Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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 the right brake lubricant, waking up a PT Cruiser after months of sitting idle, and whether "lifetime" transmission fluid really lasts a lifetime on a high-mileage Ram pickup.
It's another hour of practical automotive advice, real repair stories, and the honest perspective that only comes from someone working in the service bay every day.
🌐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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 why a trusted repair shop is protecting far more than your transportation—it's protecting your investment.
Later, Ron answers listener questions about 88-octane gasoline, diagnosing electrical problems without guessing, cruise control repairs on a Chrysler, and tracking down an interior lighting issue on a Buick.
It's another hour of practical automotive advice, real-world diagnostics, and common-sense financial thinking from the repair bay.
🌐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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 system, warranty concerns, and whether aftermarket modifications really put you at risk.
Ron also welcomes Tony Ingram of Advance Auto Parts to discuss the right way to wash, wax, and protect your vehicle, including the growing popularity of ceramic coatings and why proper maintenance protects far more than just your paint. The hour wraps up with practical advice on restoring an older GM door latch when replacement parts no longer exist, plus a quick Mailbag answer on Nissan Titan steering repairs.
Whether you're chasing an electrical gremlin, wondering if a modification is worth the risk, or just trying to make your vehicle last another 100,000 miles, this episode reminds us that good diagnostics—and good maintenance—never go out of style.
🌐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



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 in a new relay? The answer comes down to professional responsibility, liability, and understanding the difference between repairing a vehicle and redesigning it.
Ron also helps parents navigate the pros and cons of leasing a first vehicle for a brand-new driver, offers advice on tracking down a mysterious drivetrain vibration in a Dodge Charger, revisits dealership parts pricing and customer loyalty, and explains how to restore an obsolete GM door latch when replacement parts no longer exist.
Whether you're a professional technician or someone who simply wants repairs done the right way, this episode is a reminder that every decision under the hood carries consequences—and the best repair is always the one you can confidently explain to your customer... or to a judge.
🌐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



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 repair shops need access to the same programming capabilities as dealerships. It's a fascinating look back at a conversation that helped predict where the automotive repair industry was headed.
Ron also welcomes Harlan Siegel of Launch Tech USA for an in-depth discussion on scan tools, bi-directional controls, and how professional diagnostics were rapidly becoming essential for every repair shop.
Also in this episode:
Should you switch an older transmission to synthetic fluid?
Understanding the Ford Focus DPS6 transmission clutch shudder.
Toyota RAV4 oil consumption concerns.
Why accurate diagnostics—not guesswork—save time, money, and unnecessary parts replacement.
Some of the technology has evolved since this program originally aired, but the principles of proper diagnostics and understanding how today's vehicles work remain as important as ever.
🌐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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.