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;

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 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

What’s the most expensive number in car ownership?

It’s not the sticker price.
It’s not the monthly payment.
It’s not even the repair bill.

This week, Ron explains the number almost no one calculates until it’s too late — cost per mile — and why modern vehicles demand a different mindset than they did even ten years ago.

Inside this episode:


Why today’s cars feel more like rolling computers than mechanical machines


A real shop conversation about when a vehicle may need $5,000 in upcoming repairs — and how to decide if it’s worth it


Why automotive ownership can’t be emotional


The growing debate around start-stop technology and long-term engine wear


A Subaru recall warning involving potential fuel leakage and fire risk

Being a good mechanic today sometimes means being a fortune teller — helping drivers see what’s coming before it becomes expensive.

Because in the end, the smartest car owners aren’t reacting to repairs.
They’re planning for them.

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

 

 

 

What&rsquo;s the most expensive number in car ownership?
It&rsquo;s not the sticker price. It&rsquo;s not the monthly payment. It&rsquo;s not even the repair bill.
This week, Ron explains the number almost no one calculates until it&rsquo;s too late &mdash; cost per mile &mdash; and why modern vehicles demand a different mindset than they did even ten years ago.
Inside this episode:
<ul data-start="531" data-end="933">
<li data-start="531" data-end="609">
Why today&rsquo;s cars feel more like rolling computers than mechanical machines
</li>
<li data-start="610" data-end="732">
A real shop conversation about when a vehicle may need $5,000 in upcoming repairs &mdash; and how to decide if it&rsquo;s worth it
</li>
<li data-start="733" data-end="780">
Why automotive ownership can&rsquo;t be emotional
</li>
<li data-start="781" data-end="858">
The growing debate around start-stop technology and long-term engine wear
</li>
<li data-start="859" data-end="933">
A Subaru recall warning involving potential fuel leakage and fire risk
</li>
</ul>
Being a good mechanic today sometimes means being a fortune teller &mdash; helping drivers see what&rsquo;s coming before it becomes expensive.
Because in the end, the smartest car owners aren&rsquo;t reacting to repairs. They&rsquo;re planning for them.
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;
&nbsp;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 28, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Most Expensive Number in Car Ownership

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b3e6e737-3b4d-4f56-b44b-b3ff016a3e55/transcript

This episode starts with a question every driver dreads:
If your engine is losing coolant—but there’s no leak—why is the warranty company asking you to tear it down to “prove it”?

Ron revisits last week’s Ford Escape case and reads an email from respected engine builder Brian Sheeron—who calls the teardown demand what it often is: a path to denial, not a path to repair.

Then the show takes a hard left into another hidden cost for drivers: New York City stations where motorists may be paying premium prices and getting lower octane fuel. If your car requires premium, that’s not a small mistake—it's a long-term risk.

Plus, you’ll hear:


Why “engine machine shop deserts” are real—and why rebuild culture is fading


The modern reality: tear-down vs. replace (and why the math often favors replacement)


A rural mail carrier’s fleet of Buick Centuries and what harsh shifting can reveal about transmission wear and “learned” behavior


A great old-school mechanic call that reminds you what this trade used to be—and still can be


The parts warning nobody wants to hear: counterfeit parts are out there, even in “real” boxes


Ron’s own snowplow breakdown—and a simple electrical lesson: a 15-amp fuse living at 13 amps won’t live long


The cheapest protection that still matters most: oil changes on time, especially for short-trip drivers

This is the real cost of ownership—warranties, fuel, parts, and maintenance—where the small stuff becomes the expensive stuff.

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 episode starts with a question every driver dreads: If your engine is losing coolant&mdash;but there&rsquo;s no leak&mdash;why is the warranty company asking you to tear it down to &ldquo;prove it&rdquo;?
Ron revisits last week&rsquo;s Ford Escape case and reads an email from respected engine builder Brian Sheeron&mdash;who calls the teardown demand what it often is: a path to denial, not a path to repair.
Then the show takes a hard left into another hidden cost for drivers: New York City stations where motorists may be paying premium prices and getting lower octane fuel. If your car requires premium, that&rsquo;s not a small mistake&mdash;it's a long-term risk.
Plus, you&rsquo;ll hear:
<ul data-start="1333" data-end="2076">
<li data-start="1333" data-end="1417">
Why &ldquo;engine machine shop deserts&rdquo; are real&mdash;and why rebuild culture is fading
</li>
<li data-start="1418" data-end="1511">
The modern reality: tear-down vs. replace (and why the math often favors replacement)
</li>
<li data-start="1512" data-end="1649">
A rural mail carrier&rsquo;s fleet of Buick Centuries and what harsh shifting can reveal about transmission wear and &ldquo;learned&rdquo; behavior
</li>
<li data-start="1650" data-end="1747">
A great old-school mechanic call that reminds you what this trade used to be&mdash;and still can be
</li>
<li data-start="1748" data-end="1849">
The parts warning nobody wants to hear: counterfeit parts are out there, even in &ldquo;real&rdquo; boxes
</li>
<li data-start="1850" data-end="1966">
Ron&rsquo;s own snowplow breakdown&mdash;and a simple electrical lesson: a 15-amp fuse living at 13 amps won&rsquo;t live long
</li>
<li data-start="1967" data-end="2076">
The cheapest protection that still matters most: oil changes on time, especially for short-trip drivers
</li>
</ul>
This is the real cost of ownership&mdash;warranties, fuel, parts, and maintenance&mdash;where the small stuff becomes the expensive stuff.
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;
&nbsp;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 28, 2026 - Hour 1 - When the Warranty Company Says “Prove It”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dc89de49-f934-4625-a2ea-b3ff0169a90d/transcript

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

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