Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 28, 2026 - Hour 2
About this episode
Ron Ananian dives into the evolving complexity of modern vehicles compared to classic cars, sharing insights from his hands-on experience repairing a 1972 Monte Carlo. He discusses the challenges mechanics face today with advanced electronics and costly repairs, using a 2015 Dodge Charger as an example of escalating maintenance expenses. Ron emphasizes the importance of understanding cost per mile and making informed decisions about vehicle ownership versus leasing. He also touches on the value of trusting your mechanic and being proactive about repairs to avoid surprises down the road.
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Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"But I decided, you know what? Let me finish the Monte Carlo. I've got to get this car done, right?"
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a two-door car that many people liked because it looked cool and was nice to drive. It’s often talked about when people work on older cars to fix or improve them.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a classic American coupe that was popular for its stylish design and comfortable ride. It often appears in discussions about nostalgic or project cars due to its distinctive look and cultural significance.
air distribution manifold
""I was putting what they call the air distribution manifold on it yesterday.""
This part helps send warm or cool air to different places inside the car so you feel comfortable.
The air distribution manifold is a component in a vehicle's heating and ventilation system that directs airflow to different vents inside the cabin.
heater box
"the air distribution manifold, back to the heater box."
It's the part inside the car that makes the air warm and sends it to the vents so you don't get cold.
The heater box houses components of the vehicle's heating system, including the heater core and air distribution mechanisms, to provide warm air to the cabin.
vacuum controls
"The vacuum controls, the heater controls are all vacuum. They're the most, the most complex thing under that dashboard"
Vacuum controls use air pressure from the engine to move parts like heater switches. Older cars used these instead of electric buttons.
Vacuum controls use engine vacuum to operate various components like heater controls or HVAC systems, common in older cars before electronic controls became widespread.
fan override switch
"is the fan override switch, which is when the lever moves, it kicks another lever and it wedges up a contact point, which lifts it and it closes the circuit to make the high blower run, whether you want it to or not."
A fan override switch is a button or lever that makes the fan blow air really fast, even if you didn't set it that way.
A fan override switch is a mechanical or electrical switch that forces the blower fan to run at high speed regardless of other settings, often used to quickly clear fog or heat.
Dodge Charger
"...ou this story? Darren dropped off his 2015 Dodge Charger this week. And Darren's a really great guy."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks fast and powerful. The 2015 version is a newer model that many people like because it’s both roomy and fun to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscle car heritage. The 2015 model represents a modern iteration with aggressive styling and performance capabilities, often discussed for its blend of practicality and sporty appeal.
oil leak
""It's developing a bit of an oil leak,""
An oil leak means the car is losing its engine oil, which helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly. If too much oil leaks out, the car can get damaged.
An oil leak is when engine oil escapes from the engine or its components, which can lead to reduced lubrication, increased wear, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
oil filter adapter housing
"or it will develop a bit of an oil leak at some point, which will become the oil filter adapter housing,"
This part holds the oil filter in place and helps oil flow through it. Sometimes it can leak oil, which means it needs fixing so the engine stays healthy.
The oil filter adapter housing is a component that connects the oil filter to the engine block and routes oil through the filter. It can develop leaks over time, which may require repair or replacement to prevent oil loss and engine damage.
coils
"which will become spark plugs, which will become coils,"
Coils help make the spark that starts the engine. If they break, the engine might not work right.
Coils, or ignition coils, convert the battery's low voltage to the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs. Faulty coils can cause engine misfires and poor running.
vehicle replacement cycle
""are you going to replace this every four or five years? Because that was the other thing I saw the other day in the news that most technicians recommend replacing the car every five years regardless because they don't think they can be repaired and made to last like they once were,""
This means people often get a new car every five years because fixing the old one can be too expensive or hard. So instead of fixing, they buy a new car.
The vehicle replacement cycle refers to the typical period after which consumers replace their cars, often influenced by factors like repair costs, reliability, and technological obsolescence. Some technicians suggest replacing cars every five years because repairs may become uneconomical or difficult.
leasing
"And if you're leasing and laughing at this, feel free. You're also spending a lot of money every year to just drive a vehicle that you never really own"
Leasing means you pay to use a car for a while but don't actually own it. After some time, you give the car back or can buy it if you want.
Leasing is a way to use a vehicle for a set period by paying monthly fees without owning it outright. At the end of the lease term, you typically return the car or have options to buy it.
Ford Expedition
"I have a used 2007 Ford Expedition XLT."
The 2007 Ford Expedition XLT is a big SUV that can carry lots of people and stuff. The XLT means it has nicer features than the basic version.
The 2007 Ford Expedition XLT is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. The XLT trim typically includes upgraded features compared to the base model, offering a balance of comfort and utility.
check engine light
""So that's the check engine light. All right.""
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard that comes on when something might be wrong with the car. It can mean many things, so it's important to get it checked out.
The check engine light is a dashboard indicator that alerts the driver to a problem detected by the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system. It can indicate a range of issues from minor to serious, including emissions-related problems.
Clean Air Act of 1991
""1991 in the Clean Air Act of 1991, so this is going back a little bit," "
The Clean Air Act of 1991 is a law that made car makers make their cars cleaner so they don't pollute the air as much. It started affecting new cars made from 1996 onward.
The Clean Air Act of 1991 is a U.S. federal law that set stricter emissions standards for vehicles to reduce air pollution. It mandated improvements in vehicle emissions control technologies starting with model year 1996.
vehicle emissions legal limit
""if vehicle emissions exceed one and a half times the legal limit,""
The vehicle emissions legal limit is the maximum amount of pollution a car is allowed to put into the air by law. If a car pollutes more than this, it needs to be fixed.
Vehicle emissions legal limits are government-set standards that restrict the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit. Exceeding these limits can lead to penalties and requires the vehicle to be repaired to meet the standards.
vehicle inspection
"As long as they did their job, you should pass inspection regardless."
A vehicle inspection is a check-up for your car to make sure it is safe and doesn't pollute too much. You usually need to pass this check to keep driving your car legally.
Vehicle inspection is a regulatory process where a car is checked for safety and emissions compliance. Passing inspection is often required to legally drive the vehicle on public roads.
higher mileage vehicle
"However, higher mileage vehicle?"
A higher mileage vehicle is a car that has been driven a lot, so it might have more wear and need more repairs.
A higher mileage vehicle is a car that has been driven a large number of miles, often indicating more wear and potential maintenance needs. Typically, cars over 100,000 miles are considered higher mileage.
spark plugs
"Right. So tell me maybe and maybe that's what they did as part of the $1,300 spark plugs."
Spark plugs are small parts in your car's engine that help start it by making a tiny spark. They wear out over time and need to be changed so your car runs well.
Spark plugs are components in an internal combustion engine that ignite the air-fuel mixture to start the combustion process. They need periodic replacement as part of regular maintenance.
transmission fluid change
""I did have the transmission fluid change." "Okay. Cool. They didn't flush it. I've had it added.""
Transmission fluid is the special oil inside your car that helps the gears work smoothly. Changing it every so often keeps your car running well and stops problems.
Transmission fluid change refers to replacing the fluid inside a vehicle's transmission system to maintain proper lubrication and cooling. Over time, transmission fluid degrades and can cause shifting issues or damage if not replaced.
corrosive material
"We just went through that blizzard. Yep. Lots of salt and corrosive material on the road."
Road salt and other chemicals used in winter can cause the metal parts under your car to rust and get damaged faster.
Corrosive materials, such as road salt used during winter, can accelerate rust and deterioration of a car's metal components, especially the undercarriage.
scan tool
"Right. Well, as far as the check engine light and the emissions, the only thing somebody could do preemptive would be to plug in a scan tool, plug in a diagnostic and check what we call monitors,"
A scan tool is a gadget that plugs into your car to read messages from its computer. It helps find out why the car's warning light is on or if something is wrong.
A scan tool is an electronic device used to connect to a vehicle's onboard computer system to read diagnostic trouble codes and live data. It helps mechanics identify issues causing warning lights or performance problems.
monitors
"plug in a diagnostic and check what we call monitors, M-O-N-I-T-O-R-S."
Monitors are checks your car's computer does to make sure parts that control pollution are working right. If a monitor finds a problem, it can turn on the warning light.
Monitors are specific tests run by a vehicle's onboard diagnostics system to check the status of emission control components and other systems. They help determine if the car meets emissions standards or if repairs are needed.
OBD2
""Monitors are the self tests that every car made since 1996... Monitors are the self tests that every OBD2 computer goes through every time you start the car.""
OBD2 is a system in cars that checks if everything is working right, especially for pollution and engine problems. It can turn on a warning light if something is wrong.
OBD2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized system in cars since 1996 that monitors vehicle performance and emissions. It runs self-tests called monitors to detect issues and trigger warning lights like the check engine light.
fault code
""Is there any fault code pending? And is the check engine light on?""
A fault code is a special message your car's computer saves when it finds something wrong. Mechanics use these codes to figure out what needs to be fixed.
A fault code is a diagnostic trouble code stored by a vehicle's onboard computer when it detects a problem. These codes help mechanics identify and fix specific issues with the vehicle.
emissions inspection
"But the point becomes, as far as, you know, emissions related, that's what it takes to pass an emissions inspection now."
An emissions inspection checks how much pollution your car puts out to make sure it isn't too dirty for the environment.
An emissions inspection is a test required by many states to measure the pollutants emitted by a vehicle's exhaust system to ensure it meets environmental standards.
onboard computer system
"Diagnostic checking monitors and status of the onboard computer system. He should come back to you with a printed report"
Your car has a computer inside that keeps track of how everything is working and can tell a mechanic if something is wrong.
The onboard computer system in a vehicle monitors various engine and emissions components and stores diagnostic information that can be accessed to identify issues.
CRC fuel system cleaners
""I like any of the CRC fuel system cleaners and at 200,000 miles. There, it's something you should consider using on a regular basis.""
CRC fuel system cleaners are special liquids you add to your car's gas tank to help clean parts inside the engine that use fuel. This helps your car run better and last longer.
CRC fuel system cleaners are chemical additives designed to clean the fuel system components such as injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers to improve engine performance and efficiency.
rust
"I'd like to know what the rust is under this vehicle, because if it looks like the SS Rustoleum, my concern is where does something break and fall off and become an issue?"
Rust is when metal parts of a car get damaged and start to break down because of water or salt. It can make the car unsafe if it gets bad.
Rust is the corrosion of metal parts on a vehicle, often caused by exposure to moisture and salt. It can weaken structural components and lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
Auto Start Stop
"I have a 2024 Buick on Core GX, and it has, well, I think you've referred to as Auto Start Stop. I'm just curious. I tried to get in the habit of using it. It's not working out too well. And I was just curious about fuel savings and problems with the engine if there's any. I don't think Start Stop has been the light the industry on fire success that they thought it was going to be."
Auto Start Stop is a feature in cars that turns off the engine when you stop, like at a red light, and turns it back on when you start driving again. This helps save gas and reduce pollution.
Auto Start Stop is a technology in many modern vehicles that automatically shuts off the engine when the car is stopped, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. This feature aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during idling periods.
camshaft
""They're varying the rotation of the camshaft in the engine.""
The camshaft is a part inside the engine that helps open and close the valves so air and fuel can go in and out. It spins around and makes the valves move at the right time.
The camshaft is a part inside the engine that controls the opening and closing of the valves by rotating and pushing on valve lifters or rockers.
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