- Engine RepairHowever, no matter how simple or complicated an issue is, overheating is a serious problem. A five-dollar thermostat isn’t a big deal. However, if you ignore the problem and allow the engine to get hot enough or let it stay hot for too long, you’ll be looking at a new engine or serious engine work very soon. Never push your luck if your car is running hotter than normal. Keep an eye on your gauge if your warning light comes on pull over and shut the car down immediately if the temperature rises too high. It is always best to call us here at the shop if you have a question so we can let you know how serious it is if you are concerned. If you ever have fluids leaking out or see steam rising from the hood immediately stop the vehicle and get help as that is a large indicator of a serious issue that needs a resolution now and not later.
- Oil ChangeAs an Entry Level Automotive Technician, you will provide our customers with Oil Changes, basic repairs and maintenance services, including the following job responsibilities...
- Engine Tune-Up
- Exhaust System Repair
- Starter Repair
- Alternator Repair
- Engine ServicesProper maintenance is critical for all automotive and truck engines and one of the most important parts of engine maintenance is ensuring your engine fluids are kept clean and at the proper levels. Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, and its fluids are its blood so without it there is no forward or backward movement at all. Who you choose to do the maintenance and repairs is important, however, there’s no need to take your car or truck to different specialized shops all over town in order to maintain your vehicle. At R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro, KY our team of expert mechanics has the knowledge and ability to handle all your maintenance and repair needs through inspections and diagnostic equipment.
- Engine Replacement
- Engine Diagnostic
- Spark Plug Replacement
- Emissions Inspection
- Timing Belt/Chain ReplacementProper maintenance will save you serious money and when it comes to your timing belt the perfect example is replacing the belt. It is relatively easy and in comparison not doing so causes major damage resulting in serious costs! We tell our Owensboro drivers that this is one item on the maintenance list we feel you "must" replace based on the vehicle's recommended service or earlier if your driving habits have impacted the integrity of your timing belt. Here at R.C. Bratcher, Inc, we have seen first-hand exactly what happens when drivers miss that manufacturer's recommended maintenance.
- Fuel Injection Service/Repair
- Transmission ServiceTransmission: A transmission shifts the gears in your car and is one of the most expensive fixes on your vehicle. Like regular engine maintenance, regular transmission maintenance can save you thousands in repair costs. If your vehicle shifts roughly or it starts to slip, your transmission needs immediate service or repair.
- Transmission Repair
- Transmission Fluid Service
- Transmission Replacement
- Clutch Service/Repair
- Differential Service/Repair
- Suspension Service/RepairYour car’s suspension is probably something you don’t think about very often. Typically, suspension parts wear out slowly and worsen over a long period of time, so you may not even notice that you have worn suspension parts until other parts have worn out or broken.
- Steering Service/Repair
- Steering Fluid Service
- Air Conditioning Service/RepairYour heat and A/C system are complicated, to say the least, requiring the right tools, and constant training to keep up-to-date on the new information and diagnostic tools required to take care of your specific system. Our technicians at R.C. Bratcher, Inc have experience in all makes and models and can quickly find and solve any issue you might have with your heat and A/C system should it be due to an issue with your compressors, high-pressure lines, special gasses, condensers, actuators, electronic and vacuum signals, or multiple other aspects of your car or truck. Your air conditioning system has to work in harmony to effectively cool your vehicle infrastructure and when needed heat the inside of your vehicle for your comfort. The longer an A/C system remains broken the more problems it will develop, so it’s a good idea to have it serviced regularly.
- Radiator Service/RepairR.C. Bratcher is your one-stop service center for welding and complete automotive and radiator service. Founded in 1965, we are a family-owned and -operated business and offer service to residents in Owensboro and the surrounding areas.
- Radiator FlushWe have found that the heating systems are generally far more reliable than A/C since they primarily operate on circulating engine coolant. However, if you’re having heating issues, the consequences are usually far greater if neglected. Lack of defrosting and defogging ability is not just inconvenient but also extremely unsafe. A clogged heater core can cause engine overheating, and a failed heater core will leak coolant into your vehicle, damaging other components. If your heater is misbehaving, have it inspected immediately. Often a simple coolant flush will correct the issue if we can catch it quickly.
- Air Filter Replacement
- Air Conditioning Recharge
- Tire Rotation
- Wheel Alignment
- Tire Service
- Brake ServiceYour brake system is comprised of a long list of parts and all of them are under a great deal of stress much of which depends on how you drive as each of us is very different in that regard. Some of us are more aggressive than others in both starting and stopping our vehicles, we tend to "ride our brakes" and you may carry heavy loads or pull a trailer which will also impact the life of your brakes. The important aspect of your brakes and what their expected life span is that you are absolutely certain that they are working at 100% when you call on them to stop your vehicle at any given time. The task of stopping a car, truck, or SUV which weighs thousands of pounds is certainly not easy and the last thing anyone wants is to find out their brakes have failed catastrophically. When our team here at R.C. Bratcher, Inc goes in to do a full service or repair of your brakes we take it seriously and check the entire system for you taking into consideration multiple factors!
- Brake Fluid Service
- Brake Repair
- Brake Replacement
- Glass Repair/Replacement
- Lighting Services
- Battery Service
- Electrical Service/RepairAt R.C. Bratcher, Inc in Owensboro we understand that the charging and electrical systems are the most intricate and complex systems on your vehicle, particularly modern cars. Our highly trained technicians have access to the proper equipment to diagnose and repair any electrical issues that your car may be faced with. We have the mechanics and the tools to get the job done right the first time!
- Electronic Service/Repair
- General Repairs
- Towing Service
- Auto MaintenanceThe timing belt drives the water pump in 60% of the vehicles on the road. The labor cost of replacing the water pump is significantly higher than the cost of the pump. While replacing the timing belt, it is cost-effective to replace the water pump. We highly recommend replacing the timing belt pulleys and tensioners. The tensioner applies pressure to the timing belt keeping it tight, while the pulleys keep the timing belt in line. These components are sealed units that contain bearings (they cannot be lubricated on a regular basis). The bearings wear out over time and may seize, causing the timing belt to come off, which can cause major internal engine damage. Ignoring the replacement of a timing belt as a part of scheduled maintenance could result in major engine failure down the road.
- Belts and Hoses ServiceYour vehicle's belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.