What are signs of a leaking head gasket?

A leaking head gasket can lead to several noticeable symptoms, of which coolant loss and white smoke from the exhaust are two of the most significant indicators. When a head gasket fails, it can allow coolant to seep into the combustion chambers of the engine. This results in the burning of coolant alongside the fuel-air mixture, which produces white smoke visible in the exhaust. Additionally, the loss of coolant due to leaks means that the engine can overheat, potentially causing further damage if not addressed promptly. Identifying these signs early can be crucial for preventing more severe engine issues, such as a complete engine failure. Thus, observing coolant loss and white smoke serves as strong evidence of a head gasket problem.