{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor -  Classic Car Doctor - August 22, 2015 - 11 Years Later—Still the Same Car Problems","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-classic-car-doctor-august-22-2015-11-years-later-still-the-same-car-problems","audioUrl":"https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/23b3ebcc-d509-4d04-8003-ae32006cd9bb/cd45bcc2-7243-4e4c-b5ca-b41c00056335/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=6079d671-6a0e-4c7c-bb47-ae32006cd9c9","description":"Classic Car Doctor – August 22, 2015 (Hour 2) Take a step back 11 years and see what drivers were dealing with in the repair shop—and how much (or how little) has changed. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour asking a critical question: how well do you know your vehicle in an emergency? From there, it’s real calls and real advice—extended warranty decisions on a 2013 Ford F-150, clutch repair on a 2004 Toyota RAV4, and a smart discussion on Toyota Prius battery life. Plus, is brake caliper cleaning on a 2014 Ford Flex necessary—or just oversold? And what’s really behind alignment issues on a 2008 Toyota Highlander? It’s a snapshot of the cars, concerns, and conversations from 11 years ago—and a reminder that good car advice never goes out of style. 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."},"annotations":[{"startTime":123.7,"endTime":130.5,"type":"term","title":"run flats","url":"/glossary/run-flats","quote":"The car doctor, I think run flats are an interesting concept, right? You can run the air out of the tire and the tire won't go flat so you can continue to drive the car.","canonicalId":"term:run-flats","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Run-flat tires are designed to keep supporting the vehicle even after you lose air pressure. That lets you keep driving for a limited distance/speed so you can reach a safer location or a tire shop.","simplifiedExplanation":"Run-flat tires are tires that can still hold you up even if they go flat. They’re meant to let you drive a little farther so you’re not stranded immediately."}},{"startTime":131.3,"endTime":138.4,"type":"term","title":"tire starts to shred","url":"/glossary/tire-starts-to-shred","quote":"The problem is though, when the vehicle owner continues to drive the car and the tire starts to shred.","canonicalId":"term:tire-starts-to-shred","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Shredding” refers to severe tire damage where the tread and sidewall break apart. With run-flats, this can happen if the tire is driven too long or at too high a speed after losing pressure, turning a manageable situation into a full tire replacement."}},{"startTime":293.1,"endTime":300.36,"type":"term","title":"jump start","url":"/glossary/jump-start","quote":"she needed a jump start and you couldn't, you couldn't get her to get the car going, right?","canonicalId":"term:jump-start","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A jump start is a temporary way to start a car with a weak or dead battery by using another vehicle’s battery (or a jump pack) through jumper cables. It’s often the first step when a car won’t crank, and it can reveal whether the battery is the real problem or if there’s a deeper charging issue.","simplifiedExplanation":"A jump start is when you use another car (or a battery pack) to give your car enough power to start. If it still won’t start after a jump, the battery or charging system may be the real issue."}},{"startTime":344.7,"endTime":348.6,"type":"term","title":"micro start battery packs","url":"/glossary/micro-start-battery-packs","quote":"And maybe I can jump and I have one of the micro start battery packs in my car.\nSo I get in the car, I turn the key to motor spins over beautifully, but it's popping.","canonicalId":"term:micro-start-battery-packs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A portable jump starter (often called a “micro start” pack) is a compact battery device used to start a vehicle without needing another car. It can provide high current for a short time to crank the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"That’s a small portable battery you can use to start a car when the main battery is dead. You don’t need a second vehicle—just the pack."}},{"startTime":372.3,"endTime":404.7,"type":"term","title":"owner's manual","url":"/glossary/owners-manual","quote":"Okay, where's your manual? ... She goes, well, I've never read the manual. ... So I get out the manual, right? I'm looking through it.","canonicalId":"term:owners-manual","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The owner’s manual is the manufacturer’s guide for how to operate and maintain the vehicle. It typically shows where key controls are (like hazard lights) and explains warning lights and basic troubleshooting."}},{"startTime":378.8,"endTime":383.4,"type":"concept","title":"glove compartment","url":"/glossary/glove-compartment","quote":"So let's look through the glove compartment. She goes, well, I've never read the manual.","canonicalId":"concept:glove-compartment","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The glove compartment is a common storage location for documents like the owner’s manual, registration, and insurance papers. Checking it is a typical first step when someone can’t find the manual.","simplifiedExplanation":"The glove compartment is the storage box on the passenger side of the dashboard. People often keep the owner’s manual or paperwork in there. So it makes sense to look there when you can’t find the manual."}},{"startTime":407.3,"endTime":416.5,"type":"concept","title":"hazard warning lights","url":"/glossary/hazard-warning-lights","quote":"Here's a car that's tattered for safety. There's no safety flasher, you know, in American cars, right on top of the steering column. I looked all over for emergency flasher icon.","canonicalId":"concept:hazard-warning-lights","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hazard warning lights are a dedicated lighting mode that flashes both left and right turn signals at the same time. In most cars, the hazard switch is clearly labeled and uses a standardized triangle icon, so it’s usually easy to find once you know what to look for.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hazard warning lights are the ones that blink on both sides of the car. They help other drivers notice you quickly if something’s wrong. Most cars have a clearly marked button for them."}},{"startTime":484.99999999999994,"endTime":489.0,"type":"term","title":"four way flashers","url":"/glossary/four-way-flashers","quote":"You may not have time to find the four way flashers, may have to flick them on right away. It may become a matter of life and death and it's a huge safety risk if you're not familiar with the vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:four-way-flashers","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Four-way flashers (hazard lights) are the emergency lights that blink all turn signals at once. If your car breaks down, they help other drivers notice you and reduce the chance of a crash while you’re stopped on the roadside.","simplifiedExplanation":"Four-way flashers are the emergency blinkers that make your car’s lights flash to warn other drivers. If you’re stuck on the side of the road, using them helps people see you sooner."}},{"startTime":511.4,"endTime":516.1,"type":"car","title":"2004 suburban","url":"/cars/chevrolet/suburban","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Chevrolet_Suburban_%28GMT800%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA.jpg","quote":"You know, I took the suburban, the 2004 suburban, which now has 50,000 miles on it. I've been talking about this for years to North Carolina last week, put my tools in it, went over all the fluids, put a fresh battery in it.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:suburban","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for family hauling and long-distance use. In this segment, the speaker uses a 2004 Suburban as an example of staying on top of maintenance like fluids and the battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV. Here it’s used as an example of a vehicle the owner keeps maintained—like checking fluids and replacing the battery when needed.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":521.2,"endTime":523.7,"type":"term","title":"fresh battery","url":"/glossary/fresh-battery","quote":"put my tools in it, went over all the fluids, put a fresh battery in it. The battery was three going on four years old, looked around on the, I mean, I'm underneath this vehicle every three, four months anyway.","canonicalId":"term:fresh-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A car battery provides the electrical power needed to start the engine and run electronics. Replacing a battery before it fails reduces the odds of getting stranded, especially on long trips or in harsh weather.","simplifiedExplanation":"The battery is what powers your car to start. Putting in a fresh battery helps prevent the car from dying when you least expect it."}},{"startTime":545.6,"endTime":551.6,"type":"brand","title":"AAA","url":"/glossary/aaa","quote":"The simplest things, where's the owner's manual, where are the four ways, not having the phone number for the roadside service, AAA or whoever you're using, programmed into the phone, that's just downright silly.","canonicalId":"brand:aaa","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AAA (American Automobile Association) is a membership organization that provides roadside assistance and towing for members. In car breakdown situations, having AAA’s number saved can speed up getting help.","simplifiedExplanation":"AAA is a membership service that can help you if your car breaks down. If you save their number, you don’t have to scramble for it when you need help."}},{"startTime":930.0,"endTime":936.2,"type":"concept","title":"manufacturer warranty","url":"/glossary/manufacturer-warranty","quote":"I don't care for any extended warranties that I've had exposure to that I'll consider aftermarket. Ford, I want a Ford, GM, I want a GM, Chrysler, I want a Chrysler and so on.","canonicalId":"concept:manufacturer-warranty","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A manufacturer warranty is backed by the automaker (e.g., Ford for a Ford vehicle) rather than an independent third party. The host argues that, when buying extended coverage, it’s safer to stick with the manufacturer because it’s more likely to honor claims and remain operational.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manufacturer warranty is provided by the car company itself. The host prefers this because it’s generally more reliable and easier to deal with if you need repairs."}},{"startTime":981.7,"endTime":981.7,"type":"term","title":"transmission","url":"/glossary/transmission","quote":"that engine should go 100,000 with no problems just as the transmission.","canonicalId":"term:transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The transmission is the drivetrain component that manages gear ratios to transfer engine power to the wheels. The speaker mentions it alongside the engine when discussing powertrain reliability and warranty coverage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The transmission is what helps the car shift gears and send power to the wheels. In this segment, it’s part of the “powertrain” that the warranty is meant to protect."}},{"startTime":984.4,"endTime":993.9,"type":"term","title":"oil changes","url":"/glossary/oil-changes","quote":"I follow all the things in the manual. I rotate the tires, I do the oil changes on time.","canonicalId":"term:oil-changes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Oil changes are periodic engine oil replacements that help maintain lubrication and reduce wear. The speaker cites timely oil changes as part of why the engine should last, and as evidence that maintenance reduces the risk of powertrain failures."}},{"startTime":1043.3,"endTime":1049.3,"type":"term","title":"backup camera","url":"/glossary/backup-camera","quote":"That's the thing with trucks nowadays. You got that backup camera. There's a lot of electronics on there.","canonicalId":"term:backup-camera","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A backup camera is an integrated rear-view system that displays an image on the infotainment screen when reversing. It’s an example of the electronics the speaker says can fail and lead to expensive repairs, especially outside the factory warranty window."}},{"startTime":1081.0,"endTime":1084.9,"type":"term","title":"instrument cluster","url":"/glossary/instrument-cluster","quote":"for the instrument cluster for everything electronic on that vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:instrument-cluster","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The instrument cluster is the driver-facing display area (gauges and warning indicators), often controlled by electronic modules. The speaker groups it with other electronics that can be costly to repair if they fail.","simplifiedExplanation":"The instrument cluster is the part behind the steering wheel that shows your speed, fuel, and warning lights. If the electronics controlling it fail, repairs can get pricey."}},{"startTime":1106.4,"endTime":1138.4,"type":"term","title":"electronics","url":"/glossary/electronics","quote":"Electronics are fast becoming the most expensive thing to repair on any vehicle. And if you're in that gentleman's case...","canonicalId":"term:electronics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment highlights that electronics are increasingly expensive to repair as vehicles get newer. More electronic modules and sensors mean more diagnostic time and higher parts costs when something fails.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying newer cars rely more on electronics. When something breaks, it can cost more to fix because the parts and diagnostics are more complex."}},{"startTime":1106.4,"endTime":1138.4,"type":"concept","title":"electronic repair costs","url":"/glossary/electronic-repair-costs","quote":"Electronics are fast becoming the most expensive thing to repair on any vehicle... going into a newer vehicle into a 2015, it's light years.","canonicalId":"concept:electronic-repair-costs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the underlying concept that modern vehicles shift repair cost toward electronic systems. It’s why a newer car (like the 2015 mentioned) can be “light years” different from a mid-1990s car in terms of what can go wrong and what it costs to fix."}},{"startTime":1259.3,"endTime":1264.2,"type":"term","title":"hydraulic leaks","url":"/glossary/hydraulic-leaks","quote":"We have to add hydraulic leaks to the system now from the, from a fitting such as that. So good thing to know.","canonicalId":"term:hydraulic-leaks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hydraulic leaks are fluid losses in a brake/clutch-type system that rely on pressure to work. Even small leaks at fittings or valves can cause low fluid level, air ingestion, and poor pedal feel or failure to build pressure.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hydraulic leak means fluid is leaking out of a pressure-based system. When that happens, the system can’t work as strongly, and air can get in too."}},{"startTime":1261.8,"endTime":1264.2,"type":"term","title":"fitting","url":"/glossary/fitting","quote":"We have to add hydraulic leaks to the system now from the, from a fitting such as that.","canonicalId":"term:fitting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fitting is the connection piece (like a hose-to-line adapter or threaded joint) that seals hydraulic components together. Leaks at fittings are common culprits because seals can harden, loosen, or be damaged during service."}},{"startTime":1309.7,"endTime":1316.4,"type":"concept","title":"rust","url":"/glossary/rust","quote":"And I'm wondering if there's no rust on it yet. Looks great. Two scratches is all. I'm wondering what would you do?","canonicalId":"concept:rust","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rust is a major factor in classic and older-car value because it can affect structural integrity and drive up repair costs. The speaker is using “no rust yet” as a positive ownership/condition indicator alongside mileage and battery health.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re checking whether the car has rust. Rust can be expensive to fix and can hurt the car’s long-term value, so “no rust yet” is a good sign."}},{"startTime":1598.2,"endTime":1603.1,"type":"concept","title":"failure rate","url":"/glossary/failure-rate","quote":"...Toyota really does have a good handle on the Prius batteries in terms of their failure rate...","canonicalId":"concept:failure-rate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Failure rate” is the likelihood that a component (here, Prius hybrid batteries) will fail over time or usage. When a speaker cites Toyota’s “good handle” on failure rate, they’re implying the company has data and experience that helps predict risk and guide decisions."}},{"startTime":2150.5,"endTime":2156.5,"type":"concept","title":"salt and sand from the roads","url":"/glossary/salt-and-sand-from-the-roads","quote":"he said to me that because I live in the Midwest, you know, the salt and sand from the roads and things like that, that the caliper cleaning was a good idea.","canonicalId":"concept:salt-and-sand-from-the-roads","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Road salt and sand are major contributors to corrosion on underbody and brake components. In cold climates, they can accelerate rust on calipers, slide pins, and other hardware, which is why some dealers suggest extra cleaning or inspection."}},{"startTime":2161.78,"endTime":2166.0,"type":"term","title":"brake pads","url":"/glossary/brake-pads","quote":"[2161.8s] life of my brake pads. And so I okayed the work. And then later I thought, why did I do that?","canonicalId":"term:brake-pads","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Brake pads are the friction material that clamps against the brake rotors to slow the car. Their wear rate can be affected by driving style, brake hardware condition, and whether related components (like calipers) are sticking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brake pads are the parts that squeeze against the brake rotors to make the car slow down. Over time they wear out, and if something else in the brake system is sticking, they can wear faster."}},{"startTime":2226.0,"endTime":2232.0,"type":"term","title":"calcium chloride","url":"/glossary/calcium-chloride","quote":"[2226.0s] they're using so much calcium chloride to melt the snow that it's creating rust and corrosion issues","canonicalId":"term:calcium-chloride","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Calcium chloride is a de-icing chemical used on roads to melt snow and ice. It can increase the corrosive environment for vehicles by promoting rust on exposed metal, including brake hardware.","simplifiedExplanation":"Calcium chloride is a chemical spread on roads to melt ice. It can also make it easier for rust to form on car parts, especially underneath."}},{"startTime":2487.9,"endTime":2492.8,"type":"term","title":"wheel alignment","url":"/glossary/wheel-alignment","quote":"All right. And I always bring this up when I talk about wheel alignment. Wheel alignment and tire work are two of the most underrated, underappreciated services that happen to a vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:wheel-alignment","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wheel alignment is the adjustment of a car’s suspension angles so the tires contact the road correctly. It affects steering feel, tire wear, and how straight the car tracks after bumps or uneven roads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wheel alignment means setting the wheels so they point and sit correctly. If it’s off, the car can pull and your tires wear out faster."}},{"startTime":2852.2,"endTime":2856.2,"type":"term","title":"tire pressure","url":"/glossary/tire-pressure","quote":"...get the vehicle up in the air, set the tire pressure and go through the vehicle and, you know, 15, 20 minutes to make your adjustments.","canonicalId":"term:tire-pressure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tire pressure is the air pressure in each tire, and it strongly affects ride height and suspension geometry. For alignment accuracy, shops typically set tire pressures to the vehicle’s specification before measuring and adjusting alignment angles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire pressure is how much air is in your tires. If the pressures are off, the car sits differently and the alignment measurements won’t be as accurate."}},{"startTime":2888.44,"endTime":2893.8,"type":"term","title":"tire wear","url":"/glossary/tire-wear","quote":"manufacturer's spec all day long, but if the tire is going to wear better at mid range or to the\n[2893.8s] other side of the spec, then what service is he really doing for you other than just taking your","canonicalId":"term:tire-wear","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Tire wear” is how quickly and in what pattern tires degrade, which alignment strongly influences. The speaker argues that targeting the middle of the spec (or the “other side”) can sometimes improve wear compared with chasing a single exact number."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"iHeartPodcasts","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Ron Ananian The Car Doctor","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-classic-car-doctor-august-22-2015-11-years-later-still-the-same-car-problems/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}