Todays show finds host Ron Ananian, the Car Doctor, offering advice and insights on automotive repairs. The show includes a mix of casual conversation, technical advice, and listener call-ins.

In the episode, Ron discusses several topics, including the costs of automotive repairs. He shares a story about a customer with a 2010 Lincoln MKX whose seemingly simple repair—a passenger-side rearview mirror replacement—became a much bigger job, requiring new tires due to damage from hitting a pothole. Ron explains the challenges of maintaining an all-wheel-drive vehicle with uneven tire wear and suggests replacing all four tires for better performance, despite the higher cost.

The show also highlights the rising costs of vehicles, noting that a new Chevy Suburban now costs around $68,000, making a $2,000 repair bill seem more reasonable in comparison. Ron encourages listeners to consider the bigger picture when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair costs.

The episode includes a call from a listener, Dave, who asks about routine maintenance beyond the usual oil changes and filter replacements. Ron emphasizes the importance of maintaining parts like O2 sensors, mass airflow sensors, and batteries, explaining how regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs down the road.

Another call comes from Maureen, who asks about a coolant issue in her 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Ron advises her to monitor the coolant level and ensure it's consistently topped up, suggesting further investigation if the level drops continuously. He also highlights the potential need for replacing the coolant reservoir if it's too contaminated to read the level accurately.

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This radio interview with Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor features Ken Miller, President of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey and owner of 821 Collision in North Haledon, NJ. They discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Trade Show, the largest regional event of its kind, which is now in its 48th year and will be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center March 14, 15 & 16, 2025

The conversation focuses on the evolving automotive repair industry, particularly the increasing complexity of vehicle technology. Miller explains how both collision and mechanical repair shops must adapt to new challenges, such as OEM certification requirements and advanced vehicle systems, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). He highlights how repairs, even as seemingly simple as replacing a battery or side mirror, now require specialized knowledge, tools, and calibration procedures.

The discussion also touches on the growing crossover between mechanical and collision repair shops due to advancing vehicle technology. Miller emphasizes the importance of training, certification, and industry collaboration. The trade show will feature over 100 vendors, various seminars, and an OEM panel to address these industry shifts.

The interview concludes with information on the event’s schedule, location, and registration details.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor starts this weeks show with a repair from the shop. A new customer reached out for help with a 2018 Volvo experiencing a persistent shake at speeds above 52 mph. The car belongs to a couple from New Jersey and has been to a dealership multiple times without a resolution.

Diagnosis Process:

• Ron test-drove the car and noted a hula hoop-like vibration at certain speeds.
• Placing the car in neutral at 62 mph made the shake disappear, ruling out tires, wheels, and balancing issues.
• The shake returned under acceleration, indicating a loaded drivetrain issue.
• Unplugging the rear differential’s control unit didn’t resolve the shake, eliminating the rear axle as the cause.
• Inspection of the front suspension and axles led to the discovery of a damaged right front axle boot, which had lost 90% of its grease.

Conclusion:

• The right front axle was the likely culprit, also causing excessive wear on the right front tire.
• Despite expensive previous repairs (turbocharger replacements), the issue had been overlooked.
• The owners are now considering selling the car due to additional pending repairs.

Additional Callers & Topics:

1. Water Leak in a 2014 Honda Civic – A caller from Pennsylvania reported wet carpets and a possible leak from the trunk. Ron suggested checking:

   • Sunroof drains (already ruled out).
   • Tail light seals (common leak point).
   • Trunk drainage channels for debris.
   • Evaporator drain clog if the issue persists.

2. Chatter on Acceleration in a 2018 Hyundai – A caller from Long Island described a clutch-like chatter from a stop:

   • It’s worse when cold.
   • Hyundai performed a fuel injector service, but it didn’t help.
   • Ron advised checking fuel trim data and potential pending fault codes, even if no warning lights were present.

Show Highlights:

• Ron emphasized the importance of detailed inspections and not assuming diagnoses.
• The Car Doctor T-shirts and coffee cups are popular merchandise items.
• The show wrapped up with more calls about shutters, shakes, and general car problems.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show, hosted by Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, features automotive advice and discussions with callers about their car troubles.

• Guest Announcement:
  Ken Miller from the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey will be joining to discuss the upcoming Northeast Trade Show, the largest regional trade show in America, happening in the Meadowlands next weekend (March 14-16).

• Caller #1: Sarah from Tennessee (2003 BMW 330CI - Brake Issue)
  Sarah recently had her brakes and rotors replaced, but she's experiencing warning lights (yellow triangle with an exclamation point and a brake light) that appear in cold weather and disappear as the car warms up.

  • Ron suggests it could be a hydraulic issue or a brake pad wear sensor problem.
  • Advises Sarah to have the shop inspect it thoroughly, checking for leaks or faulty sensors.
  • Emphasizes that a good mechanic should verify the previous work, as the issue could be related to the brake job done six weeks ago.

• Caller #2: John from Connecticut (2022 Toyota Prius - Maintenance Questions)
  John is unsure about maintenance intervals for his Prius, particularly transmission fluid changes and timing belt replacement.

  • Ron recommends changing the CVT fluid at 60,000 miles and checking the condition at 50,000.
  • Advises oil changes every 5-6 months or 5,000-6,000 miles for longevity.
  • Timing belt should be replaced at 100,000 miles along with the water pump if necessary.

• Caller #3: Al from Maryland (2005 Nissan Sentra - Starter Issue)
  Al’s car has trouble starting, making a screeching noise. He suspects a starter or ring gear issue.

  • Ron suggests removing the starter to inspect for damage, hand-cranking the engine to check for missing or damaged teeth on the flywheel.
  • Advises checking battery cables, grounds, and connections for corrosion, which could contribute to slow cranking.

Ron spends the second half of the hour talking to Ken Miller of AASP/NJ about their upcoming Trade Show, Northeast 2025 at the NJ Meadowlands Exposition Center the weekend of March 14th, 2025.

The show closes with Ron emphasizing the importance of finding a trustworthy mechanic and staying on top of car maintenance.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor interviews Satwinder Mangat, President of AllData, to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive technology and repair.

Key Topics Covered:

• Automotive Industry Trends & SEEMA Insights

  • Satwinder shares takeaways from the 2022 SEMA Show, highlighting a post-pandemic resurgence in innovation, attendance, and new car designs.
  • The industry is booming with technological advancements, making cars not just transportation tools but multifunctional, connected spaces.

• The Growing Complexity of Vehicle Repairs

  • Modern vehicles, equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and other tech, require precise calibration for safety.
  • What used to be a simple bumper replacement now involves recalibrating sensors and cameras to ensure proper functionality.

• AllData’s Role in Repair Information

  • All Data publishes OEM repair and diagnostic content, ensuring mechanics and car owners have accurate, up-to-date information.
  • Their ADAS Quick Reference Tool, which won P10 Innovation and SEEMA New Product Awards, helps technicians quickly access specifications for safe repairs.

• ADAS & Safety Concerns

  • Misaligned sensors or cameras (even a minor miscalibration) can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
  • Real-world example: A caller experienced erratic car behavior after a windshield replacement—solved by recalibrating the ADAS system.

Takeaway Message:

The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with ADAS, EVs, and new tech redefining repairs. Access to the right information is crucial for safe, proper maintenance. All Data plays a key role in bridging the gap between OEM specifications and technicians, ensuring vehicles are fixed correctly and safely.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor introduces Chuck Kincaid from Redline Detection, a frequent guest on the show, to discuss diagnostic techniques, particularly the use of smoke machines.

Key topics covered:

1. Importance of Diagnostics – The show highlights how vehicles today require advanced diagnostics, from simple issues like leaky tires to complex problems in electric vehicles.
2. Using Smoke Machines for Leak Detection – Chuck explains how different types of smoke machines help diagnose various vehicle issues, including lean fuel conditions, evaporative emissions system leaks, and intake gasket failures.
3. Pressure Variations in Smoke Machines – Not all smoke machines function the same. Higher pressure smoke machines (up to 10-15 psi) are necessary for certain tests, such as detecting intake and exhaust leaks, while lower pressure machines work for EVAP systems.
4. Turbocharged Vehicles and Smoke Testing – The conversation covers how turbocharged engines require higher-pressure smoke testing due to their boosted intake systems, which a standard EVAP smoke machine cannot properly diagnose.
5. Applications Beyond Engines – Smoke technology is also used to detect water leaks in vehicle cabins, HVAC issues, and even cooling system leaks if the coolant is drained beforehand.
6. Exploring New Applications – The show briefly touches on whether smoke or pressure testing could be applied to air conditioning systems, though there isn’t a definitive answer yet.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor's Fourth of July radio show from 2015 focused on car maintenance, particularly battery health during the summer heat. Host Ron Ananian emphasized that heat is a major factor in battery failures, noting an increase in cases at his shop. He also pointed out that battery manufacturers have changed their warranties, eliminating prorated coverage. Regular maintenance, such as checking battery terminals, oil levels, tire pressure, and fluid levels, can prevent breakdowns.

Ron shared a personal story about seeing a stranded vehicle and linked it to poor maintenance habits. He criticized last-minute car service requests, urging listeners to be proactive. He also mentioned a Consumer Reports article on increasing oil consumption issues in vehicles and discussed a known problem with oil consumption in Honda models from 2008-2012. Honda has extended warranties to address the issue, but repairs depend on the quality of technicians.

The episode encouraged vehicle owners to stay informed, prioritize maintenance, and avoid being stranded due to preventable issues. The show also welcomed calls from listeners to discuss car-related concerns.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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The Car Doctor's Fourth of July Special

Ron  Ananian, The Car Doctor,  discusses the common mistakes people make when dealing with car maintenance, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July weekend. Host Ron Ananian speaks with Steve, an automotive instructor from Cincinnati, about how simple oversights—like failing to check oil, battery health, or coolant condition—can lead to bigger car problems.

Steve shares real-life examples, including how acidic coolant can damage a vehicle’s systems and how improper maintenance choices, like using the wrong coolant type, can lead to expensive repairs. He also highlights an ongoing issue with oil consumption in certain vehicle models, which could result in costly catalytic converter failures.

Towards the end, Steve mentions his upcoming book, OBD-II Diagnostics Made Simple, aimed at helping DIYers and beginners diagnose car issues properly without unnecessary part replacements. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on how modern cars are becoming more complex, making professional diagnostics increasingly necessary. The episode closes with a patriotic salute to the U.S. in honor of Independence Day.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 
• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor begins the show in a no-nonsense mood, fueled by a dose of chicken soup from Research Kathy. He quickly shifts to the topic of car batteries before taking calls.

Key Takeaways from the Show:

1. Car Battery Maintenance & Misconceptions

   • Many drivers don't realize that a car battery can die simply from lack of use.
   • Driving only a few miles a day or letting a car sit for extended periods can cause battery depletion.
   • Batteries need at least 35-40 minutes of driving at highway speeds with some electrical load to recharge properly.

2. Solutions for Low-Use Vehicles

   • For those who don’t drive frequently, solar-powered battery chargers (plugged into the OBD-II port) can maintain charge without needing to drive.
   • The host’s shop uses automatic battery chargers to keep low-mileage customers' batteries healthy.

3. General Battery Advice

   • If a battery is over four years old, replace it before it fails.
   • Modern cars have many electronic systems that drain power even when parked.
   • Visit AutoBatteries.com for information on choosing the right battery.

4. Call-In Segment: Finding Spark Plug Wires for a 1961 Rambler

   • A caller struggles to find plug wires long enough for his flathead six-cylinder engine.
   • Ron suggests checking Standard Motor Products for the correct part number.
   • Alternatively, he recommends buying a universal set for a Chevy small-block V8 and cutting them to the correct length.

Conclusion:

The show blends technical advice with humor, emphasizing battery maintenance for modern vehicles and addressing a classic car enthusiast's problem. Ron's expertise and straightforward approach make complex car issues easy to understand.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 
• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio features host Ron taking live calls from listeners experiencing car troubles.

1. Bill from Florida (Toyota Highlander)

   • Bill describes a "popping, crackling" noise from under his vehicle when he touches the accelerator.
   • Ron asks diagnostic questions, including whether the noise occurs in different gears or at a standstill.
   • The issue is likely drivetrain-related, possibly a clicking drive axle or driveshaft issue.
   • Ron advises getting it checked ASAP to prevent worsening damage.

2. Austin from Hawaii (1992 Mazda Miata MX-5)

   • After driving for two hours, the car loses power as if "choking itself," but revs fine in neutral.
   • The temperature and oil pressure gauges fluctuate with the RPMs.
   • Possible causes: fuel pressure issues, exhaust restriction, or an electrical failure.
   • Ron recommends checking fuel pressure first and monitoring the manifold vacuum to rule out an exhaust problem.
   • He stresses proper diagnostics over assumptions, suggesting Austin get an older scan tool for more accurate testing.

3. John from Boston (03 Lincoln Town Car)

   • His serpentine belt snapped while driving, making the steering tight.
   • After replacing the belt, the steering feels loose and "lazy."
   • Ron begins diagnosing but the summary cuts off before a resolution.

Throughout the episode, Ron emphasizes methodical diagnostics, avoiding assumptions, and prioritizing simple tests before complex repairs. He closes the show this week talking about a recent article he read about electrical testing, circuits and ground connections in the latest edition of ALLDATA News. 

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 
• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.