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

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

An extended warranty company demands an engine teardown to “prove” a known Ford coolant-loss problem — but is it diagnostics or a denial tactic? Ron breaks down why modern engines often aren’t worth rebuilding and why replacement is sometimes the only honest repair. Plus, a troubling report suggests some drivers are paying for premium fuel but getting less than advertised, a rural mail carrier battles high-mileage GM transmission behavior, and Ron delivers a blunt reminder: stretching oil changes in today’s expensive vehicles is gambling with a $6,000 engine. Cheap maintenance isn’t cheap. It costs more in the long run. 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 Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 21, 2026 - Hour 2 - Hard Brakes, Vanishing Coolant, and Buying a First Truck

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.