Masterparts offers a comprehensive range of high-quality gaskets for cars, for sale at our branches across South Africa and in Namibia.
What do gaskets do in a car?
Automotive gaskets are designed to create mechanical seals between two or more mating surfaces within a car’s engine.
They prevent leaks, maintain pressure and cushion and protect the surfaces from abrasion, corrosion, vibration and extreme heat.
Vehicles are fitted with dozens of different gaskets, O-rings (a type of gasket with a simple ring shape) and other seals. These have various shapes and sizes, based on their intended location and purpose.
A head gasket; once installed, the holes align with the cylinders of an inline-four engine block. (Source: Lewis Collard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
0-ring gasket, paper gasket, fibre washers and a head gasket (Source: Sonett72 at English Wikipedia, public domain).
Automotive gaskets are manufactured from a range of heat-resistant materials, such as copper, stainless steel, rubber and silicone.
How do gaskets work?
Gaskets are designed to fit snugly between two or more surfaces.
They create and maintain an airtight and waterproof seal that prevents fluids and combustion gases from leaking out, and dust and debris from entering the engine.
The cylinder head gasket, valve gasket and oil pan or sump gasket are located inside the engine.
The water pump gaskets and intake and exhaust manifold gaskets connect the engine with the water pump and manifold systems.
Signs of a worn or blown gasket
When the engine overheats, one or more gaskets may deform in shape and “blow”. Gases and fluids may then escape through the holes or gaps. This can compromise engine performance.
Common symptoms of a blown gasket include foaming or bubbling inside the radiator, oil in the coolant, low pressure in the cylinders or white smoke billowing from the exhaust.
Gaskets are typically replaced as a set when routine engine repairs are performed or if one or more components are damaged or defective.
High-quality gaskets in South Africa
Masterparts stocks a wide range of gaskets, suitable for most vehicle makes and models.
Components are manufactured from high-tensile, heat-resistant materials and are compression tested for quality and durability.
Gaskets in and around Cape Town:
Gaskets in KwaZulu-Natal:
Gaskets in Namibia:
Along with sealing components like gaskets, Masterparts offers a comprehensive range of engine, braking, steering, suspension and electronic parts for vehicles. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to help.
