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Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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Ron Ananian The Car Doctor
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1273 episodes

  • Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

    Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Long Memory of Modern Cars

    2026/06/06 | 34 mins.
    This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the story of a 2021 Chevy Suburban that suddenly became a no-start vehicle four months after being repaired from an accident. What appeared to be a simple breakdown turned into a lesson in modern diagnostics, networked vehicle systems, and why today's cars can develop problems long after the original event that caused them.
    Ron explains how fault codes don't necessarily tell you what's broken, only where the computers became confused, and why understanding a vehicle's history is often the key to finding the real answer. The repair ultimately led to a failing transmission control module, programming challenges, and a reminder that successful diagnostics is as much detective work as it is automotive repair.
    Also this hour, Ron discusses whether it's worth repairing a high-mileage Toyota Highlander with a failed transmission, helps a Hyundai Tucson owner navigate the well-known engine failure warranty issues, and answers an email about what maintenance should be performed immediately after purchasing a used vehicle with unknown service history.
    Car Advice Done Right
    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

    Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 - Hour 1 - Drive It Longer: The New Economics of Car Ownership

    2026/06/06 | 34 mins.
    This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron takes a closer look at a growing trend across America: drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever. With new car prices climbing, repair costs rising, and monthly payments pushing record levels, many motorists are choosing to invest in the vehicles they already own rather than replace them.
    Ron explains why a cheap oil change may actually cost more in the long run, how regular maintenance has become the key to long-term vehicle ownership, and why today's cars require a different approach than the vehicles of years past. He also shares real-world shop stories, including a battery failure discovered during a routine service visit and a roadside repair adventure involving a high-mileage Toyota Corolla that proves preparation still matters.
    Plus, Ron helps a caller diagnose a stubborn brake pedal problem on a Chevy Silverado, discusses the pros and cons of buying a low-mileage Chevy Equinox, and highlights an unusual no-start condition on a Jeep Grand Cherokee caused by something as simple as a windshield tint installation.
    If you're wondering whether to repair, replace, or simply maintain the vehicle in your driveway, this episode offers practical advice from the service bay and a realistic look at the true cost of car ownership today.
    Car Advice Done Right
    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

    Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think.

    2026/06/04 | 37 mins.
    From the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015.
    In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines.
    Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service.
    Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles.
    Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota.
    A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with r cars is often more personal than we think.
    Car Advice Done Right
    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

    Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 1 - Audi Codes, Airbags & Frozen Custard

    2026/06/04 | 36 mins.
    From the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015.
    In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the repair story of the week involving a 2003 Dodge Durango with a failed engine that spent five months sitting partially disassembled at another repair facility before finally arriving at R/A Automotive. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper diagnosis, communication, and choosing the right repair shop.
    Ron also helps a caller with an Audi A3 displaying a P0068 trouble code, answers a listener email regarding airbag concerns, and takes a call involving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and an unusual insurance-related airbag issue.
    In one of the more unique interviews from the archives, Ron talks with David Gott, owner of David's Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard and a longtime fan of the show. The conversation offers a fun look at small business ownership, customer service, and the relationships built through a shared passion for serving people.
    A mix of automotive advice, real-world repair experiences, and memorable conversations from a different era of the show.
    Car Advice Done Right.
    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

    Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 2 - Maintenance, Diagnostics & 110 MPH at Wall Stadium

    2026/05/30 | 34 mins.
    This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron takes a closer look at how modern vehicles have changed—and why maintaining them requires a different mindset than ever before. From oil changes and coolant service to battery health and proper diagnostics, Ron explains why today's vehicles are more dependent on preventive maintenance than the cars of the past. He also discusses the different approaches drivers take when leasing, owning long-term, or keeping an older vehicle on the road, and why understanding your maintenance strategy can save thousands of dollars over the life of a car.
    Later, Ron talks with longtime listener Micah about automotive air conditioning systems, refrigerant loss, A/C performance, and why periodic service can help keep modern climate control systems operating at peak efficiency.
    In the second half of the hour, Ron welcomes Quinn Trimmer of Trimmer Motorsports. Quinn shares his journey from quarter midgets to Sportsman Modified racing at Wall Stadium Speedway, discusses racing at speeds approaching 110 MPH on a one-third-mile oval, and explains the teamwork, discipline, and mechanical knowledge required to compete successfully in grassroots motorsports.
    It's an hour of practical car care advice, real-world diagnostics, and a look inside the world of local stock car racing.
    Car Advice Done Right.
    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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About Ron Ananian The Car Doctor
With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive. Call us at 855-560-9900.
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