If you are undertaking the job of replacing your Eagle head gasket, then it will pay to take the time to diagnose what destroyed your head gasket in the first place. Most of the time, head gasket failure stems from an episode of a major engine overheating. Today's modern vehicles that are made with all-aluminum and bi-metal engines are more prone to gasket damage during an overheating episode than older all-iron engines. These new metals are less durable and more likely to expand and warp under heat pressure. In order to prevent another failure, look at the radiator, thermostat, cooling fan and water pump to see if they are working properly. In many of these cases, buildup of corrosive deposits in the coolant system will lead to failure. So, it is always smart to avoid major engine overheating -- and damage to the head gasket -- by using the proper type and mixture of coolant. If you have ruled out the cooling system as the culprit, look for detonation and preignition as possible causes. These conditions can create so much heat in the engine that the gaskets are damaged. Both detonation and preignition can be caused by carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. These conditions can easily be corrected by a tune-up done to manual specifications. With care and proper maintenance, you will maintain your new Eagle head gasket for the life of the car.