Each week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show, we spotlight one standout caller as our Call of the Week. It’s chosen for the originality of the problem, the clarity of the conversation, and the value it brings to you, the listener—whether it’s a tough diagnosis, a smart question, or just a great exchange. These calls remind us why we love talking cars and helping people. If you’re a podcast subscriber, think of this as your quick sample of the full show—insightful, entertaining, and maybe just the nudge you need to stay tuned for more.

This week’s standout call comes from Mark in Las Vegas, who raised a concern about a 2016 Toyota Highlander that can be left running and unattended—with no audible warning when the driver walks away with the key fob. Mark’s stepson discovered the issue after repeatedly leaving the car running and returning an hour later to find it still idling. Ron walks through possible causes, including a failed chime speaker, missed personalization settings, or even past aftermarket wiring changes. It’s a great reminder that even smart key systems need smart diagnostics—especially when safety’s at stake.

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Spiro Morianis from BG Products to discuss smart summer prep for your vehicle. As road trips ramp up, they stressed the value of multipoint inspections—going beyond oil changes to check tires, fluids, and overall system health.

Two commonly overlooked services stood out:

• Driveline fluid changes (differentials, transfer cases), especially in SUVs and trucks that tow or handle heavy loads.

• Fuel system cleaning, critical for GDI engines, which suffer from carbon buildup affecting performance and fuel economy. Regular use of products like BG 44K and occasional air intake cleanings keep engines running strong.

Spiro also detailed BG’s Lifetime Protection Plan—a free, no-registration-needed warranty that rewards consistent maintenance with BG products. It's even transferable when you sell your vehicle and has covered major repairs, like a $4,000 engine job on a 341,000-mile car.

Bottom line: Modern tune-ups mean full-system care, not just spark plugs. Stay proactive and keep your vehicle road-trip ready.

More about BG Products at: BGFindAShop.com

• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
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• 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

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In this episode, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor tackles one of the most important questions in car ownership: when is it time to fix it, and when is it time to let go?

Mary Beth from Kentucky calls in with her 2011 Honda CR-V facing multiple issues — a clogged catalytic converter, transmission fluid loss, and power loss uphill. Ron helps her weigh the costs, the reality of CVTs and turbos in today’s market, and how to shop smart while staying safe. He also stresses the importance of trusting a shop that’s equipped for modern vehicles — scan tools and all.

Then, Jeremy in Maryland shares a close call after a faulty aftermarket battery leaked acid onto his sister’s Chevy Cruze, risking major electrical damage. Ron uses the moment to underline why professional parts and proper liability matter more than ever — especially with today’s high-tech vehicles and start/stop systems.

Plus, guest expert Spiro Morogiannis of BG Products joins to talk summer car prep, from often-overlooked driveline fluids to the carbon buildup dangers of GDI engines. He offers practical, shop-ready advice on what really keeps your car road trip–ready — and what dealers still get wrong about lifetime fluids.

Takeaways:

• Why “fix or replace” starts with being honest about your budget and goals.

• Not all CVTs and turbos are created equal — pick your brand carefully.

• Even “lifetime” fluids need changing.

• How a battery failure can become a safety issue.

• BG’s take on real-world summer maintenance — from fuel injectors to differentials.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor he shares a hard-earned truth: sometimes the best repair decision is knowing when not to repair at all. He opens with Paul’s 2015 Infiniti QX60 — a case of DIY diagnostics gone sideways — where Ron’s careful testing uncovers a failed all-wheel-drive coupler misdiagnosed by others as a transmission issue. The lesson? Put emotion aside, baseline the vehicle, and test — don't guess.

Next, Ron helps a frustrated owner of a 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid navigate a string of electrical gremlins, recalls, and communication breakdowns with the dealer. He offers insight on how to get answers, when to involve corporate, and how to make the system work for you.

Also featured:

• A 2016 Toyota Highlander smart key mystery with surprising safety implications.

• A call from a fellow mechanic about a 2007 Saturn with an intermittent trans fault — and the tough question: patch it or rebuild it?

This episode is packed with technical smarts, straight talk, and a reminder that sometimes, walking away is the best fix of all.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian takes calls from real drivers facing real dilemmas. Debbie from Wisconsin wonders if it’s finally time to replace her trusty 2005 Ford Explorer — and Ron walks her through the pros and cons of keeping an aging SUV versus buying a costly modern crossover. From certified pre-owned tips to Wrangler warnings, it’s a masterclass in practical car buying advice.

Later, John in Maine tracks down a pesky P0480 code after replacing the cooling fan in his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Ron dives into wiring diagrams, OE vs. aftermarket parts, and even post-collision troubleshooting.

Finally, Paul from Virginia asks why there are so many kinds of antifreeze — and whether the "universal" stuff is actually safe. Ron breaks it down with an easy-to-follow answer rooted in engineering, not marketing.

Have an aging ride or a mystery code of your own? Tune in, learn something, and maybe save yourself a bundle.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚗💡 “Cheaper” isn’t always smarter.

This week the show, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor shared two stories that hit home:

One listener passed on Ron’s $1,229 AC repair quote — using OEM parts and solid labor — and chose the cheaper shop instead. Even though he admitted it might fail.

Another caller inherited a beautiful 2004 Chevy van from his mom… but the frame was rotted out. Emotion said fix it. Logic — and Ron — said let it go.

The takeaway?

“The cost of quality is remembered long after the price is paid.”

Car repair isn’t just about tools and parts — it’s about long-term thinking, safety, and trust.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes call from Las Vegas. Harry has 2 older GM vehicles. A 2000 Chevy Tahoe and a 2012 Cadillac CTS. Both have some pretty serious problems and unfortunately Ron has to be the bearer of bad news.

• Harry from Vegas has a 2000 Tahoe burning oil badly on the highway and a 2012 Cadillac CTS with a leaking head gasket or maybe a porous engine block. Ron suspects stuck oil rings and suggests trying Stiction Eliminator before considering a rebuild. The second problem involves coolant loss and a porous engine block seeping coolant, maybe! Tune in for the details

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is back with more real calls from everyday drivers like you:

• Harry from Vegas has a 2000 Tahoe burning oil badly on the highway and a 2012 Cadillac CTS with a leaking head gasket or maybe a porous engine block. Ron suspects stuck oil rings and suggests trying Stiction Eliminator before considering a rebuild.

• Spencer from Michigan reports his Chevy Impala’s fuel gauge jumping all over the place, but the car’s fuel economy is fine. Ron believes it’s a faulty gauge, not a fuel leak.

• Paul from Virginia Beach lost a key fob for his 2017 Mercedes Sprinter RV. With Mercedes’ strict policies and chip shortages, replacing it won’t be easy.

Stay tuned as Ron breaks down the fixes and offers tips you can trust.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.