When most drivers think about car maintenance, they think oil changes, tire rotations, and maybe brakes. But your cooling system? That one often gets overlooked—until something overheats, a warning light flashes, or steam starts pouring from under the hood.

In Conyers, Georgia, where summer temps can soar into the 90s and beyond, your cooling system has to work harder than usual to keep your engine running at a safe temperature. And when it’s not properly maintained, things can go south fast.

At Gibbs Automotive, we see cooling system issues spike every spring and summer. In many cases, a simple cooling system flush could have prevented the problem. Let’s walk through what a flush is, why it matters, and how it helps keep your car reliable on Georgia roads.

What Does the Cooling System Do?

Your vehicle’s cooling system helps regulate engine temperature, especially when you're sitting in traffic, driving long distances, or using the A/C during a hot day. It does this by circulating coolant—also called antifreeze—through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and keeping everything in the right operating range.

Without a functioning cooling system, your engine would overheat quickly. That kind of heat can warp cylinder heads, damage gaskets, and cause expensive engine damage.

What Is a Cooling System Flush?

Over time, coolant breaks down. It becomes acidic, collects rust particles and debris, and loses its ability to regulate heat. When that happens, it can start to corrode your radiator and other metal components inside your engine.

A cooling system flush removes the old, dirty coolant from your system and replaces it with fresh fluid. It also clears out rust, scale buildup, and anything else that could clog your radiator or hoses.

This isn’t the same as just topping off your coolant. A flush actually forces the old fluid out of the system entirely, which is critical if you’ve been running the same coolant for years or you’re driving in high-heat conditions like we have here in Conyers.

Signs Your Vehicle May Need a Cooling System Flush

It’s not always obvious that your coolant is old or ineffective. But there are some signs that usually indicate it's time for a flush:

The temperature gauge is running hotter than normal You see steam or notice a strong smell after driving The coolant in your reservoir looks brown, dark, or sludgy You hear bubbling sounds after shutting off the engine Your heater isn’t working well (yes, that can be related) It’s been over 30,000 miles or 2 years since your last flush

Even if you’re not seeing these symptoms yet, scheduling a flush as part of your spring or summer maintenance can prevent them altogether.

How Often Should You Flush the Cooling System?

It depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and the type of coolant used. Many manufacturers recommend flushing every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but that can vary. In hotter climates like Georgia, or if you’re doing a lot of heavy driving (towing, stop-and-go traffic, long commutes), you may want to flush it more frequently.

We can check the condition of your coolant during any routine visit to Gibbs Automotive. If it’s still in good shape, we’ll tell you. If it’s time for a flush, we’ll walk you through it.

What Happens If You Don’t Flush Your Cooling System?

Skipping a flush can lead to several issues:

Coolant leaks from corroded hoses or seals Clogged radiator or heater core Overheating, especially in summer Permanent damage to the water pump or engine.

And once those things happen, you're looking at repairs that cost far more than a basic cooling system service. Think of a flush like preventive medicine for your engine—it keeps the system healthy and protects you from major headaches down the road.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Get This Done

When the weather heats up, your engine is under more stress. Every traffic jam, long drive, or quick trip with the A/C cranked adds heat that your cooling system has to manage.

Scheduling a flush now, before Georgia’s full summer heat kicks in, gives your vehicle a head start. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to ensure reliability through the warmest months of the year.

Why Conyers Drivers Choose Gibbs Automotive for Cooling System Services

At Gibbs Automotive, we help drivers stay on top of the services that matter—not just the ones that are easy to remember. Our team of ASE-certified technicians will inspect your entire cooling system, test your coolant, and perform a complete flush if needed.

You’ll never get a generic one-size-fits-all service. We match the correct coolant to your vehicle’s specifications and make sure the job is done right—no shortcuts, no guesswork.

Final Thoughts

Cooling system flushes don’t get as much attention as oil changes or brake checks, but they’re just as important—especially in Georgia. If it’s been a while since your last flush, or if your engine is starting to run hotter than usual, bring your vehicle to Gibbs Automotive in Conyers.

We’ll make sure your coolant is fresh, your system is clean, and your engine is ready to handle anything the summer throws its way.