Ron Ananian The Car Doctor
Ron Ananian, also known as The Car Doctor, hosts this automotive advice show. With more than 40 years of experience repairing cars and over 27 years on the radio, he answers listeners' questions about vehicle maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting. The program invites listeners to call in with their car-related concerns, offering expert guidance on a wide range of automotive topics.
Episodes
Right To Repair Updates, Who Really Control The Car?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 19, 2026 You bought the car. You made the payments. But when it needs repair, who really gets to decide who can fix it? This week on The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian digs into the growing Right to Repair battle and explains why it goes far beyond getting a wiring diagram. Modern vehicles depend on software, secure gateways, scan tools, programming and te
The Engine Oil Shortage Is Here: What Drivers Need to Know
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 19, 2026 There’s a storm brewing in the automotive world—and this time it isn’t just about the price of gasoline. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor™, takes a firsthand look at the growing engine-oil shortage as repair shops and retailers begin facing purchasing restrictions, prices climb and certain viscosities and specifications b
When Auto Repair Isn’t Picture Perfect
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 12, 2026 Auto repair doesn’t always go according to plan—and sometimes just getting to the problem is half the battle. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes you inside the service bay with a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid suffering from a communication fault with its active grille shutter system. Multiple scan tools, OE-level diagnostics, circuit
Can You Create a Great Mechanic?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 12, 2026 Where do great mechanics come from? Are they born with “the touch,” or can it be taught? Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, looks at the technician shortage from a different angle: maybe the automotive industry hasn’t done enough to nurture the next generation. Ron remembers a young trade-school graduate named Gus who knew the p
Five Shops, Multiple Starters, One GMC Denali
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 5, 2026 A 2020 GMC Denali arrives at R\A Automotive on a tow truck with an intermittent no-crank—and a history that would make any mechanic stop and think. Nearly three years, five different shops, multiple starters, and the same problem keeps coming back. Ron starts where every diagnosis should start: at the beginning. Working with GM expert
The $3,200 Wire Harness That Didn’t Need To Be
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 5, 2026 - Hour 1 A 2015 Dodge Durango arrives on a flatbed over the weekend with a crank-no-start. The tow-truck diagnosis? Fuel pump. Maybe?! By Monday morning, the Durango starts perfectly—and that’s where the real diagnosis begins. Rather than throw a fuel pump at it, Ron goes back to basics: codes, fuel pressure, fuel volume, current draw and
When Four Scan Tools Aren’t Enough
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 29, 2026 How many scan tools does it take to fix one car? Sometimes more than you think. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes you into the service bay with a 2022 Honda HR-V that came in for routine maintenance and turned into a lesson about just how complicated modern auto repair has become. After service and resets, the TPMS and traction-control warnings wouldn
The Best Repair Is Sometimes The One You Don’t Take
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 29, 2026 Sometimes fixing cars starts with knowing which cars—and which customers—not to take on. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens this hour with the story of a first-time customer looking for the cheapest possible brake job on her Lincoln. She already had another shop’s diagnosis, didn’t want to pay for an initial vehicle inspec
Does Safety Equipment Make Repairing Your Car Too Expensive?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 22, 2026 Tune into this hour of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor as he welcomes Matt Moore of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, iihs.org . The conversation is all about the cost of repairing vehicles today. Does the safety equipment on the vehicle raise the price? Or is it something else? The answers will surprise you! Visit our website www.car
What Will Your Next Oil Change Cost?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 22, 2026 Ron opens the show today warning us of the problems he is experiencing with the availability and rising price of engine oil and all oil based products. He brings his perspective honed in the shop to air so we can all understand why our next oil change will cost more AND why we should be concerned if it doesn't. Later in the hour he sits down with
Getting Your Money's Worth Out Of The Repair!
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 15, 2026 A new battery. A new starter. And the Jeep still doesn't start correctly. Ron begins this hour with a reminder that replacing parts isn't diagnosing a problem. Modern vehicles can be incredibly sensitive to voltage, and sometimes the difference between starting and not starting comes down to a few tenths of a volt. Tell me what's good, and I'll t
Does Automotive Technology Define Vehicle Life?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 15, 2026 When did owning a car become so complicated—and so expensive? Ron looks at the real cost of modern vehicle ownership, from a 2017 Ford Explorer facing thousands of dollars in water pump and timing-chain repairs to today's technology-packed vehicles where cameras, radar, modules, software, and networks all have to keep working long after the new-c
When Is an Old Car Worth Fixing?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 8, 2026 - Hour 2 When does a big repair bill make sense on an older, high-mileage vehicle? Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, talks with a listener facing that exact decision on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 225,000 miles and a failed internal water pump. Instead of simply asking, “Is the car worth the repair?” Ron looks at the bigger question: What would it
Good Mechanics Get It Done. Great Mechanics Find a Better Way.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 8, 2026 - Hour 1 What separates a good mechanic from a great one? Sometimes it’s not what you know—it’s being willing to learn a better way and then pass it along. Ron opens this episode with a story from another repair shop, where a frustrated technician was fighting a set of parking brake shoes on a Dodge Ram. A few minutes, a different appr
Don't Bring Your Car to the Shop on Empty
August 1, 2026 Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Ever wonder why your mechanic asks that you bring your vehicle in with fuel in the tank? Ron explains why arriving with only a few miles to empty can delay repairs, prevent proper road testing, increase diagnostic time, and even create unnecessary liability for both the customer and the repair shop. Then Ron answers listener questions about choosing
Your Cheapest Car Is the One You Already Own
August 1, 2026 Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor With new vehicle prices climbing toward record highs and replacement costs continuing to rise, Ron explains why the smartest financial decision may be taking better care of the vehicle already sitting in your driveway. He discusses the true cost of replacing a car versus repairing one, why deferred maintenance often turns into expensive repairs, and
There's No Shortcut to Doing It Right
July 25, 2026 This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron explains why the best repairs begin with the basics—not assumptions. A 2010 Ford Explorer with transmission trouble leads to a deeper discussion about water-damaged electronics, obsolete parts, and why replacing the obvious problem first often saves time and money. Then it's a conversation about Subaru's automatic stop/start s
The Repairs You Shouldn't Make
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -July 25, 2026 - Hour 1 Sometimes the hardest repair is the one you refuse to make. This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the story of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with inoperative air conditioning that raises a much bigger question than a failed relay. When the factory repair requires replacing a $1,000 power distribution center, why not simply wire
Classic Car Doctor: Factory Programming Changed Auto Repair
From the Car Doctor archives (October 2015). Long before software updates and vehicle programming became everyday repair procedures, Ron Ananian was explaining why the future of automotive service would depend as much on computers as wrenches. In this classic episode, Ron sits down with Hugh Atkins of Drew Technologies to discuss J2534 programming, factory software flashing, and why independent re
Classic Car Doctor : The Mechanic Makes the Scan Tool
Originally broadcast on October 17, 2015, this classic episode showcases the diagnostic philosophy that has defined Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor for more than three decades. Ron shares two unforgettable repair stories from the R\A Automotive service bay. A 2008 Hyundai Tucson that spent three years bouncing between repair shops—and collecting unnecessary repairs—is finally fixed after o
Ford's 10-Speed Transmission Problems & The Truth About Top Tier Gas
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 18, 2026 Is your Ford or GM 10-speed transmission shifting hard, flaring between gears, or acting unpredictably? Ron explains why these transmissions commonly develop problems, what should be checked before replacing a transmission, and why software updates, fluid condition, and valve body issues can all play a role. Ron also answers questions about a high-mileag
When One Glow Plug Can Cost You an Engine
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 18, 2026 A simple check engine light on a high-mileage 2016 Chevy Silverado Duramax turns into a lesson in why experience matters. Ron shares the tense, hour-long battle to safely remove a seized glow plug without turning an $800 repair into an $18,000 engine replacement—and explains why the best technicians know when to slow down. Also this week, Ron
The Little Things That Make Cars Last
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 11, 2026 Ron answers a wide range of listener questions that all come back to one idea: smart maintenance pays off. From choosing the right spark plugs for a classic '69 Chevy Nova to synthetic oil change intervals, reviving a stored Honda CR-V, and whether to disable auto stop/start on a late-model Acura, the focus is on making vehicles last longer. Plus,
The Double Whammy Jeep Air Conditioning
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 11, 2026 The Perfect Storm of Auto Repair A simple A/C complaint on a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee quickly turns into a lesson on why repair estimates are only educated guesses. Ron explains how one failed component can uncover several more—and why proper diagnostics always come before replacing parts. Also this week, Ron helps a listener solve a persistent EVA
Which Engine Not To Buy?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 4, 2026 Don't Let the Little Things Ruin Your Trip Before you head out for your next road trip, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, has one simple question: Do you know where your wheel lock key is? It sounds like a small detail—until a flat tire leaves you stranded hundreds of miles from home. Ron shares a real-world story that proves the little things can
Automotive Couples Counseling
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 4, 2026 Can a husband and wife experience the exact same car problem and remember it completely differently? This week on The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian explains why the most valuable diagnostic tool in his shop isn't a scan tool, lab scope, or smoke machine—it's the chair in front of the service counter. After listening to a couple describe an intermitt
No Codes. No Clues. Just Good Diagnostics.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -June 27, 2026 A late-model Ford Edge had everyone stumped. Multiple repair shops, multiple replacement parts, no check engine light, and no diagnostic trouble codes—yet it still refused to start. Ron explains why the best diagnostics begin before the engine is ever cranked, using live scan tool data like coolant temperature, ambient air temperature, battery
How Many Parts Can You NOT Replace?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 27, 2026 This week Ron explains why great technicians don't start by replacing parts—they start by proving what's actually wrong. A stubborn Honda Accord air conditioning problem, a Ford Edge with two unrelated faults, and a discussion of real-world diagnostic strategy all reinforce one lesson: understanding how a system works will always beat guessing. Als
Classic Car Doctor: When Your Car Needs a Software Update
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - October 17, 2015 This week, Ron dives into the ever-growing role of technology in automotive repair. First, he welcomes Hugh Atkins of Drew Technologies for a discussion on computer flashing, module programming, and why software updates have become a routine part of modern vehicle service. Ron then takes a call on a 2010 GMC Savana 3500 and discusses the pros an
Classic Car Doctor: Two Repairs That Made Me Shake My Head
Originally Broadcast October 17, 2015 Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Ron starts the hour with not one, but two Repair of the Week stories that left even him shaking his head. Sometimes the hardest part of fixing cars isn't the diagnosis—it's understanding how they got into that condition in the first place. Ron then takes a call on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe and answers a variety of maintenance
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 20, 2026 - Hour 1 - Classic Car Doctor
A Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family maintenance time. Enjoy! Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900 🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com 📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian 🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube 📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern &
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 20, 2026 - Hour 2 - Classic Car Doctor
A second hour Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family maintenance time. Enjoy! Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900 🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com 📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian 🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube 📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM East
Getting Your Kicks on Route 66—and Keeping Today's Cars Alive
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 13, 2026 This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a listener preparing to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling historic Route 66 sparks a conversation about America's automotive past, the roads that built the country, and the memories that still live along the Mother Road. Ron shares stories about the history of Route 66, the rise of the Interstate Highwa
The $16,000 Transmission, a Billboard, and the Best Compliment I've Ever Received
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 13, 2026 This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a repair story that refuses to go away comes full circle. Ron revisits the now-famous $16,000 Chevy Tahoe transmission repair, the real-world case that sparked conversations about whether it's better to repair the vehicle you own or start over with another unknown used car. But the story takes an unexp
The Long Memory of Modern Cars
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 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
Drive It Longer: The New Economics of Car Ownership
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 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
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.
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 1 - Audi Codes, Airbags & Frozen Custard
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 d
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 2 - Maintenance, Diagnostics & 110 MPH at Wall Stadium
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 app
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 1 - The Real Cost of Car Ownership
This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron takes a closer look at one of the biggest questions facing drivers today: What does it really cost to own a vehicle? Inspired by listener reaction to last week's discussion of a $16,000 transmission replacement, Ron explores the difficult decisions vehicle owners face when major repairs collide with rising new-car prices, extended warranties, and long-
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 3, 2015 - Hour 2 - Noises, Batteries & The Truth About When Cars Fail
Ron Ananian, host of The Car Doctor Radio Show, kicks off this hour with a look at why cars seem to break down at the worst possible times — and how driving habits, environment, and circumstance all play a role in vehicle failure. From there, Ron takes a call on a 2011 Subaru with a persistent noise issue, walking through the diagnostic thought process of tracking down sounds that don’
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 3, 2015 - Hour 1 - The Yukon That Only Failed on the Bumps
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour with the story of a 2003 GMC Yukon that only acted up when it hit bumps in the road, proving once again that some of the toughest vehicle problems aren't found in a service manual. From there, Ron answers questions on coolant replacement for a 2011 Toyota RAV4, tracks down a troublesome shimmy on a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, discusses a Cadillac fuel inject
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 23, 2026 - Hour 2 - Marriage Counseling & Auto Repair
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 relations
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 23, 2026 - Hour 1 - The $16,000 Transmission
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 a
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 16, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Truth About Oil Change Intervals
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 shor
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 16, 2026 - Hour 1 - Memorial Day Miles, Fuel Savings & Clean Connections
This weekend on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron talks Memorial Day travel, record numbers of drivers hitting the road, and why fuel economy is about more than just the price at the pump. From tire pressure and fuel system cleaning to overlooked maintenance that quietly wastes gas, Ron explains the simple things drivers can do right now to save fuel, avoid breakdowns, and make summer driving safer
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 26, 2015 - Hour 2 - Why Are So Many Cars Being Recalled?
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 diagnos
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 26, 2015 - Hour 1 - Volkswagen in the Hot Seat: Emissions Scandal
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 Intr
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 9, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Problems Your Car Isn’t Warning You About
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour continuing the conversation about fuel economy and why modern vehicles can lose efficiency long before a check engine light ever comes on. With Memorial Day and summer travel season approaching, Ron explains how issues with fuel trims, EVAP monitors, thermostats, wheel speed sensors, batteries, and basic maintenance can quietly affect fuel mileage and ve
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 9, 2026 - Hour 1 - Why Your Car Is Quietly Burning More Gas
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, starts the hour talking about rising fuel prices and why the real problem for most drivers may actually be fuel waste caused by overlooked maintenance issues. Ron explains how low tire pressure, dragging brakes, dirty air filters, weak batteries, and lazy oxygen sensors slowly rob vehicles of fuel economy long before a warning light ever appears on the dashboard. He al
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 19, 2015 - Hour 2
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 19, 2015 - Hour 1
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 i
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 2, 2026 - Smarter Repairs Start with Better Information: Inside Mitchell 1
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 diag
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 2, 2026 - Hunter Engineering - Your Car Is Watching: Why ADAS Changes Everything
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 con
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 25, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Cost Of Not Knowing What's Broken
The Cost of Not Knowing Your Car This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron talks about the hidden cost of vehicle ownership: not knowing what your car is trying to tell you. From a Volkswagen A/C diagnosis to a Toyota ignition coil problem with no warning light, Ron explains why small symptoms matter and why good diagnosis beats guesswork. Plus, calls on a Toyota Tercel, GMC Envoy brakes, OBD
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 25, 2026 - Hour 1 - Why You Don’t Trust the Repair Shop — and Maybe You Should
Why You Don’t Trust the Repair Shop — and Maybe You Should This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron talks about why so many drivers fear the repair shop — and how to find one you can actually trust. From diagnostic charges and scan tools to choosing consistency over convenience, Ron explains why today’s cars require training, time, and communication. Plus, calls o
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Classic Car Doctor, September 12, 2015 - Hour 1
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 12, 2015 - Hour 2
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 18, 2026 - Hour 2 - Hyundai Trouble, John Deere Right to Repair, and Thinking Outside the Box
In Hour 2 of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron talks Hyundai engine problems and oil consumption with a caller from Canada dealing with a possible scored-cylinder issue on a 2020 Hyundai Veloster, and explains why calling Hyundai corporate may be the next step. He also helps a listener weigh the hard decision of repairing or replacing a 2011 Chevy Cruze that has been sitting for years with what may
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 18, 2026 - Hour 1 - The Swear Jar, a ’72 Chevelle, and Why Doing It Right Still Matters
Ron Ananian opens Hour 1 of The Car Doctor with the now-famous shop swear jar story and what it says about repair shop culture, professionalism, and doing things the right way. Plus: converting the factory A/C on a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle, a listener story about a 1967 Rambler overheating from sand left in the engine block, scan tool advice for a Mercedes diesel Sprinter, and a real-world rep
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 5, 2015 - Hour 2 - Dead Mans Curve Car Show
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 -Back to 2006: The New York Auto Show – A Look at the Future That Was
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - Live from the 2006 New York Auto Show – A Car Doctor Throwback
This is a rare find. We recently uncovered a live broadcast of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor from the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, recorded back in April of 2006. This is the second hour of the show that day. It’s a true time capsule—a look at what the automotive industry was, what we thought was cutting-edge, and how far we’ve come sin
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 11, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Chevy Cruze Belt Failure Story
When a Simple Repair Isn’t Simple: Chevy Cruze Breakdown, Subaru No-Start & Modern Car Diagnostics Today on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a routine oil change on a Chevy Cruze turns into a full-scale repair story—serpentine belt failure leads to a bad tensioner, worn alternator, water pump issues, and eventually a radiator and A/C repair. It’s a real-world look at how sma
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 11, 2026 - Hour 1 - Permission To Repair The Car
DIY Brake Repair Meets Modern Cars: Electronic Parking Brakes, Scan Tools, Ford Ranger Lights & Dodge 600 Questions Today on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a real-world shop story that says everything about where auto repair is headed: what should have been a simple late-model Chevy brake job turned into a scan tool, software update, and electronic parking brake batt
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 5, 2015 - Hour 1 - Paul Teutul Sr. Interview
Deadman's Curve Carve Show - Hour 1 Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes the show on the road to the iconic Deadman’s Curve Car Show in Mahwah, New Jersey—where the cars are loud, the stories are louder, and the passion for automotive culture runs deep. Broadcasting live from the heart of the event, Ron connects with a wide range of guests—from builders and enthusiasts to true icon
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 29, 2015 - Quiet Shops, Classic CRX Decisions & The Truth About “Upgrading” Brakes
From August 29, 2015 – Hour 2 Ron opens the show with a reflection on the quiet moments in repair shops—and the meaningful conversations that happen between shop owners when the noise fades and experience takes over. The calls cover a wide range of real-world situations. A listener considers buying a classic Honda CRX, sparking a discussion about what to look for in older vehicles. Ano
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 4, 2026 - Hour 2 - Weekend Warriors
Hour 2 of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor is for the Weekend Wrenchers—the driveway DIYers, toolbox in hand, trying to save money and keep their vehicles going in a world where cars are getting more complicated by the minute. Ron opens with a look at how today’s technology is changing the do-it-yourself repair game. Oil changes, filters, fluids, and some brake work may still be within reac
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 4, 2026 - Hour 1 - Fix It or Forget It: The $400 Repair That Saved a Car Payment
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 ca
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 29, 2015 - Shop Time, Strange Noises & Real Repairs
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, exp
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 22, 2015 - 11 Years Later—Still the Same Car Problems
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -March 28, 2026 - Hour 2 - Why Simple Car Repairs Don’t Feel Simple Anymore
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 station
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 28, 2026 - Hour 1 - A $3 Part, a $5,000 Fix & The Moving Target of Auto Repair
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - August 22, 2015 - Hour 1
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,
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Interview - Tim McDonnell, Mitchell 1 - March 7, 2026
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 pri
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 21, 2026 - Hour 1 - Ron's Late Night Adventure
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 quick
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Deputy Frank Sloup, Fridays With Frank, Interview - March 21, 2026 - Hour 2
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
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -March 14, 2026 - Hour 2 - From Paper Shredders to Engine Misfires: Life in A Repair Shop
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 th
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 14, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Your Mechanic Says Don’t Fix the Car
This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares a shop story about a frustrating Chrysler 200C repair that turns into a bigger lesson: sometimes the smartest move is knowing when a car may not be worth fixing. Ron also tackles questions about modern engine oil viscosity and why sticking with manufacturer specifications — along with shorter oil change intervals and quality filters &mdash
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 7, 2026 - Hour 2 - Looking at the Whole Repair & What’s New with Mitchell Software
On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the show with a story from the service bay about a recent repair and an important lesson for both technicians and vehicle owners: a good repair means looking at everything related to the problem — not just the obvious failure. From related components to the bigger picture of how the vehicle operates, Ron explains why careful diagnosis
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