Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

This Memorial Day weekend on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron mixes humor, heart, and history in a powerful hour about the way cars become part of our everyday lives. It starts with a noisy Honda CR-V carrying landscaping rocks under a loose splash shield — and turns into a story about marriage, memories, and why vehicles become so personal to all of us. Ron talks about the strange relationship people have with their cars, the conversations that happen at the repair counter, and why sometimes mechanics become part technician, part therapist, and part referee. Plus: It’s an unforgettable hour about cars, family, freedom, and the people who keep all of us moving forward. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a story that perfectly captures the reality of modern car ownership — a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe with just 105,000 miles facing a shocking $16,000 transmission replacement estimate. After visits to two dealerships and completely different repair recommendations, the customer turns to Ron with the question every driver eventually asks: What would you do? Ron dives into the growing fear and confusion surrounding today’s vehicles, where advanced technology, expensive repairs, and overwhelming repair estimates are changing the psychology of car ownership. Are consumers paying for repairs — or paying for risk management? And in a world of 10-speed transmissions, software-controlled drivetrains, and increasingly complex systems, who can drivers really trust? Plus, listener calls on: It’s a conversation about repair costs, trust, modern technology, and the difficult financial decisions drivers face every day. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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 takes on one of the most debated topics in automotive maintenance this week: oil change intervals. After an Instagram post sparked a flood of listener questions, Ron breaks down why modern engines are harder on oil than ever before—and why the “one-size-fits-all” oil change recommendation no longer works. From turbochargers and direct injection to short-trip driving and long-term vehicle ownership, Ron explains how driving habits, maintenance philosophy, and engine design all affect oil life and long-term reliability. Then, Ron welcomes Aaron Schaffer of Standard Motor Products for an inside look at modern fuel injectors. Learn how injectors are manufactured, why spray pattern precision matters, what causes injectors to fail, and why replacing just one injector may not always solve the problem. It’s a fascinating conversation about the technology quietly powering every modern engine on the road today. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

This is a Classic Car Dr episode from the past. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour discussing a question he was hearing more and more often — why are so many vehicles being recalled? Ron explains how growing vehicle complexity, electronics, software integration, and manufacturing challenges all play a role in today’s expanding recall landscape. Along the way, Ron helps diagnose a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis with a flashing red warning light and intermittent shutdown problem, takes on the mystery of a “possessed” 2003 Cadillac CTS with strange electrical behavior, and discusses the well-known oil consumption concerns affecting the 2006 Toyota RAV4. Also this hour, Ron talks with Rich Dwyer of K&N Engineering about performance and maintenance, shares his thoughts on what truly makes a good repair shop, and helps track down electrical problems on a 2002 Dodge Dakota. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Volkswagen in the Hot Seat: Emissions Scandal, Transmission Questions & Real-World Repair Advice On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with his thoughts on the growing Volkswagen emissions controversy and what it could mean for consumers, automakers, and the future of vehicle technology. The calls keep coming as Ron helps a listener with a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue wondering whether a PCM replacement can affect transmission operation, and another caller dealing with transmission concerns on a 2011 VW GTI. Also joining the program is automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau to discuss the developing VW emissions scandal, how it happened, and the larger impact on the auto industry. The hour wraps up with a call from a technician reaching back out to Ron after advice given years earlier—another reminder that good diagnostics and honest repair guidance never go out of style. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Cheap Gas, Sensor Failures & The Truth About Modern Motor Oil From the archives — September 19, 2015 (Hour 2). Ron opens the hour with a timely discussion on falling gas prices—and what “cheap gas” really means for your vehicle. Is lower cost fuel always a good thing, or is there more to the story? Listener calls bring real-world problems to the table, including a 2007 Nissan Sentra with a failing cam position sensor causing hard starts and rough running, and a Chrysler PT Cruiser experiencing electrical gremlins after an ignition switch replacement—affecting both the radio and instrument cluster. Ron is also joined by Ray Bogers, General Manager of Lubricants Technology at Pennzoil, for a conversation about evolving motor oil formulations, new standards, and what today’s engines really require for proper protection. The hour wraps up with Ron revisiting and clarifying a few lingering issues from the previous program—bringing added insight and closure to earlier discussions. Insightful, practical, and always focused on helping you make better decisions about your car Car Advice. Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking to Myself, Tuning Chips & Oil Consumption Truths From the archives — September 19, 2015. Ron kicks off the hour in an unusual way—talking to himself (literally) while working through a real-world issue with an anti-theft system on one of his own vehicles. It’s a candid look at how even seasoned techs think through modern car problems. The calls cover a wide range of issues, including a 2004 Mercury Marauder with transmission concerns, and a classic 1990 Chevy Cavalier where the owner wants to convert from a four-headlight setup to a two-headlight system. Ron also sits down with Jim McGinn of PowerTeq to talk about performance programming and what modifying your vehicle’s computer really means for drivability and reliability. Rounding out the hour, a caller with a 2006 Toyota RAV4 asks about a technical service bulletin addressing excessive oil consumption—leading to a broader discussion about manufacturer fixes, expectations, and what drivers should know. A mix of real shop insight, listener questions, and straight talk you can use. Car Advice. Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

In today’s vehicles, fixing the car isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s about having the right information at the right time. In this hour of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Ross Whiteley of Mitchell 1 to explore how modern repair information systems are shaping the future of automotive diagnostics and service. From factory procedures and wiring diagrams to technical service bulletins and real-world fixes, this conversation dives into where repair data comes from, how often it changes, and why even the most experienced technician needs to rely on accurate, up-to-date information. If you’ve ever wondered why some problems are harder to diagnose than others—or why your repair shop spends time researching before picking up a tool—this episode explains it all. Whether you’re a consumer, a DIYer, or a professional tech, you’ll walk away understanding why in today’s world, information isn’t just power—it’s the repair. Car Advice. Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems—better known as ADAS—are changing the way we drive, repair, and think about our vehicles. This hour of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor takes a deep dive into what ADAS really is, how it works, and why it matters more than ever. Joined by Steve Dawson of Hunter Engineering, Ron breaks down everything from lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control to the critical importance of proper calibration after even the simplest repair. If you’re a consumer, you’ll learn why that windshield replacement or minor fender bender could directly impact your vehicle’s safety systems. For the DIYer and professional technician, this conversation highlights the specialized tools, procedures, and training now required to service today’s increasingly complex vehicles. Whether you’re behind the wheel or under the hood, understanding ADAS isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. Car Advice. Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Service Writer Commissions, Trust Issues & Tire Vibration Troubles Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour with a candid look at how dealer service writer commissions can influence what you’re being sold—and how to tell the difference between necessary maintenance and upsell pressure. From there, the calls roll in. A listener with a 2008 Audi A3 looks for the right scan tool to keep up with modern diagnostics, while Ron checks in with Sandy from Tire Warehouse in Spring Valley to clarify New York laws about returning replaced parts to customers upon request—an important consumer protection many don’t know they have. Brake maintenance comes into focus with a caller asking about salt-related wear on a 2011 Kia, and another listener shares their experience attending the Deadman's Curve Car Show—a reminder of the passion that keeps car culture alive. The hour wraps with real-world problem solving: a 2006 Ford Explorer develops a vibration after new tires, and a Lexus owner struggles with trust issues at the dealership—raising the bigger question: how do you know who to believe when it comes to your car? Insightful, practical, and always real-world—this is car advice, done right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Winter Prep, Rustproofing & Cold Weather Fuel Concerns | Classic Car Doctor Wisdom As winter approaches, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour with a conversation inspired by a recent call from his mom—who reminds him that now is the time to talk about getting your car ready for cold weather. It sets the tone for an hour full of practical advice that still holds up today. Ron takes a call on rustproofing options for an ’08 Chevy Silverado beginning to show corrosion, helps a caller sort out stubborn brake bleeding issues on a ’93 Ford Ranger, and talks through traction concerns on a 2012 Chevy Traverse. Then, in a standout interview, Ron welcomes Jeff Dent of Delphi to discuss the value of quality parts, fuel system concerns in cold weather, and why cheap parts can cost more in the long run. Also in the hour: a brake fluid service question on a 2014 Nissan Sentra, plus a 1999 Bronco with transmission noise that sparks a classic diagnostic discussion. This episode is a great snapshot of the kinds of car questions drivers were asking years ago—and how much of that advice still matters today. Seasonal maintenance, smart diagnostics, and using quality parts never go out of style. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Car advice, done right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Car advice, done right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

Dead Man's Curve Car Show – September 5, 2015 | Classic Car Show Interviews & Automotive Insights We’re back with the second hour from one of our favorite on-location broadcasts—and if you love classic cars, car shows, and automotive culture, this hour delivers. Kicking things off is Candy Clark from American Graffiti, sharing stories from one of the most iconic car movies of all time and her connection to the golden age of cruising. From there, we dive into conversations with industry experts covering: Classic car storage tipsCustom car building, fabrication, and restoration techniquesautomotive aftermarket and car hobby community Whether you're into muscle cars, hot rods, restoration projects, or weekend car shows, this hour is packed with insight, experience, and passion. Take a listen and enjoy Hour 2 from the Dead Man’s Curve Car Show—where car culture, classic vehicles, and real-world automotive advice come together. Car advice, done right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.

We dug a little deeper into the archives and found the first hour of a live broadcast from the April 2006 New York Auto Show. In this episode, we’re right on the show floor at the New York International Auto Show, talking with the show chairman and key organizers about what it takes to bring an event like this to life—how it started, how it grew, and what it meant to the auto industry at the time. But what really makes this a must-listen is the perspective. You’ll hear conversations about what were then cutting-edge vehicles in 2006—cars that represented the future of automotive technology, design, and innovation. Looking back now, it’s fascinating to see what stuck, what evolved… and what never quite made it. The audio is exactly what you’d expect from a live broadcast on the floor of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center—a little noisy, a little raw, and completely authentic. It’s more than just a show—it’s a snapshot of an industry in motion. If you love cars, history, or just want to see how far we’ve come… this is one you don’t want to miss. Car advice, done right. Grab your Car Doctor gearCarDoctorShow.comFollow 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.