Your valve covers are essential components when it comes to keeping your engine running properly. How they do that is simple. They're bolted to the top of the cylinder head, and they have a gasket that seals the gap between the cylinder head and the valve cover. That ensures that your motor oil remains inside the engine, lubricating the many moving parts.

What Valve Covers Are Made Of

The great majority of valve covers are made of stamped metal, molded plastic, or cast metal. These materials are ideal, since they present a solid surface that redirects any splashing motor oil back into the engine head and its passageways. If the valve cover is cracked, missing, or made of substandard material, it could allow oil to spread all over the engine's upper portion. Not only is that messy, but it also prevents that oil from circulating through the engine -- which could cause significant trouble.

How to Spot A Faulty Valve Cover

Signs that your valve cover is going bad include:

Engine runs roughly

You notice oil spots underneath your parked vehicle

You smell the odor of burning oil

Reduced engine power

The valve cover has debris or dirt on top of it

Save Up To 35% When You Buy Genuine OEM Valve Covers Online

Valve covers can cost more than $600 at retail, so it's important that you ensure you get the right one for your vehicle. Your manufacturer makes the only ones that are guaranteed to be compatible with your model and its engine. That gives you the secure fit and complete protection you need. Our online auto parts center has yours in stock and priced well below MSRP. Search by make, model, and year to find yours, then complete your order. Once you're done, we'll get right to work on shipping your order directly to your home!