Interesting question! Vehicles actually only have one head gasket, but there are a few different types of head gaskets your car may have, depending on the type of engine.
Multi-layer steel head gaskets are the most common type of gasket and often have two or three layers of steel bonded together with an adhesive. These can withstand greater pressure than other types of head gaskets.
Copper head gaskets allow for increased strength and protect well against oil and coolant leakage. However, their construction makes them more difficult to install, making them a less common type of head gasket.
Composite head gaskets aren’t used in modern vehicles often, but they were popular in the 1980s and earlier. They were made of graphite, but they weren’t as strong as more modern iterations, and were eventually replaced with stronger materials.
Elastomeric head gaskets use a steel core and rubber-like elastomeric beads. This helps to seal coolant and oil passages.
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