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 Highway System, classic television, small-town America, and why some of the best automotive adventures happen when you slow down and take the long way there. From Burma Shave signs to roadside garages and forgotten towns, it's a reminder that cars have always been about more than transportation.

Also this hour:

• A Honda CR-V owner battles a steering issue tied to a known Honda recall.
• An aging Saturn Ion develops an anti-theft system failure, leading to a discussion about repairing older vehicles in a world where parts and support are disappearing.
• A GM assembly-line worker calls in with an unusual problem on his new Chevy Trax and shares what it's like building today's vehicles.
• Ron explains why the modern automobile battery may be the most misunderstood component on today's cars and why battery failures often create problems that look like something much worse.

Whether you're planning a Route 66 adventure, maintaining a modern vehicle, or simply remembering the days when cars were simpler, this episode is a reminder that every road has a story.

Car Advice Done Right.

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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 unexpected turn when a chance encounter with a listener reveals that sometimes the lessons behind the repair matter more than the repair itself.

Along the way, Ron shares a behind-the-scenes look at spotting his own podcast billboard near MetLife Stadium, a morning cruise in his black '55 Chevy, and a reminder that maintaining a vehicle is often about more than saving money—it's about understanding value.

Also this hour:

• Should you keep a low-mileage 2021 Toyota Highlander if you've heard rumors of transmission problems?
• Why some Subaru headlight assemblies become cloudy and what owners can do about it.
• How heat affects modern vehicle batteries and why batteries often fail from summer temperatures rather than winter cold.
• The importance of understanding long-term ownership costs before making major repair decisions.

Sometimes the biggest automotive lessons aren't found in the repair bay—they're found in the conversations that happen because of it.

• 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 - 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 original event that caused them.

Ron explains how fault codes don't necessarily tell you what's broken, only where the computers became confused, and why understanding a vehicle's history is often the key to finding the real answer. The repair ultimately led to a failing transmission control module, programming challenges, and a reminder that successful diagnostics is as much detective work as it is automotive repair.

Also this hour, Ron discusses whether it's worth repairing a high-mileage Toyota Highlander with a failed transmission, helps a Hyundai Tucson owner navigate the well-known engine failure warranty issues, and answers an email about what maintenance should be performed immediately after purchasing a used vehicle with unknown service history.

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 - 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 explains why a cheap oil change may actually cost more in the long run, how regular maintenance has become the key to long-term vehicle ownership, and why today's cars require a different approach than the vehicles of years past. He also shares real-world shop stories, including a battery failure discovered during a routine service visit and a roadside repair adventure involving a high-mileage Toyota Corolla that proves preparation still matters.

Plus, Ron helps a caller diagnose a stubborn brake pedal problem on a Chevy Silverado, discusses the pros and cons of buying a low-mileage Chevy Equinox, and highlights an unusual no-start condition on a Jeep Grand Cherokee caused by something as simple as a windshield tint installation.

If you're wondering whether to repair, replace, or simply maintain the vehicle in your driveway, this episode offers practical advice from the service bay and a realistic look at the true cost of car ownership today.

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.

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 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 r cars is often more personal than we think.

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.

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 diagnosis, communication, and choosing the right repair shop.

Ron also helps a caller with an Audi A3 displaying a P0068 trouble code, answers a listener email regarding airbag concerns, and takes a call involving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and an unusual insurance-related airbag issue.

In one of the more unique interviews from the archives, Ron talks with David Gott, owner of David's Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard and a longtime fan of the show. The conversation offers a fun look at small business ownership, customer service, and the relationships built through a shared passion for serving people.

A mix of automotive advice, real-world repair experiences, and memorable conversations from a different era of the show.

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 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.