Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - November 8, 2025 - Hour 1 - Are You Asking Your Mechanic The Right Questions? - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline
About this episode
Understanding how to communicate effectively with your mechanic can save you time and money. Ron Ananian shares real-life examples from his shop, emphasizing the importance of building a trusting relationship with your mechanic rather than just seeking the cheapest option. He discusses a caller's experience with a Honda dealer and the miscommunication that led to confusion over necessary repairs. Ron stresses the need for proper maintenance and encourages listeners to ask the right questions when dealing with car repairs. Tune in for practical advice and insights into the automotive repair industry.
This week on Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a real Tuesday-morning phone call: a Honda owner chasing the cheapest tie rod and wheel alignment in town after a “great cheap oil change” at the dealer. From there, Ron breaks down the wrong way to talk to a repair shop, why price-shopping without a relationship always backfires, and how skipped 30k/45k/60k services eventually come due—with interest.
Ron also takes listener calls from around the country:
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Billy in Colorado needs to flush a 2010 VW Jetta 2.5 cooling system loaded with oil. Ron walks him through an efficient DIY-style coolant exchange using the expansion bottle instead of a machine.
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Andrea in Delaware hears a whining noise on her 2017 Ram 6.4 Hemi. After a transmission update and conflicting opinions, Ron explains how to separate real diagnosis from guesswork and why she needs a shop that actually listens to the truck.
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Nate in Oregon, a BMW tech and former Acura lube tech, shares a pro tip for removing stubborn Honda/Acura drain plug washers—and Ron talks about over-tightened plugs, stripped pans, and doing oil changes the right way.
Ron closes with stories from the shop: no-show appointments, pricey Mercedes run-flat tires, and why time and trust are the real currency in auto repair.
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tie rod ends
"Yeah, can I get a quote on tie rod ends in a wheel alignment? And that's all that he said."
Tie rod ends are parts that help your car's steering work properly. They connect the steering system to the wheels, allowing you to turn the car.
Tie rod ends are crucial components of a vehicle's steering system, connecting the steering rack to the wheels. They allow for the transfer of steering input to the wheels, ensuring proper alignment and handling.
wheel alignment
"Yeah, can I get a quote on tie rod ends in a wheel alignment? And that's all that he said."
Wheel alignment is a service that makes sure your car's wheels are pointing in the right direction. It helps your car drive straight and can prevent uneven tire wear.
Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's suspension, ensuring that the wheels are set to the correct angle. Proper alignment improves handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle performance.
Honda
"Oh no, it's never been there, it's a Honda."
Honda is a car brand from Japan. They make many types of cars, including sedans and SUVs, known for being reliable and good on gas.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer recognized for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand is popular for its sedans, SUVs, and performance models.
tie rods
"The tie rods are split. Okay, so what are they telling you you need? Well, I don't know, they said I need tie rods and I didn't like their price."
Tie rods are parts that help your car steer. They connect the steering wheel to the wheels, making it possible to turn the car in the direction you want.
Tie rods are essential components of a vehicle's steering system that connect the steering gear to the wheels. They help in transferring the steering motion from the steering wheel to the wheels, allowing for precise control of the vehicle's direction.
Honda Accord
"Turns out it's a 17 Honda Accord and I finally get it out of him..."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people choose for its good reputation and features. The 2017 version is known for being reliable and comfortable.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, comfort, and efficiency. The 2017 model features a range of engines and advanced technology options.
outer tie rod end boots
"...that it's the outer tie rod in boots that the dealership is telling him are split open."
Outer tie rod end boots are rubber covers that protect important parts of the car's steering system. If they are damaged, it can cause problems with how the car steers.
Outer tie rod end boots are protective covers that keep dirt and debris out of the tie rod ends, which are crucial for steering and suspension. If they are split or damaged, it can lead to steering issues.
Pontiac Torino
"...that's good, that's a chicken, something, chicken torino, chicken marsala, whatever."
The Pontiac Torino is a type of car that was made a long time ago, known for being fast and stylish. People often talk about it because it reminds them of a fun time in car history when powerful cars were very popular.
The Pontiac Torino is a classic American muscle car that was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling, it represents a significant era in automotive history when muscle cars were at their peak popularity. It might be discussed in the context of nostalgia or classic car restoration.
brake pad
"and I'll say, gee, why are you still using that line of brake pad?"
Brake pads are parts of your car's brakes that help stop the car when you press the brake pedal. They can wear out and need to be replaced to keep your brakes working well.
Brake pads are components of a vehicle's braking system that press against the brake rotor to create friction and slow down or stop the vehicle. They are critical for safe vehicle operation and can wear out over time, requiring replacement.
oil filter housing
"So today I'm changing the oil filter housing and oil cooler on a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 liter."
The oil filter housing is a part of the car that holds the oil filter. It helps keep the engine oil clean by filtering out dirt and debris.
The oil filter housing is the component that holds the oil filter in place and allows oil to flow through the filter for cleaning before it circulates back into the engine.
oil cooler
"So today I'm changing the oil filter housing and oil cooler on a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 liter."
An oil cooler is a part that keeps the engine oil from getting too hot. It helps the engine run better by making sure the oil stays at the right temperature.
An oil cooler is a component that helps regulate the temperature of the engine oil, preventing it from overheating and ensuring optimal engine performance.
Volkswagen Jetta
"So today I'm changing the oil filter housing and oil cooler on a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 liter. There is a ton of oil in the cooler system."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that's good for everyday driving. The 2010 version has a 2.5-liter engine, which means it's designed to be efficient and reliable.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car known for its practicality and efficiency. The 2010 model features a 2.5-liter engine, which is part of the fifth generation of Jetta.
coolant
"keep adding coolant to it. If it's a two gallon system or whatever the number is, when you're done pouring in your two gallons, you've effectively replaced all the coolant, right?"
Coolant is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It moves around the engine and radiator to cool things down.
Coolant is a fluid used in vehicles to regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating. It circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and dissipating it to maintain optimal operating conditions.
BMW G12
"...ve gotta find something that meets, I think it's G12 is the spec. Peak makes great coolant for this a..."
The BMW 7 Series is a fancy car that is known for being very comfortable and full of high-tech features. It's a popular choice for people who want a luxurious ride, and sometimes people talk about it when discussing how to take care of such expensive cars.
The BMW 7 Series is a luxury sedan that showcases the brand's commitment to performance, technology, and comfort. It is often considered a flagship model, featuring advanced engineering and high-end features, making it a popular choice among executives and luxury car enthusiasts. Discussions about the 7 Series may focus on its specifications, maintenance, and the latest technological advancements.
Peak
"...Peak makes great coolant for this application, like all the rest of the applications."
Peak is a brand that makes car fluids like coolant. They are popular for providing good quality products that help keep cars running well.
Peak is a well-known brand that produces automotive fluids, including coolants, oils, and other maintenance products. Their products are designed to meet various specifications and are widely used in the automotive industry.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...he was going through that Nissan Pathfinder we talked about last week, and I think he's on the right path with that truck."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It's designed to be larger and more rugged than a regular car, making it good for families and outdoor activities.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. It has been a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts since its introduction in the early 1980s.
Dodge Ram
"Yeah, so my husband has a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup. It's a 6.4 liter tradesman."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work. The 2017 version has different styles and features to suit different drivers' needs.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance and towing capabilities. The 2017 model includes various trims and engine options, catering to different needs from work to leisure.
6.4 liter
"It's a 6.4 liter tradesman."
The '6.4 liter' is a measurement of how big the engine is. A bigger engine usually means the truck can do more heavy work, like towing things.
The '6.4 liter' refers to the engine displacement of the vehicle, indicating the size of the engine. A larger displacement typically means more power and torque, which is beneficial for towing and hauling.
extended warranty
"...we'd been taking it there because we hadn't extended on it. And so they checked it out..."
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.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for a vehicle beyond the manufacturer's warranty period. It can cover repairs and maintenance for specific components, offering peace of mind to the vehicle owner.
lower ball joints
"...they thought it was, that we needed to replace the lower ball joints and front wheel bearings. And which they wanted to charge us $3,200 to have done."
Lower ball joints are parts of the car's suspension that help the wheels move up and down. If they're worn out, it can affect how the car handles and rides.
Lower ball joints are crucial components of a vehicle's suspension system, connecting the steering knuckle to the control arm. They allow for smooth movement and help maintain proper alignment of the wheels.
front wheel bearings
"...that we needed to replace the lower ball joints and front wheel bearings. And which they wanted to charge us $3,200 to have done."
Front wheel bearings help the wheels turn smoothly. If they wear out, it can cause noise and make it harder to steer the car.
Front wheel bearings are components that allow the wheels to rotate smoothly while supporting the weight of the vehicle. They play a critical role in the vehicle's handling and safety.
front differential
"...Listen to the front differential. Listen to, you know, carrier bearings inside the diff."
The front differential helps the front wheels turn at different speeds when the car goes around corners. This is important for good handling and control.
The front differential is a component that allows the front wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for turning. It distributes power from the engine to the front wheels while enabling them to turn smoothly.
carrier bearings
"...Listen to, you know, carrier bearings inside the diff. I mean, there's about 10 or 12 steps..."
Carrier bearings help hold up the driveshaft, which is the part that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. They make sure everything runs smoothly.
Carrier bearings are used to support the driveshaft in a vehicle, allowing it to rotate smoothly and efficiently. They help maintain proper alignment and reduce vibration during operation.
transmission
"...but potentially he needed to have a transmission guy look at it just to rule that out."
The transmission is like the car's gearbox. It helps the car change speeds and makes sure the engine runs smoothly while driving.
A transmission is a crucial component in vehicles that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It can be automatic or manual and is responsible for changing gears to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
software
"...I never rule out software as a solution, all right? I've seen software do some really strange things..."
Software in cars is like the instructions that tell the car how to work. Sometimes, these instructions can be updated to fix problems or improve how the car drives.
In automotive terms, software refers to the programming that controls various systems in a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and infotainment systems. Updates to this software can resolve issues or enhance vehicle performance.
60,000 mile service
"Okay, did you do a 60,000 mile service to it, you know? I think so."
The 60,000 mile service is a regular check-up for your car. It helps make sure everything is working well and replaces parts that might be worn out.
A 60,000 mile service is a scheduled maintenance check for vehicles that typically includes various inspections and replacements, such as fluids, filters, and belts. This service is crucial for maintaining vehicle reliability and performance.
gasket
"Now, did you change the gasket every oil, right? The gasket has to be changed every oil change."
A gasket is a piece that helps keep oil or other fluids from leaking between parts of a car. It's important to change it regularly to ensure everything works properly.
A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. In automotive applications, gaskets are commonly used in engines to seal components like the oil pan, cylinder head, and intake manifold.
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