Automotive Industry News & Information - R.C. Bratcher, Inc

mechanic working on the suspension of a vehicle on a lift

The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have these systems checked regularly, at least once a year, and usually with a wheel alignment.

You’ve likely encountered someone talking about their car or truck transmission "slipping”. What does that mean, why does it do it, and where do you go from here? At R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY, our trained staff has the answers to get you safely back on the road. Transmission slippage is certainly one of the most dreaded issues you face as the owner of a car or truck’s and there are some indicators that let you know that something is wrong.

So, you’ve determined your transmission is bad. What next? R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY is here to help.

There are a few things to consider when your transmission goes out. You might feel inclined to just get a new car...but should you? Here are some factors to think about.

Once you’ve determined a vehicle needs to have the engine replaced and is in good enough shape to keep on the team, it’s time to find an engine. R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY is here to help you choose the right one. There are a variety of replacement options when it comes to engines.

Do you have a noisy vehicle? If so, you may need a new muffler or exhaust system from our team here at R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro. The purpose of your exhaust system is not only to reduce the noise but also to redirect fumes away from your vehicle. Redirecting these fumes protects passengers in the car from toxins created by burning fuel.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless chemical that can escape from an unsecured exhaust system, and if inhaled can pose very serious health hazards. If you experience an unusually loud sound coming from your vehicle, it is vital to get your exhaust system checked immediately!

Your alternator is a central component on any engine. The alternator is responsible for powering anything electronic on your vehicle, including the coils that fire your spark plugs (unless it’s a diesel). At R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY, we know a bad alternator when we see one - here’s how you can spot one too.

Automatic transmissions aren’t easily understood outside of specialists like those at R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY. While it would be impossible to teach you enough to make you a transmission expert in a series of articles, what we can do is give you the fundamental knowledge you need to have a good idea of what your transmission is doing, and how it works.

At R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY, we understand all too well the importance of changing your oil regularly. Three to five thousand miles sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t really take that long to rack them up. The busier you are, the more you probably drive, and the more likely you are to forget it’s time to change your oil. Here are some reasons to pay attention to your oil changes, and help you better understand why oil changes are so important.