5 Must-Have Features in a Engine Gasket

04 Aug.,2025

 

Car Gaskets: What Are The Different Types and How Do They Work?

When talking about the components that make up the engine circuit, it certainly cannot be separated from the gaskets which are an insulator in the engine block assembled into one. Thanks to its very vital role, of course, the gaskets are always available in an engine.

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The use of gaskets has the aim of preventing leakage in the cooling water, compression, and oil combustion gases. If a leak occurs, it will cause various gas leaks and other problems to the engine.

What Is a Gasket?

A gasket is an object installed or glued on the surface of two different objects. Car gaskets contain fluid that can prevent leaks and are useful in closing or attaching the two objects, so as to avoid leakage.

Leaks are very dangerous if left unchecked, therefore car gaskets are made of heat-resistant materials. The gasket working system must work together with the connection, so the sealing ability must be studied very carefully.

In general, this component is used in flanges to connect various pipes or other connections. The shape usually resembles a paper that is used to glue between the iron gaps useful for preventing oil seepage in vital engine parts.

Car Gaskets Function

Gaskets have a very important function in a car, here are 3 main functions:

1. Prevent Leaks

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The main function of a car gasket is to act as an insulator between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The purpose of the insulation is to prevent oil leakage so that oil will not enter the radiator channel or vice versa. The presence of a car gasket prevents oil from seeping into the combustion chamber.

Car gaskets also function to maintain density and prevent leakage during the compression process. With the car gasket, the combustion chamber can be closed very tightly and this makes maximum compression possible in the combustion chamber.

2. Withstand Pressure

Another function of the gasket is to hold the pressure, so it doesn't spread from the cylinder head to the block gap. Basically, a car engine must have an engine block and have a cylinder head made on top.

3. Distribute Heat

Car gaskets also function as heat distributors from the cylinder block to the head block. The gasket used is typically metal packing. In general, this function is closely related to preventing leakage.

Types of Car Gaskets

Several types of gaskets can be found in the market. Below are 9 types of gaskets that are widely used.

1. Paper Gasket

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Gaskets made from paper are the gasket types that have the cheapest prices. Typically used to seal oil and water, this gasket type can be filled with other materials, such as wax.

2. Varnished Paper Gasket

Gaskets are bulkheads made of paper and these components are also made of varnished paper. This material is very good when compared to ordinary paper. Basically, the surface of the lacquered paper should not be cracked or damaged, so that it can function properly.

3. Cork Gasket

Gaskets made from cork are commonly used at low loads and on uneven surfaces. While it is resistant to solvents and oils, this material is unfortunately not resistant to water. The thickness of the cork gasket differ.

4. Cork and Rubber Mixed Gasket

Gaskets produced out of cork mixed with nitrile or neoprene elastic materials has even better quality as it gets more flexible and higher in strength. This type of gasket can be used for low to high loads.

5. Rubber Gasket

Rubber is one of the most versatile materials because it can be used as a connection to drain cold water and is very resistant to heat. Rubber leakage on this type of gasket is very influential, so it needs to be considered carefully.

6. PTFE/Teflon Gasket

PTFE/Teflon is a type of gasket material that is very multifunctional. In general, this type of gasket is made of solid chemicals and is generally used at low temperatures. The resistance of this gasket is very strong against chemicals. The shape of this gasket is made to resemble a soft rope, so it can be used as a circular or flat seal.

7. Fabric-Coated Graphite Gasket

This type of car gasket is a very flexible type and has good resistance to heat, so it can be used for connections that allow hot water and steam to flow. Not only that, this gasket material is resistant to acidic and alkaline conditions.

8. Metal Material Gasket

Metal gaskets are typically used when non-metallic gaskets cannot support the performance of the car engine to prevent leakage. Types of metal gaskets consist of semi-metallic gaskets and pure metal gaskets.

9. Copper-coated Asbek Gasket

This type of gasket has an asbestos layer consisting of two thin sheets of steel and copper. This material is very good to use at very high temperatures. By using this type of gasket, leakage will be avoided very well.

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The Ultimate Engine Gasket And Seals Buying Guide | PartsAvatar

2 What Type Of Gaskets And Seals Should I Choose?

Automotive Gaskets and seals are built to bear both high and low compressive loads. They come in a number of different shapes, specifications, and modifications. You can choose the gasket and seals suited best for your vehicle according to the following factors:

Based On Material

1. Metallic

Metallic gaskets can achieve higher quality surface sealing than their non-metallic counterparts. These gaskets can be manufactured in several shapes and sizes and are durable and better resistant to thermal damage at high temperatures. However, they are costly and more susceptible to corrosion, and suitable for medium and high-pressure applications.

2. Non-Metallic 

Non-metallic gaskets and seals are manufactured from composite sheet materials like elastomeric rubber, aramids, graphite, and others. They are suitable for a wide range of general and corrosive chemical, low and high-temperature applications depending on materials. Their use is generally limited from low to medium fluid pressure applications and is typically the least expensive of the three main gasket categories. However, it may vary as per the material used.

3. Semi-Metallic 

Semi-metallic gaskets or seals are made from a combination of metallic and non-metallic materials to enhance the composite material’s characteristics. They have advantages of both metal and non-metal gasket materials. The metal provides the strength and resilience of the gasket, and the non-metallic component offers corrosion resistance.

Based On Application

1. Leakage Prevention

Leakage prevention is one of the most common uses of gaskets or seals.  However, it’s essential to ensure that the material used is designed for use with that specific liquid or fluid set. For example, nitrile gaskets are best suited to environments where exposure to solvents, oil, and fuel will occur.

2. Anti-Vibration

Vibration can cause damage and loss of energy if allowed to continue. These types of gaskets are used in locations such as structural bearings, machinery mountings, and pipe supports.

3. Environmental Prevention

These gaskets are used in situations where a seal is needed against dust and other types of contaminants. They allow the integrity of enclosures to be maintained so that the equipment located within can continue operating at optimum levels.

4 Which Brand Gaskets and Seals Should I Choose?

Fel-Pro Gaskets & Seals

Fel-Pro has been the undisputed leader in the manufacturing of engine gaskets and seals for over 100 years. That work continues today through Fel-Pro’s market-leading products as well as the best-in-industry brands. The Fel-Pro family offers you a spread of products to select according to your needs.

Gaskets And Seals Part Number: PT2, VSR, OSR, MS, , and more.

Features:
  • Problem-solving gaskets featuring advanced technologies
  • Application specific design to ensure a perfect fit
  • Exceeds original equipment specifications
  • Engineered and manufactured specifically for repair applications
  • Unsurpassed quality you can trust
  • Includes all parts needed to complete the repair
  • Each Fel-Pro gasket, no matter how small, is engineered to exacting standards with proprietary design, engineering, and manufacturing processes

For more information and a detailed product line, visit Fel-Pro Gaskets And Seals section. 

SKF Gaskets & Seals

SKF has been a leading supplier of global technology since . The company is known for continually developing new technologies and using products that offer its customers competitive advantages. SKF has been setting performance and service life standards for industrial and automotive shaft seals.

Gaskets And Seals Part Number: , , , , , and more.

Features
  • Available for all shaft applications in the engine
  • High temperature and high speed capable
  • Excellent chemical and wear resistance
  • Designs with dry running capability 
  • Designs with rubber or felt dust lip.

For more information and a detailed product line, visit SKF Gaskets And Seals section.

National Oil Seals Gaskets & Seals

The National Oil Seals has established a reputation as one of the most recognized brands in the industry. They offer premium quality products and are known to keep pace with industry changes and deliver advanced products to meet today’s automobile market needs. They are committed to producing quality high-end products that meet or exceed the original equipment specifications.

Gaskets And Seals Part Number: , , , , , and more.

Features
  • It is made from innovative materials and processes that enhance life and performance.
  • The dynamic Edge pumping feature deflects contamination away from the face of the seal.
  • Precision contacts lock out dirt and moisture.
  • Quality gasket material provides a leak-free seal.
  • Products are backed by the company’s experienced technical support.

For more information and a detailed product line, visit National Oil Seals Gaskets And Seals section.

Blue Streak (Hygrade Motors) Gaskets & Seals

Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) has over 100 years of experience in designing, engineering, manufacturing, and distributing over 40,000 of the highest quality engine management products in some of the most advanced technology categories. They produce and distribute a complete line of critical high-tech components for the vehicle’s ignition, electrical, emission and fuel systems.

Gaskets And Seals Part Number: VG30, VG6, VG56, VG36, VG14, and more.

Features
  • Will help optimize your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
  • They are built using high-grade materials for ultimate quality and durability.
  • Made to look, fit, and function just like the original part.
  • They are engineered to offer simple, trouble-free installation.
  • They are manufactured to meet or exceed high OEM standards.

For more information and a detailed product line, visit Blue Streak Gaskets And Seals section. 

Dorman OE Solutions Gaskets & Seals

Dorman is one of the leading manufacturers of automotive components. Their products are precision-engineered and offer different repair solutions for the majority of vehicles on the road.

Gaskets And Seals Part Number: 917-036, 917-176, 635-128, 615-201, 635-518, and more.

Features
  • Direct replacement – gaskets and seals are made to match the original equipment components’ fit and performance.
  • Restores functionality – built to restore a proper seal.
  • Durable construction – this part is made from quality materials to ensure reliable performance and long service life.
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by a team of product experts and more than a century of automotive experience.

For more information and a detailed product line, visit Dorman OE Solutions Gaskets And Seals section.