Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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.

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-term ownership plans.
Along the way, Ron explains why proper diagnosis matters more than ever, using a real-world air conditioning repair story to highlight the difference between simply adding refrigerant and actually finding the root cause of a problem. He also discusses the growing complexity of modern vehicles, the rising cost of repair equipment and technology, and why choosing the right repair shop has become just as important as choosing the right vehicle.
Ron then helps listeners solve a variety of automotive issues, including a Chevrolet Silverado with an ignition key that won't release, questions about GM's Active Fuel Management system and whether it's worth deleting, and advice for a listener considering a new vehicle purchase.
If you've ever wondered whether to repair, replace, or keep driving what you have, this episode is for you.
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, 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’t always show up when you want them to. Then it’s on to a classic — a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood with exhaust noise concerns — where age, wear, and old-school design all come into play.
In the middle of the hour, Ron sits down with Michael Holzem, Manager of Field Sales, Power Solutions, for a conversation on modern battery technology — how today’s batteries differ from those of the past, and what drivers need to know as vehicles demand more electrical power than ever before.
The hour wraps up with a listener question about scan tools — what they can do, what they can’t, and why having the right information matters more than just plugging something in.
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, 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 injection concern from the email bag, and offers advice on bumper paint repairs for a 2003 Pontiac. The hour wraps up with questions about engine oil for a Honda Pilot and an email discussing the pros and cons of winter tires.
Whether it's an intermittent electrical problem, routine maintenance, or preparing your vehicle for changing seasons, Ron explains it all in a way every driver can understand.
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.

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:
Advice for a listener shopping for a used Toyota RAV4 for his teenage daughter
A heartfelt Memorial Day reflection on veterans, sacrifice, and the meaning behind the holiday
And a special archive conversation with Ron’s Uncle Steve Ananian, a North American P-51 Mustang pilot from World War II, recounting surviving combat, being shot down over the English Channel, and the incredible story of bringing a damaged fighter plane home.
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 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.