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The thermostat head gasket stops oil and coolant from leaking out of the engine. It is placed near the engine’s cylinder head and next to the engine block. If the gasket is cracked or otherwise damaged, then it will probably start leaking.

It will cost you about $1,000 to have the thermostat gasket replaced, and the labor and parts costs will depend on which mechanic you choose and how many parts need to be replaced.

Thermostat Gasket Replacement Cost Comparison

Your Mechanic

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $119-$181

 

Midas

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $109-$185

 

Mr. Tire

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $103-$195

 

NAPA

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 24 months $122-$193

 

Walmart

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $4-$37

 

Amazon

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $5-$52

What Is Thermostat Gasket Replacement?

In many cases, the mechanic will want to replace both the gasket and the thermostat, since they tend to go bad together. It’s up to you what you want to have replaced, and if you don’t think your mechanic has your best interests at heart, you can always get a second opinion. The thermostat is much cheaper, and you can save on labor costs if you have them replaced together rather than splitting the replacement across two separate services.

Benefits of Thermostat Gasket Replacement

Getting the gasket replaced when it is weak and cracked can prevent oil and coolant leaks. This means that your vehicle’s fluids will stay at safe levels and that you will protect a number of engine components. You’re saving on future repairs by getting this replacement job done as soon as possible, and you’ll reap the benefits of that for years to come.

What Is Done During Thermostat Gasket Replacement?

To replace the thermostat gasket, the cylinder head will need to be removed. In some cases, the cylinder head will need to be replaced or machined when the gasket is replaced. The leaking coolant could have warped or cracked it, and that needs to be dealt with before the car is operated again. Once the cylinder is out of the way, the thermostat and the gasket can be taken off and replaced. The coolant may need to be flushed out and replaced as well, especially if it has been leaking for a while or there was a sizeable leak. It may be dirty and need to be replaced to protect the engine.

Once everything is back in place, the mechanic will test drive the vehicle and then reinspect the gasket to ensure that it is holding.

When to Get Thermostat Gasket Replacement

You may not notice the gasket is leaking or is damaged until you see puddles of coolant or oil under the vehicle. It’s a good idea to check where you parked from time to time to see if anything other than water is pooling there. Your mechanic should be checking for leaks and other problems when he inspects your vehicle, so if you go for regular servicing, then these kinds of problems can be caught early before they become serious issues.

You’ll want to have the malfunctioning gasket fixed as soon as possible, as allowing it to leak out can cause serious damage to the cylinder head and other parts of the engine. Driving with low fluid levels can also cause undue wear and tear on your car’s components, leading to expensive repairs for you later on.

How to Save Money on Thermostat Gasket Replacement

Your best bet for saving money on this replacement job is to compare prices from one mechanic to another. Just source as many quotes for the service as you can for mechanics in your area and try to find the lowest price possible for a reliable mechanic to do the job.

You could also try to do the work yourself, but with something this labor intensive, it may not be a good task for DIYers. There is simply too much work that goes into this replacement job and too much that could go wrong. If you want to save some money, then comparing rates is probably the best way to do it.

Sample Thermostat Gasket Replacement Costs

Model Labor Parts Total
Ford F-Series $123-$138 $10-$20 $133-$158
Chevrolet Silverado $135-$150 $15-$25 $150-$175
Ford Focus $123-$138 $10-$20 $133-$158
Toyota Camry $114-$132 $8-$9 $122-$141
Toyota Corolla $114-$132 $8-$9 $122-$141
Nissan Altima $114-$132 $8-$9 $122-$141
Honda CR-V $114-$132 $8-$9 $122-$141
Honda Civic $135-$150 $15-$25 $150-$175
Honda Accord $135-$150 $15-$25 $150-$175
Ford Fusion $123-$138 $10-$20 $133-$158

Thermostat Gasket Costs Submitted By Our Users


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