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

 

 

 

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor &ndash; Show Summary: &ldquo;Proximity of Repair&rdquo;
This week, Ron explores the concept of proximity of repair&mdash;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: &ldquo;Are they already in that area of the car?&rdquo; Always ask.
This Weeks Calls: Anthony from Maine reports repeated issues with his 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid&mdash;dead battery, hybrid recall, and a Smart Key failure.&nbsp;
Barbara called about her rusted 2010 Buick Lucerne. She&rsquo;s put $4,000 into it but now needs $6,000 in bodywork to pass inspection.
Ron&rsquo;s advice: Don&rsquo;t do it. The car&rsquo;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&rsquo;t isolate it.
Ron&rsquo;s advice: Start with the underhood fuse box &mdash; it likely feeds the rest. Pulling fuses in the wrong order can mislead you.
Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts &amp; Clothing!</li>
<li>Follow Us On Instagram&nbsp; -&nbsp; &nbsp;@ronananian&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos&nbsp;</li>
<li>Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time&nbsp;
Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
</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 - July 12, 2025 -Hour 1 - Exposing A Crooked Repair Shop - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/80fad3b3-5723-48e4-81a2-b318015648a4/transcript

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