0:00 / 0:00
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 24, 2026 - Hour 1

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 24, 2026 - Hour 1

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor Jan 24, 2026 34 min
0:00
0:00

About this episode

Ron Ananian shares insights on vehicle maintenance and preparation for winter weather, emphasizing the importance of checking essential components like wiper blades, tires, and spare tires. He recounts a story about a customer who rebuilt a Porsche Cayman using parts from eBay, illustrating the unique stories behind car ownership. Listeners can expect practical advice on troubleshooting vehicle issues, including heating problems in older models, and the significance of being prepared for emergencies during severe weather.

Filter:
|
Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Porsche Cayman

"...I read about this guy who bought a 2020 Porsche Cayman that was well loved. I mean, there are plenty of Caymans in great condition..."

The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle well on the road. The 2020 version is known for being stylish and fun to drive.

Term

vehicle parts and accessories

"eBay has thousands of cars and the largest online selection of vehicle parts and accessories."

Vehicle parts are the different pieces that make up a car, like the engine or tires. Accessories are extra items you can add to make your car look nicer or work better.

Part

carburetor

"had ordered a replacement carburetor. I'm a believer in inventory."

A carburetor helps an engine get the right amount of fuel and air to run properly. It's important for how well the engine performs.

Part

spark plug

"A good carburetor, fresh fuel, fresh spark plug, one pull started right up."

A spark plug is a small part in the engine that makes a spark to help the fuel burn and power the car. It's necessary for the engine to start and run.

Part

suspension

"he rebuilds the whole thing with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels,"

Suspension is the system in a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. Upgrading it can make the car handle better and feel more stable.

Part

performance brakes

"he rebuilds the whole thing with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels,"

Performance brakes are special brakes that help a car stop faster and handle better, especially when driving quickly or on a racetrack.

Car

Chevrolet Silverado

"...about his 2000 Silverado down there at Tennessee Way."

The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular pickup truck that people use for work and everyday driving. The 2000 model is known for being tough and reliable.

Term

engine temperature

"So does the engine come up to temperature? Yes, it does. It comes up to temp."

Engine temperature is how hot the engine gets while it's running. It's important for the engine to be at the right temperature for everything to work well, including the heat inside the car.

Part

water pump

"I know it does have a new radiator and water pump. All right. Other than that, I have no idea about the history."

A water pump is a part that moves coolant through the engine and radiator to keep everything cool. If it fails, the engine can overheat.

Part

radiator

"I know it does have a new radiator and water pump. All right. Other than that, I have no idea about the history."

A radiator is a part of the car that helps keep the engine cool by removing heat from the engine coolant. It's important for preventing the engine from getting too hot.

Term

heater core

"So there's two hoses going to the heater core, right? Now, is this a 5.3 liter? Yes, it is."

The heater core is a part that helps heat the inside of the car by using hot liquid from the engine. It's like a mini radiator for the cabin.

Term

5.3 liter

"Now, is this a 5.3 liter? Yes, it is."

A 5.3 liter engine means the total size of the engine's cylinders is 5.3 liters. It's a common size for some trucks and SUVs, providing a good mix of power and fuel economy.

Term

quick disconnects

"It's probably the quick disconnects. And rather than have you go play with those and get aggravated because they're 26 years old..."

Quick disconnects are special connectors that let you easily attach and detach hoses in a car. They help make repairs faster and prevent leaks when you're working on the vehicle.

Term

thermostat

"Anything less than maybe we've got the wrong thermostat, a bad thermostat, something like that, right?"

The thermostat is like a valve that helps keep the engine from getting too hot or too cold. It makes sure the engine runs at the right temperature by letting coolant flow when needed.

Term

two wheel drive

"Two wheel drive. And around 150,000, I had a, my transmission went out..."

Two wheel drive means that only two of the car's wheels get power from the engine. This is different from four-wheel drive, where all four wheels get power, which helps in rough conditions.

Part

transmission

"And around 150,000, I had a, my transmission went out..."

The transmission is what helps your car change gears. It takes power from the engine and sends it to the wheels, allowing the car to go faster or slower.

Term

tilt steering

"...Tilt steering. Going up and down and a wild wire separating in the column."

Tilt steering is a feature that lets you change the angle of the steering wheel. This makes it easier for different people to drive comfortably.

Concept

restomod

"Your next resto mod."

Restomod means taking an old car and fixing it up with modern parts and technology, while still keeping its classic look. It's a way to enjoy the style of vintage cars with better performance.

Term

OBD2

"You want to go in your make model, not OBD2, right? You've got to go in your make model, either in body module or engine controller..."

OBD2 is a system in cars that helps check if everything is working properly. Mechanics use it to find problems by connecting a tool to the car.

Term

engine controller

"either in body module or engine controller, and you're going to push the tow-haul button..."

The engine controller is a computer in the car that helps the engine run smoothly. It decides how much fuel to use and when to ignite it, making sure the car works well.

Car

Nissan Altima

"Let's go over to Bruce in Wisconsin, 16 Nissan Ultima and some problems with the transmission. What's going on, Bruce?"

The Nissan Altima is a popular car that is known for being comfortable and good on gas. The 2016 version has some nice features and different engine choices.

Term

TSB

"...I checked online and there was a TSB from Nissan saying that these transmissions are slipping. And I need to know if I can have to get a new transmission or if it can be fixed."

A TSB is a notice from a car manufacturer that tells mechanics about problems with certain car models and how to fix them. It's like a guide for repairs.

Term

extended warranty

"were under some kind of an extended warranty. So it's, this is a conversation"

An extended warranty is like insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the original warranty runs out. It can save you money if something goes wrong with your vehicle later on.

Term

CVT

"There is no rebuilding of those CVTs as I understand it. It's replacement."

A CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is a special kind of automatic transmission that helps your car use fuel more efficiently. It can change gears smoothly without the usual 'shifting' you feel in regular cars.

Brand

Nissan

"...how gracious is Nissan on this still?"

Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are known for making reliable and affordable cars.

Brand

Toyota

"...the parting shot should be I should have bought a Toyota. You know, it's, all right, sir."

Toyota is a car company famous for making reliable and long-lasting vehicles. People often mention it when talking about good car choices.

3 cars featured

Request an Explanation

Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.

Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.

Want to learn more?

Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.

Explore Terms

Help improve this episode

See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars

More from Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think.
Jun 4, 2026
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 1 - Audi Codes, Airbags & Frozen Custard
Jun 4, 2026
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 2
May 30, 2026
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 1
May 30, 2026