It’s a busy hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor—and the calls cover everything from safety to big-dollar decisions.

First, Frank calls about a 2015 Chevy Suburban with an intermittent hard brake pedal. Ron points to a known GM issue involving the engine-driven vacuum pump and brake booster contamination, and explains the smart first test to confirm it.

Next, Stan’s 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L is losing coolant with no visible external leak, raising concerns about internal engine issues and the frustrations of dealing with extended warranty “script readers.” Ron lays out a logical path: prove what it’s not, document what it is, and push for coverage.

Then, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler owner reports cold hard shifts into 3rd/4th—Ron suggests checking for pending codes, software updates, and relevant service bulletins before damage gets worse.

Finally, James asks what to look for as his son buys his first vehicle: a 2009 Chevy Silverado with 163k miles. Ron gives the real-world checklist—rust, maintenance history, fluids, overall condition, and budgeting for what happens if the drivetrain quits.

As always: don’t assume—test, verify, and make decisions with your eyes open.
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

 

 

 

It&rsquo;s a busy hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor&mdash;and the calls cover everything from safety to big-dollar decisions.
First, Frank calls about a 2015 Chevy Suburban with an intermittent hard brake pedal. Ron points to a known GM issue involving the engine-driven vacuum pump and brake booster contamination, and explains the smart first test to confirm it.
Next, Stan&rsquo;s 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L is losing coolant with no visible external leak, raising concerns about internal engine issues and the frustrations of dealing with extended warranty &ldquo;script readers.&rdquo; Ron lays out a logical path: prove what it&rsquo;s not, document what it is, and push for coverage.
Then, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler owner reports cold hard shifts into 3rd/4th&mdash;Ron suggests checking for pending codes, software updates, and relevant service bulletins before damage gets worse.
Finally, James asks what to look for as his son buys his first vehicle: a 2009 Chevy Silverado with 163k miles. Ron gives the real-world checklist&mdash;rust, maintenance history, fluids, overall condition, and budgeting for what happens if the drivetrain quits.
As always: don&rsquo;t assume&mdash;test, verify, and make decisions with your eyes open.
<ul>
<li data-start="67" data-end="172">Grab your Car Doctor gear &ndash; T-shirts &amp; more at <a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com" data-start="120" data-end="170">CarDoctorShow.com</a></li>
<li data-start="173" data-end="260">
Follow the wrench &ndash; Instagram @ronananian for shop life &amp; behind-the-scenes
</li>
<li data-start="261" data-end="333">
Watch &amp; learn &ndash; Auto repair tips &amp; videos on our YouTube Channel
</li>
<li data-start="334" data-end="419">
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 &ndash; (855) 560-9900
</li>
<li data-start="420" data-end="485">
Join the conversation LIVE &ndash; Saturdays 2&ndash;4 PM Eastern
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive. Call us at 855-560-9900.

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive.  Call us at 855-560-9900.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show—heard nationwide across major networks—he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it’s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show&mdash;heard nationwide across major networks&mdash;he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it&rsquo;s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor™

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 21, 2026 - Hour 2 - Hard Brakes, Vanishing Coolant, and Buying a First Truck

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1de342a7-6fe1-4626-b5bd-b3f8016977bc/transcript