Ron opens the phones and takes on a wide mix of car questions, including a Chevy Spark with radio static after a car wash, the real cost of diagnosis, and the growing frustration of modern vehicle ownership. He also talks about oil catch cans, auto stop-start systems, and why some newer features may create more annoyance than value. Along the way, listeners share memories of old-school gas stations, a 1938 Chevy, and classic Volkswagens, making this episode a mix of practical advice, perspective, and great car talk.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic Car Doctor – August 22, 2015

Take a ride back with us and see how car problems—and the way we solve them—have evolved over time.

Ron kicks off the hour talking about the great American road trip and what it meant then versus now. From there, the phones light up with a wide range of issues that still feel familiar today.

We tackle an electrical problem on a 1982 Chevelle, revisit the Volkswagen airbag recall that had everyone talking, and help a caller decide whether a 2010 Toyota Prius is a smart used car purchase.

There’s also a call on a 1994 Toyota Pickup struggling to get into gear, plus a discussion on a surprising article about remote start systems—vehicles starting themselves while parked in the garage.

It’s a snapshot of the past with lessons that still apply today—because while the cars may change, the questions never really do.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron opens the hour with a shop story that turned into a real-world lesson about parts quality, roadside danger, and why “close enough” no longer cuts it in automotive repair. What started as a simple freeze plug replacement on a 1990 Chevy van ended with a late-night breakdown on one of North Jersey’s most unforgiving roads — a reminder that bad parts and bad luck can quickly become something much more serious.

From there, Ron takes calls on battery drain diagnosis, premium fuel-system service, extended warranties, and rustproofing a new truck in harsh winter climates. Along the way, he makes the case that in today’s world of rising repair costs and expensive replacement vehicles, smart maintenance matters more than ever.

Plus, Ron shares highlights from the Northeast Trade Show, including standout products from Gloveworks and Grip Edge, and previews the upcoming conversation with Deputy Frank Sloup of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Deputy Frank Sloup—better known to millions online through his popular YouTube channel Fridays With Frank and his insightful BodyCam Breakdown series.

Deputy Sloup brings real-world experience from the front lines of law enforcement, breaking down what actually happens during traffic stops, roadside encounters, and everyday driving situations. Through his unique perspective, he helps drivers better understand how their actions behind the wheel can impact safety—for themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.

In this conversation, we go beyond the viral videos to talk about driver awareness, decision-making under pressure, and the simple habits that can prevent accidents and save lives. It’s an eye-opening look at driving from the other side of the badge—practical, honest, and packed with takeaways every driver can use.

If you’ve ever watched Fridays With Frank or BodyCam Breakdown, this is your chance to hear the stories and lessons behind the scenes—and apply them every time you get behind the wheel.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.