The Car Doctor Radio Show with Ron Ananian – “The Cost of Keeping It Running”

This week, Ron tackles a GMC with wipers stuck on high, a Volvo XC60 with a sunroof that leaks like a sieve, and dives deep into the rising cost of keeping your car on the road in 2025. From 16-spark-plug tune-ups to picked-through parts and poor-quality replacements, it's a no-BS look at life in the bay—and what it means for you behind the wheel.

Real repairs. Smart diagnostics. And always, real talk.

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The Hidden Dangers Lurking Under Your Hood

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor:

Experience the chaos of a relentless Northeast storm that turned highways into rivers and tested every driver’s survival skills. Ron’s harrowing ride through near-zero visibility is a powerful reminder that a well-maintained vehicle isn’t just convenience—it’s a lifeline.

Dive into chilling stories of coolant leaks and disappearing oil that could silently sabotage your engine and cost you thousands—or worse, your safety. Hear a listener’s heartbreaking struggle that nearly ended in tragedy, and why Ron insists every mechanic and driver must be prepared for the unexpected.

If you care about your car, your safety, and the truth behind those warning signs, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in. Stay safe. And remember—good mechanics aren’t expensive, they’re priceless.

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• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

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Call of the Week
Each week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show, we spotlight one standout caller as our Call of the Week. It’s chosen for the originality of the problem, the clarity of the conversation, and the value it brings to you, the listener—whether it’s a tough diagnosis, a smart question, or just a great exchange. These calls remind us why we love talking cars and helping people. If you’re a podcast subscriber, think of this as your quick sample of the full show—insightful, entertaining, and maybe just the nudge you need to stay tuned for more.

This week’s Call of the Week comes from Stephen in New Jersey, who’s shopping for a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L HEMI V8—and wants Ron’s take on reliability, used options, and extended warranties. He is literally standing outside of the dealership, as you can tell by the sounds of all the cars and trucks going by on the highway behind him. The conversation covers real-world pros and cons of Jeep and Chrysler products, from oil change intervals to parts distribution headaches. Ron gives an honest, mechanic’s-eye view: yes, Jeeps can be tanks—but they can also be trouble. The advice? Stick with low mileage, buy the V8 if it’s the one you want, don’t skimp on the service contract, and remember—when it comes to vehicles, like relationships, it pays to know their history.

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

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• 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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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call Summary for this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

1. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8:
Ron says: Buy low mileage, get a 5-year warranty, and don’t settle. V8 HEMI is solid with proper oil and service.

"Don’t negotiate with yourself."

2. 2000 Lexus RX300 Battery Drain:
Likely an intermittent draw. Use a thermal imager and min/max meter to catch it.

"Draws aren’t always constant."

3. 2011 Honda Pilot Brake Pedal Sinking:
Probably a bad new master cylinder. Plug ports to test.

"Even OEM parts fail."

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

• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
• 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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor – Show Summary: “Proximity of Repair”

This week, Ron explores the concept of proximity of repair—the idea that if a mechanic is already accessing one part of the car, related repairs nearby shouldn't be billed as full separate jobs. He illustrates this with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 that came in after a $79.95 oil change at a dealer. The customer was hit with nearly $5,000 in recommended repairs, including axles, seals, and ball joints. Ron broke down the quote and found much of the labor was inflated due to overlapping work.

Ron warns against loss leader oil changes that lead to unnecessary upsells and urges listeners to question labor charges: “Are they already in that area of the car?” Always ask.

This Weeks Calls:
Anthony from Maine reports repeated issues with his 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—dead battery, hybrid recall, and a Smart Key failure.

Barbara called about her rusted 2010 Buick Lucerne. She’s put $4,000 into it but now needs $6,000 in bodywork to pass inspection.

Ron’s advice: Don’t do it. The car’s too old, the rust too deep. Time to move on.

The Mystery Battery Drain:

Caller Fred has found a 2.6-amp draw on a 2005 Lesabre but couldn’t isolate it.

Ron’s advice: Start with the underhood fuse box — it likely feeds the rest. Pulling fuses in the wrong order can mislead you.

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

• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
• 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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show, we spotlight one standout caller as our Call of the Week. It’s chosen for the originality of the problem, the clarity of the conversation, and the value it brings to you, the listener—whether it’s a tough diagnosis, a smart question, or just a great exchange. These calls remind us why we love talking cars and helping people. If you’re a podcast subscriber, think of this as your quick sample of the full show—insightful, entertaining, and maybe just the nudge you need to stay tuned for more.

This week’s standout call comes from Mark in Las Vegas, who raised a concern about a 2016 Toyota Highlander that can be left running and unattended—with no audible warning when the driver walks away with the key fob. Mark’s stepson discovered the issue after repeatedly leaving the car running and returning an hour later to find it still idling. Ron walks through possible causes, including a failed chime speaker, missed personalization settings, or even past aftermarket wiring changes. It’s a great reminder that even smart key systems need smart diagnostics—especially when safety’s at stake.

Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!

• 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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Spiro Morianis from BG Products to discuss smart summer prep for your vehicle. As road trips ramp up, they stressed the value of multipoint inspections—going beyond oil changes to check tires, fluids, and overall system health.

Two commonly overlooked services stood out:

• Driveline fluid changes (differentials, transfer cases), especially in SUVs and trucks that tow or handle heavy loads.

• Fuel system cleaning, critical for GDI engines, which suffer from carbon buildup affecting performance and fuel economy. Regular use of products like BG 44K and occasional air intake cleanings keep engines running strong.

Spiro also detailed BG’s Lifetime Protection Plan—a free, no-registration-needed warranty that rewards consistent maintenance with BG products. It's even transferable when you sell your vehicle and has covered major repairs, like a $4,000 engine job on a 341,000-mile car.

Bottom line: Modern tune-ups mean full-system care, not just spark plugs. Stay proactive and keep your vehicle road-trip ready.

More about BG Products at: BGFindAShop.com

• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
• 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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor tackles one of the most important questions in car ownership: when is it time to fix it, and when is it time to let go?

Mary Beth from Kentucky calls in with her 2011 Honda CR-V facing multiple issues — a clogged catalytic converter, transmission fluid loss, and power loss uphill. Ron helps her weigh the costs, the reality of CVTs and turbos in today’s market, and how to shop smart while staying safe. He also stresses the importance of trusting a shop that’s equipped for modern vehicles — scan tools and all.

Then, Jeremy in Maryland shares a close call after a faulty aftermarket battery leaked acid onto his sister’s Chevy Cruze, risking major electrical damage. Ron uses the moment to underline why professional parts and proper liability matter more than ever — especially with today’s high-tech vehicles and start/stop systems.

Plus, guest expert Spiro Morogiannis of BG Products joins to talk summer car prep, from often-overlooked driveline fluids to the carbon buildup dangers of GDI engines. He offers practical, shop-ready advice on what really keeps your car road trip–ready — and what dealers still get wrong about lifetime fluids.

Takeaways:

• Why “fix or replace” starts with being honest about your budget and goals.

• Not all CVTs and turbos are created equal — pick your brand carefully.

• Even “lifetime” fluids need changing.

• How a battery failure can become a safety issue.

• BG’s take on real-world summer maintenance — from fuel injectors to differentials.

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

• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
• 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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.