Ron Ananian dives into the complexities of vehicle ownership, discussing when it's time to sell or keep a car, especially as it ages. He shares real-life stories from callers, including a case of a plow truck and a Honda Accord with mounting repair costs. Ron emphasizes the importance of understanding maintenance expenses versus new vehicle payments, and how to evaluate the true cost of ownership. His insights highlight the challenges of modern automotive care and the need for practical decision-making in a tough economic climate.
"...it was the oil filter adapter housing was leaking and they said it was a major oil leak and that it needed to be fixed."
The oil filter adapter housing is a part that helps connect the oil filter to the engine. If it leaks, it can cause oil to escape, which is bad for the engine.
The oil filter adapter housing is a component that connects the oil filter to the engine block, allowing oil to flow from the engine to the filter for cleaning. If it leaks, it can lead to significant oil loss and engine damage.
"She brings it in and I look, are you supposed to be able to take the negative battery cable off by hand without, you know, just, you just go over your wiggling and the battery cable falls off."
The battery cable is the wire that connects the car's battery to the rest of the car. It helps send power from the battery to start the engine and run electrical parts.
A battery cable is a conductor that connects the battery to the vehicle's electrical system. It allows electrical current to flow from the battery to start the engine and power electrical components.
"If the battery cables aren't tight, if the battery cables aren't clean, you can't just condemn anything. You can't run any tests. It's, it's, what do we need? We need good clean contact."
Clean contact means that the parts where wires connect need to be clean and free of dirt or rust. If they're dirty, the electricity can't flow properly, which can cause problems.
Clean contact refers to the necessity of having a clean and corrosion-free surface where electrical connections are made. Poor contact can lead to electrical failures or issues in vehicle performance.
"...I made it so that it would fit over the top of the terminal with the cable inside and it would just be a guide. And I just took out my little, you know, six ounce ball peen and gave it a tap and it pushed it down on top of the terminal..."
A battery terminal is where the wires connect to the battery. It's important for making sure the battery can send power to the car's electrical systems.
The battery terminal is the part of a battery that connects the battery to the electrical system of a vehicle. It allows for the flow of electricity between the battery and the vehicle's components.
"...The battery only had a 35% state of charge when we went to do testing. And, you know, is that because the age? Is that because the terminals were loose? Because the alternator couldn't read it right? How critical is that connection?..."
State of charge tells you how full a battery is. If it's low, the battery might not work well or start the car.
State of charge refers to the current level of charge in a battery, expressed as a percentage of its total capacity. It indicates how much energy is available for use, which is critical for the battery's performance and longevity.
"...Well, it's critical enough that Kia puts a battery charge rate sensor on the negative post...."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes many different types of cars. They are known for being affordable and reliable.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The brand has gained popularity for its value, warranty, and design.
"...Well, it's critical enough that Kia puts a battery charge rate sensor on the negative post. So it's looking at charge rate to make a determination on how to run the alternator on how to charge the vehicle based on load and condition of the battery and so forth...."
A battery charge rate sensor checks how much charge the battery is getting. It helps the car's system know how to keep the battery charged properly.
A battery charge rate sensor monitors the charging status of a vehicle's battery. It helps the alternator adjust its output based on the battery's condition and load, ensuring efficient charging and preventing overcharging or undercharging.
"...and disappear into the car and they're part of the wiring harness and very expensive. But why can't they say, Hey, we can take a shot at this or we can go the long way around the barn and do cables."
A wiring harness is a group of wires that connect different electrical parts of a car. It helps keep everything organized and makes it easier to fix or replace parts.
A wiring harness is a bundle of wires and connectors that transmit electrical signals and power throughout a vehicle. It organizes and protects the wiring, making it easier to install and maintain.
"It's going to need more than oil changes. It's going to need more than basic filters."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage.
Oil changes are routine maintenance tasks that involve replacing the engine oil in a vehicle to ensure proper lubrication and functioning. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health and performance.
"Yes, I have 2008 Buick LaCrosse. I have the VIN number here if you want it."
The Buick LaCrosse is a large car made by Buick, which is part of General Motors. It's designed to be comfortable and has a lot of space inside.
The Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that was produced by General Motors under the Buick brand. It is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior.
"He said it's a throttle position sensor. He ordered one. He said it was defective."
The throttle position sensor is a part of the car that helps the engine know how much gas to use. It tells the engine how open the throttle is, which affects how fast the car goes.
The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a critical component in a vehicle's engine management system. It monitors the position of the throttle valve and sends this information to the engine control unit to optimize fuel injection and ignition timing.
"So this is a drive by wire vehicle like so many vehicles are today, meaning that there's no actual mechanical connection between what we call that you and I used to call the gas pedal."
Drive-by-wire means that instead of using physical cables to connect the gas pedal to the engine, the car uses electronic signals. This makes it easier for the car to control how much power it gives.
Drive-by-wire is a technology that replaces traditional mechanical linkages between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body with electronic controls. This system enhances precision and allows for features like traction control and stability management.
"It's now called an accelerator pedal. All right. And the throttle body, it's all done by wires."
The throttle body is a part of the engine that helps control how much air goes in when you press the gas pedal. It helps the car go faster or slower.
The throttle body is a component in an engine that controls the amount of air entering the engine. It works in conjunction with the accelerator pedal to regulate engine power and performance.
"...they put it into limp mode, meaning it will be reduced power, it'll get you home, it won't leave you stranded..."
Limp mode is when your car limits its power to keep you safe if something is wrong. It helps you drive home slowly instead of breaking down completely.
Limp mode is a safety feature in vehicles that reduces engine power to prevent further damage when a fault is detected. It allows the driver to maintain some level of control and drive the vehicle to a safe location for repairs.
"...this particular problem is common on GM vehicles. GMs and Fords seem to do this a lot..."
Ford is another big car company in America that makes popular vehicles like trucks and sports cars.
Ford is a major American automobile manufacturer known for its trucks, SUVs, and cars. The company has a long history and is recognized for models like the Ford F-150 and the Mustang.
"...this particular problem is common on GM vehicles. GMs and Fords seem to do this a lot..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They have a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to sedans.
"...it can be an accelerator pedal sensor, which is actually the accelerator pedal assembly..."
The accelerator pedal sensor tells the car how much you're pressing the gas pedal so it knows how fast to go.
The accelerator pedal sensor measures the position of the accelerator pedal and sends this information to the engine control unit. This helps the vehicle adjust the engine's power output based on how much the driver presses the pedal.
"...And one of the things that bulletin is going to cite is over on the driver's side strut tower, all right? So driver's side of the car under the hood..."
The strut tower is a part of the car's structure that holds the suspension system in place. It helps keep the car stable while driving.
The strut tower is a structural component of a vehicle's chassis that supports the suspension struts. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the alignment and stability of the vehicle's suspension system.
"...I have a 2017 Subaru Forester with a rear noise that varies with speed. So I assumed it was a rear wheel bearing..."
The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that is great for families and outdoor activities. The 2017 version has a lot of safety features and is good for driving in different weather conditions.
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its practicality, all-wheel drive capability, and spacious interior. The 2017 model features a range of safety and technology options, making it a popular choice among families and outdoor enthusiasts.
"...is there anything else that could be in my drivetrain that's causing that?"
The drivetrain is the part of the car that helps move it forward. It includes things like the transmission and driveshafts that connect the engine to the wheels.
The drivetrain is the group of components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels. It includes the transmission, driveshafts, and differentials, and is crucial for vehicle movement.
"I will listen from underneath with a mechanic's death of scope. Obviously being careful of the rotating driveshaft and the rotating wheels above my head..."
A mechanic's stethoscope is a special tool that helps mechanics hear sounds inside a car better. It helps them find problems by listening closely.
A mechanic's stethoscope is a tool used by automotive technicians to listen to internal sounds of a vehicle. It helps diagnose issues by amplifying sounds from various components.
"I will typically hear a loud growl in one of the wheel bearings. You know, if it truly is from the rear of the vehicle, and it's not tires and it's not wheel bearings..."
Wheel bearings help your car's wheels turn easily. They are important for making sure your car drives smoothly.
Wheel bearings are critical components that allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. They support the weight of the vehicle and reduce friction between the wheel and the axle.
"...the only thing else that's back there is the rear differential itself. And again, listening to it with a mechanic's death of scope will tell you a lot..."
The rear differential helps the back wheels of your car turn at different speeds, especially when you go around corners. It's important for smooth driving.
The rear differential is a component that allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for turning. It also transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheels.
"Have I seen bad Subaru rear diffs? Yeah, you know, 2% out of the 100% that are bad wheel bearings."
Subaru is a car brand from Japan that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive, which helps with traction and handling.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand has a strong reputation for safety and reliability.
"...we will use an air hammer. We will heat the bearing and then push the bolts..."
An air hammer is a tool that uses air pressure to make a hammering motion. It's helpful for loosening parts that are stuck or rusted together, making car repairs easier.
An air hammer is a pneumatic tool that uses compressed air to drive a hammering action, making it useful for tasks like removing stubborn components. It's often used in automotive repair for tasks such as removing bearings or other tightly fitted parts.
"...if you're in a salt belt state, it's going to be worse..."
A salt belt state is a place where they use a lot of salt on the roads in winter to help with ice. This salt can cause cars to rust more quickly, especially if they are not well maintained.
A salt belt state refers to regions in the U.S. where road salt is commonly used during winter to melt ice. This can lead to increased corrosion on vehicles, particularly in areas where salt accumulates.
"...y car out there is what it once was, right? Honda Civics, the little Honda Civics, the four cylinders, 15..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use to get around. It's known for being reliable and saving gas, which makes it a good choice for those who want an affordable and practical vehicle. Many people like it because it's easy to drive and has been around for a long time.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Civic has evolved through multiple generations, becoming a favorite among both new drivers and enthusiasts alike. Its significance lies in its balance of performance and economy, making it a popular choice for everyday transportation.
"little Honda Civics, the four cylinders, 15, 16s, the 18s, head gasket issues, five grand to do head"
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant separate. If it fails, it can cause serious problems and be very expensive to fix.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. Failure of the head gasket can lead to severe engine damage and costly repairs.
"...could be the beginning of your years, the sound you're hearing could be the torque converter and that's a three to five thousand dollars. Right. It could be the beginning of a trans failure..."
Transmission failure means the part of the car that helps it change gears stops working. This can be very costly to fix, often requiring a complete replacement.
Transmission failure refers to the breakdown of the transmission system, which can result from various issues, including fluid leaks or mechanical wear. Repairing or replacing a transmission can be very expensive.
"I'm not going to sit here and overlook the fact also it had extended Honda care. There might be things there that a garage might go, hey, you know what, your struts are a little noisy."
Extended Honda Care is like extra insurance for your Honda that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty ends.
Extended Honda Care is a vehicle service contract that provides additional coverage for repairs and maintenance beyond the standard warranty period.
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