How many valve cover gaskets does my car, and how often do they wear out?

137,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SANDIDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
was told that my car needs valve cover replacement. It was supposedly replaced in 2018 and then again in 2020. Do they need replacing that often?
Jun 14, 2023 at 11:48 PM
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BRENDON S
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 653 POSTS
Hello SANDIDEE,

I don't see anything about replacing the valve cover gasket in the maintenance schedule for your vehicle anywhere.

Most maintenance is done with mileage not specific years so that sounds strange to me. I personally haven't heard of that.

I would check your owner's manual and see if it says anything though just to be sure.

The valve cover gasket itself is a common repair though, but only if it's leaking not for preventative maintenance.

Did you own the vehicle in 2018 and 2020 when they supposedly changed this gasket? If so, was it leaking, or did they give a reason for the repair?

Did the same shop recommend and do this repair both times?

Thank you,
Brendon
Jun 15, 2023 at 5:26 AM
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