* Overheating: A blown head gasket allows coolant to leak into the cylinders or oil, or vice versa, leading to overheating. Overheating can cause catastrophic engine damage, including warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, and seized pistons.
* Loss of Coolant: The loss of coolant can lead to overheating, as mentioned above. Running an engine without sufficient coolant can quickly destroy it.
* Loss of Oil Pressure: If coolant leaks into the oil, it can emulsify the oil, rendering it ineffective at lubricating engine components. This will lead to significant engine damage and potential failure.
* White Smoke: A blown head gasket often causes white smoke to come from the exhaust, indicating combustion gases are mixing with coolant.
* Reduced Engine Performance: The engine may run poorly, misfire, or lose power due to the compromised compression and lubrication.
While you *might* be able to limp the car a very short distance, the risk of severe and costly damage far outweighs any potential benefit. If you suspect a blown head gasket, stop driving the car immediately and have it towed to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
