Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers about Prius head gasket repair, towing, service time, used engines, and head gasket sealer.
I live pretty far from you. Should I drive my Prius to your shop?
No. If your Prius has a blown head gasket, you should not drive it. Continuing to drive can cause more serious engine damage. You have a few options for getting your Prius to our shop:
- Check AAA towing options. Some premium plans may include long-distance towing.
- Tow it yourself with a truck or SUV and a rented tow dolly.
- Have us come pick up your Prius for a reasonable fee.
Do you have insurance to tow our Prius?
Yes! We are insured against damage to your Prius while in route.
We are also insured against damage while your car is on our lot or in our shop.
How long does it take to replace a head gasket?
The actual head gasket replacement usually takes about two full days. We prefer to have the Prius for at least 5–7 days so we have enough time to carefully rebuild the motor, allow gasket sealants to cure, and fully test drive the vehicle after the repair.
This is not a rushed process. The goal is to complete the repair correctly and make sure the vehicle is running properly before it leaves.
Is it better to just buy a used motor?
Not necessarily. Many used motors are shipped from Japan with claims of very low mileage, but there is no reliable way to verify the advertised miles. In some cases, used motors may also have rust on the cylinder walls.
A used motor can also still need a head gasket replacement eventually. Prius engines are known for lasting a very long time when they receive regular oil changes, so repairing the original engine can often be the better option.
Oops — I used head gasket sealant. Now what?
Head gasket sealer is not ideal because it can clog parts of the cooling system. In many cases, it can be flushed out, but it may take time and careful cleaning.