This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares a shop story about a frustrating Chrysler 200C repair that turns into a bigger lesson: sometimes the smartest move is knowing when a car may not be worth fixing.

Ron also tackles questions about modern engine oil viscosity and why sticking with manufacturer specifications — along with shorter oil change intervals and quality filters — is still the best strategy for long engine life.

Plus, real-world diagnostics on a high-mileage Honda Civic with strange fuel trim readings, cooling system advice for a Chrysler Sebring, and a preview of next week’s conversation with Deputy Frank Sloup of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office on traffic safety and smarter driving habits.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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

 

 

 

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares a shop story about a frustrating Chrysler 200C repair that turns into a bigger lesson: sometimes the smartest move is knowing when a car may not be worth fixing.
Ron also tackles questions about modern engine oil viscosity and why sticking with manufacturer specifications &mdash; along with shorter oil change intervals and quality filters &mdash; is still the best strategy for long engine life.
Plus, real-world diagnostics on a high-mileage Honda Civic with strange fuel trim readings, cooling system advice for a Chrysler Sebring, and a preview of next week&rsquo;s conversation with Deputy Frank Sloup of the Pinal County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office on traffic safety and smarter driving habits.
Good mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive &mdash; they&rsquo;re priceless.
<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>
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&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 - March 14, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Your Mechanic Says Don’t Fix the Car

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b812294c-3349-4c3c-88f5-b40d01571c5f/transcript

This hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a funny but all-too-real look at the strange little things that can disrupt the flow of a repair shop, including a months-long search for the right paper shredder and the everyday distractions that make shop life more complicated than most people realize. It’s a reminder that fixing cars is only part of the job—staying focused through the chaos is the other half.

Ron also answers listener questions on a wide range of issues, including scan tool recommendations for an aging Jeep Grand Cherokee, how to approach a cylinder misfire without guessing, first oil change timing on a new 2025 Honda Civic Type R, and the importance of using the correct oil specification and a quality filter for long engine life. There’s also a good step-by-step discussion on parasitic battery draw testing for a Ford Fusion, plus a closing reflection on why older muscle cars still leave such a lasting impression.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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

 

 

 

This hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a funny but all-too-real look at the strange little things that can disrupt the flow of a repair shop, including a months-long search for the right paper shredder and the everyday distractions that make shop life more complicated than most people realize. It&rsquo;s a reminder that fixing cars is only part of the job&mdash;staying focused through the chaos is the other half.
Ron also answers listener questions on a wide range of issues, including scan tool recommendations for an aging Jeep Grand Cherokee, how to approach a cylinder misfire without guessing, first oil change timing on a new 2025 Honda Civic Type R, and the importance of using the correct oil specification and a quality filter for long engine life. There&rsquo;s also a good step-by-step discussion on parasitic battery draw testing for a Ford Fusion, plus a closing reflection on why older muscle cars still leave such a lasting impression.
Good mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive &mdash; they&rsquo;re priceless.
<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>
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&nbsp;
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -March 14, 2026 - Hour 2 - From Paper Shredders to Engine Misfires: Life in A Repair Shop

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6693a874-01d6-46ff-98ec-b40d0157b48e/transcript

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the show with a story from the service bay about a recent repair and an important lesson for both technicians and vehicle owners: a good repair means looking at everything related to the problem — not just the obvious failure. From related components to the bigger picture of how the vehicle operates, Ron explains why careful diagnosis and thorough thinking are what turn a basic repair into a complete and reliable fix.

Later in the hour, Ron welcomes Tim McDonnell from Mitchell 1 to discuss the latest updates and improvements to Mitchell’s repair and shop management software. They talk about how modern repair information systems are evolving to help shops work smarter, document repairs better, and keep up with the increasing complexity of today’s vehicles.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into doing a repair the right way, or how professional shops manage information and workflow behind the scenes, this hour gives you a look inside the modern service bay.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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

 

 

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the show with a story from the service bay about a recent repair and an important lesson for both technicians and vehicle owners: a good repair means looking at everything related to the problem &mdash; not just the obvious failure. From related components to the bigger picture of how the vehicle operates, Ron explains why careful diagnosis and thorough thinking are what turn a basic repair into a complete and reliable fix.
Later in the hour, Ron welcomes Tim McDonnell from Mitchell 1 to discuss the latest updates and improvements to Mitchell&rsquo;s repair and shop management software. They talk about how modern repair information systems are evolving to help shops work smarter, document repairs better, and keep up with the increasing complexity of today&rsquo;s vehicles.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what goes into doing a repair the right way, or how professional shops manage information and workflow behind the scenes, this hour gives you a look inside the modern service bay.
Good mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive &mdash; they&rsquo;re priceless.
<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;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 7, 2026 - Hour 2 - Looking at the Whole Repair & What’s New with Mitchell Software

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ee327a5c-c434-4bed-b1b7-b406012e6c9b/transcript

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Ken Miller, President of Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of 821 Collision, for an important conversation about diminished value — the loss in a vehicle’s market value after it has been involved in an accident.

Even when a vehicle is repaired properly, it may still be worth less simply because it now has an accident history. Ron and Ken explain what diminished value means, how insurance companies handle it, and what steps vehicle owners can take to pursue proper reimbursement.

They also discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Services Show, the largest regional auto body and mechanical trade show in the country, held each year in New Jersey. The event brings together technicians, shop owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders for training, new technology, and a look at the future of automotive repair.

If you’ve ever wondered how accidents affect your vehicle’s true value — or how the repair industry is evolving — this conversation offers valuable insight from the people who deal with it every day.

Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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

 

 

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Ken Miller, President of Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of 821 Collision, for an important conversation about diminished value &mdash; the loss in a vehicle&rsquo;s market value after it has been involved in an accident.
Even when a vehicle is repaired properly, it may still be worth less simply because it now has an accident history. Ron and Ken explain what diminished value means, how insurance companies handle it, and what steps vehicle owners can take to pursue proper reimbursement.
They also discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Services Show, the largest regional auto body and mechanical trade show in the country, held each year in New Jersey. The event brings together technicians, shop owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders for training, new technology, and a look at the future of automotive repair.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered how accidents affect your vehicle&rsquo;s true value &mdash; or how the repair industry is evolving &mdash; this conversation offers valuable insight from the people who deal with it every day.
Good mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive &mdash; they&rsquo;re priceless.
<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;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 7, 2026 -  Hour 1 - Diminished Value After an Accident & The Northeast Automotive Trade Show

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2fa794fa-ee74-4351-a7de-b406012cc8b0/transcript

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 14, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Your Mechanic Says Don’t Fix the Car

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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