It’s no secret that cars make up an integral part of our modern lives. We’ve all had our fair share of frustrations trying to maintain our vehicles and must struggle with them breaking down or causing problems while on the highway, on the way to work, or at school, mostly caused by our own inability to finance repairs and maintenance. Admit it, repairs aren’t easy, and, might I say, not cheap. Cars, after all, need regular maintenance to perform well. But what if there was a way to find quality and value for money when it comes to this?

What makes a good gasket? 

Well, first, the material and how the gasket was made play a key factor in this. That’s why it’s important to know which materials and the conditions they will face in your vehicle’s engines. Choosing the right gasket is never an easy task, but luckily, we are here to help you get the best bang for your buck!

Resistance to Temperature: Your car’s engine is home to blazing or otherwise freezing temperatures, depending on the season. Given this, the material from which it is made must be able to withstand this type of unforgivable environment. You need something that is good enough not to melt and freeze, but not strong enough to not build up pressure inside. Usually, silicone and rubber are the go-to types of gaskets when it comes to regulating internal temperatures while also relieving pressure. 

Chemicals and Abrasives: Aside from the gruelling temperatures, your car is also home to various chemicals and gases, which are often corrosive. That is why it’s important to consider which materials will not wear out despite these conditions. Several gaskets might be effective in sealing gases but will become ineffective when it comes to chemicals. Rubber and polymers are normally the most effective in dealing with such situations. Luckily, an EPDM gasket, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is proven and tested to be the best in this category.

Pressure and Leaks: With all those chemicals and gases rumbling inside, the potential for leaks becomes very apparent. The intensity of all this can deform or, worse, cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. Not to mention, the potential for leakage can cause environmental damage because of carbon emissions. A good recommendation here is the combined use of metal and rubber materials to ensure a tight seal while also allowing internal pressure to not build up.

Choosing the Best for Performance, Environmental Impact, and Affordability

In conclusion, there should be an important balance between affordability and quality. That is why, now that you know the materials and quality standards you are looking for in looking for gaskets. This will allow you to have long-term performance in your cars and not resort to pesky trips to the automotive shop to have it repaired or, worse, have it replaced entirely. Fortunately, Australia is home to one of the best automotive gasket suppliers and manufacturers!