Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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Latest Episodes:

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 4, 2026 - Hour 1 - Fix It or Forget It: The $400 Repair That Saved a Car Payment Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron starts the show reflecting on the wonder of space travel, the technology behind the return to the moon, and how innovation from the space program still shapes our everyday lives—including the cars we drive.

From there, the conversation comes back down to earth with a question many drivers are facing right now: when is it worth fixing the car you have, and when is it time to move on? Ron shares a real-world shop story about a 2014 Chevy Equinox that looked like it might be at the end of the road, only to prove that the right diagnosis can make all the difference between a manageable repair bill and a costly new car payment.

Calls this week include a 2003 Ford Explorer with repeated timing chain failures, advice for getting the longest life out of a newer turbocharged Ford F-150, a look at why Chrysler’s struggles reflect a bigger disconnect in the auto industry, and help for a listener with a high-mileage Ford Escape battling an ongoing coolant leak and tough repair decisions.

It’s a thoughtful, practical hour about repair versus replace, maintenance versus monthly payments, and why the smartest car you may own could be the one already sitting in your driveway.

Car advice, done right—then and now.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 29, 2015 - Shop Time, Strange Noises & Real Repairs Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Classic Car Doctor - August 29, 2015 (Hour 1)

Take a ride back to August 29, 2015, and hear what was happening in the bays—and on the phones—11 years ago on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show.

Ron opens the hour with a simple but loaded question: how long should it really take to repair an Acura? It’s a conversation that still rings true today—about labor time, expectations, and the realities of modern auto repair.

From there, it’s a full lineup of real-world problems:

A classic 1969 Mustang with a clutch pedal that intermittently sticks to the floor
A 2000 Subaru Forester showing signs of a possible coolant leak
A 2004 Mercury Monterey with a squealing noise at idle
And a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche with a lifter tap that only shows up at 2000 RPM

It’s a snapshot of the cars, concerns, and diagnostic thinking from over a decade ago—and a reminder that while vehicles change, the fundamentals of good diagnosis never do.

Car advice, done right—then and now.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 22, 2015 - 11 Years Later—Still the Same Car Problems Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Classic Car Doctor – August 22, 2015 (Hour 2)

Take a step back 11 years and see what drivers were dealing with in the repair shop—and how much (or how little) has changed.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour asking a critical question: how well do you know your vehicle in an emergency? From there, it’s real calls and real advice—extended warranty decisions on a 2013 Ford F-150, clutch repair on a 2004 Toyota RAV4, and a smart discussion on Toyota Prius battery life.

Plus, is brake caliper cleaning on a 2014 Ford Flex necessary—or just oversold? And what’s really behind alignment issues on a 2008 Toyota Highlander?

It’s a snapshot of the cars, concerns, and conversations from 11 years ago—and a reminder that good car advice never goes out of style.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -March 28, 2026 - Hour 2 - Why Simple Car Repairs Don’t Feel Simple Anymore Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

Ron opens the phones and takes on a wide mix of car questions, including a Chevy Spark with radio static after a car wash, the real cost of diagnosis, and the growing frustration of modern vehicle ownership. He also talks about oil catch cans, auto stop-start systems, and why some newer features may create more annoyance than value. Along the way, listeners share memories of old-school gas stations, a 1938 Chevy, and classic Volkswagens, making this episode a mix of practical advice, perspective, and great car talk.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 28, 2026 - Hour 1 - A $3 Part, a $5,000 Fix & The Moving Target of Auto Repair Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

What used to be a simple repair isn’t so simple anymore.

This week, Ron takes you inside the shop for two real-world stories that highlight how fast the automotive repair industry is changing. It starts with a basic freeze-out plug—once a common, inexpensive fix—that has now become nearly impossible to source through traditional channels. What used to be a three-dollar repair can quickly turn into a five-thousand-dollar engine replacement simply because parts—and sometimes the skill sets—are disappearing.

Then, Ron walks through a late-model diagnostic challenge where multiple scan tools give conflicting answers, raising a bigger question: how do you know when a vehicle is truly fixed?

From obsolete parts to evolving technology, this episode explains why today’s repair shops rely on multiple tools, deeper knowledge, and factory-level diagnostics just to keep up.

It’s a revealing look at an industry that never stands still—and why, now more than ever, car repair is a moving target.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 22, 2015 - Hour 1 Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Classic Car Doctor – August 22, 2015

Take a ride back with us and see how car problems—and the way we solve them—have evolved over time.

Ron kicks off the hour talking about the great American road trip and what it meant then versus now. From there, the phones light up with a wide range of issues that still feel familiar today.

We tackle an electrical problem on a 1982 Chevelle, revisit the Volkswagen airbag recall that had everyone talking, and help a caller decide whether a 2010 Toyota Prius is a smart used car purchase.

There’s also a call on a 1994 Toyota Pickup struggling to get into gear, plus a discussion on a surprising article about remote start systems—vehicles starting themselves while parked in the garage.

It’s a snapshot of the past with lessons that still apply today—because while the cars may change, the questions never really do.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Interview - Tim McDonnell, Mitchell 1 - March 7, 2026 Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

Ron welcomes Tim McDonnell from Mitchell 1 to discuss the latest updates and improvements to Mitchell’s repair and shop management software. They talk about how modern repair information systems are evolving to help shops work smarter, document repairs better, and keep up with the increasing complexity of today’s vehicles.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 21, 2026 - Hour 1 - Ron's Late Night Adventure Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

Ron opens the hour with a shop story that turned into a real-world lesson about parts quality, roadside danger, and why “close enough” no longer cuts it in automotive repair. What started as a simple freeze plug replacement on a 1990 Chevy van ended with a late-night breakdown on one of North Jersey’s most unforgiving roads — a reminder that bad parts and bad luck can quickly become something much more serious.

From there, Ron takes calls on battery drain diagnosis, premium fuel-system service, extended warranties, and rustproofing a new truck in harsh winter climates. Along the way, he makes the case that in today’s world of rising repair costs and expensive replacement vehicles, smart maintenance matters more than ever.

Plus, Ron shares highlights from the Northeast Trade Show, including standout products from Gloveworks and Grip Edge, and previews the upcoming conversation with Deputy Frank Sloup of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Deputy Frank Sloup, Fridays With Frank, Interview - March 21, 2026 - Hour 2 Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Deputy Frank Sloup—better known to millions online through his popular YouTube channel Fridays With Frank and his insightful BodyCam Breakdown series.

Deputy Sloup brings real-world experience from the front lines of law enforcement, breaking down what actually happens during traffic stops, roadside encounters, and everyday driving situations. Through his unique perspective, he helps drivers better understand how their actions behind the wheel can impact safety—for themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.

In this conversation, we go beyond the viral videos to talk about driver awareness, decision-making under pressure, and the simple habits that can prevent accidents and save lives. It’s an eye-opening look at driving from the other side of the badge—practical, honest, and packed with takeaways every driver can use.

If you’ve ever watched Fridays With Frank or BodyCam Breakdown, this is your chance to hear the stories and lessons behind the scenes—and apply them every time you get behind the wheel.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -March 14, 2026 - Hour 2 - From Paper Shredders to Engine Misfires: Life in A Repair Shop Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

This hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a funny but all-too-real look at the strange little things that can disrupt the flow of a repair shop, including a months-long search for the right paper shredder and the everyday distractions that make shop life more complicated than most people realize. It’s a reminder that fixing cars is only part of the job—staying focused through the chaos is the other half.

Ron also answers listener questions on a wide range of issues, including scan tool recommendations for an aging Jeep Grand Cherokee, how to approach a cylinder misfire without guessing, first oil change timing on a new 2025 Honda Civic Type R, and the importance of using the correct oil specification and a quality filter for long engine life. There’s also a good step-by-step discussion on parasitic battery draw testing for a Ford Fusion, plus a closing reflection on why older muscle cars still leave such a lasting impression.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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