likely to carry out all of these claims. There are a number of reasons why this sealant is simply incapable of performing the feats it promises to.
Why Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix Doesn't Work
Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix promises a long-lasting solution for a damaged or leaking head gasket. However, this product rarely works. And when it does, it does not provide a long-lasting solution.
Most car owners who have reported positive results with Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix have only seen benefits in the short term. After some time, the head gasket problems resurface. In many cases, these problems will come back worse than before. But what is it about Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix that makes it incapable of delivering on its promises and sealing head gasket leaks permanently?
The issue lies in the chemical composition of the product. Simply put, it is not strong enough to withstand the high temperatures and pressures that occur inside the engine for a long period of time. While the product initially needs high temperatures in order to set and form the seal, it cannot withstand the extreme conditions of the engine for too long. As a result, the seal that is created will not last long and the head gasket leak will eventually reappear.
Another reason why Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix will not repair a damaged head gasket is that the problem is often caused by mechanical damage to the cylinder head or engine block. In some cases, overheating caused by a head gasket leak can result in a warped or cracked cylinder head or engine block. The chemical additives in head gasket repair fluids do not have sufficient physical properties to repair a warped or damaged head or block.
While head gasket fix additives might seal the leak temporarily, they will usually fail very quickly. Even worse, they can cause additional damage to the engine.
What Effects Does Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix Have on the Engine?
Bar's Leaks and other similar "magic fix" additives will often claim to repair your engine for a cheap price, as well as a host of other promises. The truth is that these additives are rarely effective, and often cause additional damage to your engine.
Here are some of the negative effects that Bar's Leak Head Gasket Repair will have on your car.
1) Clogs the Radiator
Head gasket fix works by introducing particles into the coolant system. These particles solidify and form a solid mass when exposed to the heat of the engine. By solidifying over the cracks, the additive aims to plug and repair leaks.
The problem with this is that there will be some particles remaining in the coolant. These particles won't set immediately, meaning that they'll float around in the coolant for a while. After some more time operating the engine, the particles will begin to set in the warm coolant. This forms a solid gunk that can clog the radiator and put the engine at risk of overheating.
The instructions for the product tell you to flush the coolant afterward, but many drivers have reported developing a clogged cooling system even after a flush.
2) The Real Problem is Left Unattended
Another problem with the head gasket fix is that even when it works, it is only a temporary solution. The seal that is created by the additive is not permanent, and will eventually fail. When this happens, the problem will come back worse than before.
This happens because the product does not address the underlying cause of the problem. The cause of head gasket failure could have been due to overheating, age, or corrosion, which the sealant will not be able to address. Serious damage like warping of the engine block or cylinder head will not be repaired by a sealant, and will only continue to get worse if not resolved properly.
Using Bar's Leak Head Gasket Fix only delays the inevitable need for a more expensive repair, while making the price of the eventual repair bill steeper.
How to Deal with a Head Gasket Leak
There are no shortcuts to dealing with a head gasket leak. A head gasket leak is the result of a serious problem in the engine that needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
The only thing to do once your car develops a head gasket problem is to get a professional mechanic to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
While it might be expensive to get the head gasket leak repaired, your engine will thank you in the long run. Using sealants like Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix won't save you money they promise. They will only delay your eventual trip to the mechanic.
Conclusion
Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Fix is not an effective fix for head gasket problems and leaks. it is not always effective at sealing leaks, and even when it does seal leaks, the fix does not last very long.
The product doesn't fix the underlying cause of the head gasket leak, which results in the problem resurfacing and worsening. It can also bring about problems in the engine, such as clogging of the radiator which can lead to overheating and complete engine failure.
In the case of a head gasket leak, car owners are recommended to have the problem looked over by an experienced mechanic. While repairing a head gasket leak is an extensive, costly process, finding the cause of the problem and having it adequately fixed will be cheaper and more convenient than using any head gasket fix in the long run.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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