Ron Ananian dives deep into the importance of automotive maintenance, discussing why many car owners overlook it and the long-term benefits of staying on top of it. He shares personal anecdotes, including a case study of a 2017 Acura that required significant maintenance to resolve performance issues. The episode emphasizes the value of preventative care and how neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line. Ron also engages with callers about specific vehicle issues, including the implications of stop-start technology and tire pressure monitoring systems.
🧠Opening Thought: Most drivers undervalue maintenance because the car often feels the same afterward—until years later when reliability proves the payoff.
⛽ 100k vs. 200k (and 500k): Many cars can reach ~100k on oil changes alone; to reach 200k–500k, you need scheduled fluids, filters, and inspections.
🔋 Reliability Odds: Batteries past their rated life = rolling the dice. Aviation-style, time-based service intervals make sense for cars too.
🚗 Case Study—2017 Acura: Hesitation/clunk fixed by proper maintenance: ATF service (DW-1), rear diff dual-pump fluid, fuel-system cleaning; car drove noticeably smoother.
💡 Maintenance Reality: Some services improve drivability immediately; others are “insurance” that prevents failures later.
🌡️ Environment & Driving Style: Highway miles and climate dramatically affect longevity and service needs.
🛑 Auto Stop-Start: Theoretical fuel/air benefit vs. real-world costs (starters, dual batteries) and driver confidence—especially as vehicles age.
🛞 TPMS & Key Fobs (’12 Colorado): Relearn sensors after rotations; compare each sensor’s ID/pressure with BCM using a scan tool; watch for BCM or interference issues.
⚙️ GM Torque Converter Shudder: Fluid maintenance matters; sometimes requires converter/trans replacement even with regular service.
🚨 Towing Landscape: Fewer independent tow operators; have roadside assistance and a payment plan ready—tows are pricey and often cash/Venmo.
"...they're recommending some fluids and filters and spark plugs maybe,..."
Fluids and filters are the liquids and parts in your car that help it run smoothly. They need to be checked and changed regularly to keep everything working well.
Fluids and filters in a car include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and air filters, among others. Regular maintenance involves checking and replacing these to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
"...and they're recommending some fluids and filters and spark plugs maybe,..."
Spark plugs are small parts in your car's engine that help it start by creating a tiny spark that ignites the fuel. They need to be changed from time to time to keep the engine running well.
Spark plugs are essential components in gasoline engines that ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to start and run. They need to be replaced periodically to maintain engine performance.
"...and spark plugs maybe, and fuel system cleaning, and coolant service, and fire rotation, and so on,..."
Fuel system cleaning is when a mechanic cleans out the parts of your car that deliver fuel to the engine. This can help your car run better and use less gas.
Fuel system cleaning is a maintenance process that removes deposits and contaminants from the fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chamber. This helps improve engine performance and efficiency.
"...and fuel system cleaning, and coolant service, and fire rotation, and so on,..."
Coolant service is when a mechanic checks and changes the liquid that keeps your car's engine from getting too hot. It's important for keeping your engine running smoothly.
Coolant service involves checking and replacing the coolant fluid in the engine's cooling system. This is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring the engine operates at the correct temperature.
"But then, as I say that, I think about the people that still roll the dice on certain things, batteries. I can't tell you how many people right now I know of personally and through the business that are driving around on seven, eight, nine-year-old batteries that are rated for five."
Car batteries provide the power needed to start the engine and run electrical parts. They usually last about three to five years, so using an old battery can cause problems.
Batteries in vehicles are crucial for starting the engine and powering electrical systems. Most car batteries have a lifespan of around three to five years, and using an old battery can lead to breakdowns.
"the customer complaint was clunks on left turns from a stop, mostly cold, and there was a hesitation"
A customer complaint is when someone who owns a car tells the mechanic that something is wrong with it. Here, the owner said the car made noise when turning left and sometimes hesitated.
A customer complaint refers to issues reported by the vehicle owner regarding the car's performance or functionality. In this case, it was related to clunks during left turns and hesitation.
"maybe I sort of felt this, the way the trans downshifted, it had a little bit of a clunk to it. It wasn't smooth, and this particular trans is one of those ones that it's got, you know, Honda DW1 fluid..."
The transmission is what helps your car change gears. If it's not working well, you might feel rough shifts or clunks when driving.
The transmission is a crucial component in a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It can affect the smoothness of gear changes and overall vehicle performance.
"according to Acura Honda, that if it's a P0741 for torque converter circuit faults, it may require, and chances are it will require, a torque converter, they've extended the warranty"
P0741 is a code that mechanics use to identify problems with a part called the torque converter. If this code appears, it means there might be an issue that needs fixing to ensure the car runs smoothly.
P0741 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that indicates a fault in the torque converter clutch circuit. This code typically signifies that the torque converter is not functioning properly, which can lead to issues with vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
"it may require, and chances are it will require, a torque converter, they've extended the warranty to eight years and 150,000 miles."
The torque converter is a part in automatic cars that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It makes sure the car can move smoothly, especially when starting from a stop.
A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. It allows the engine to continue running while the vehicle is stationary and helps in smooth acceleration.
"The other thing that occurred to us when we were driving the Acura this week"
Acura is a brand of cars made by Honda that focuses on luxury and performance. They make cars that are often more upscale compared to regular Honda models.
Acura is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Honda. Known for its performance and reliability, Acura offers a range of sedans and SUVs that often feature advanced technology and sporty designs.
"...this is a DPS system where Honda calls for the rear end fluid to be changed on a regular scheduled mile basis. And guess how many times in 130,000 miles this Acura had the fluid serviced in the rear?"
DPS is a system that helps control how power is sent to the wheels of a car. It's important for keeping the car stable and performing well, especially in different driving conditions.
DPS stands for Dual Pump System, which is a type of drivetrain system used in some vehicles to manage power distribution between the front and rear wheels. In this context, it refers to how the fluid in the rear differential is managed and maintained.
"...after the fuel system cleaning, after the trans service, after the diff service in the back,..."
Trans service is when you change the fluid and filter in your car's transmission. This helps the transmission work better and last longer.
Transmission service typically involves changing the transmission fluid and filter to ensure the transmission operates smoothly and efficiently. Regular service can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of the transmission.
"...after the fuel system cleaning, after the trans service, after the diff service in the back,..."
Diff service is when you change the fluid in the part of your car that helps the wheels turn at different speeds. This keeps that part working well and prevents problems.
Differential service involves changing the fluid in the differential, which is the component that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds, especially when turning. Regular service helps maintain performance and prevent wear.
"between the tires, the brakes, and all the fluids and maintenance, it was four grand,"
Tires are the round rubber parts that help your car move and grip the road. They need to be in good shape for safe driving.
Tires are the rubber components that make contact with the road, providing traction and support for the vehicle. Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safety and performance.
Maintenance is the work you do to keep a car running well. It includes things like changing the oil and checking the brakes.
Maintenance refers to the routine care and servicing of a vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. This includes tasks like oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid replacements.
If a car's frame rots, it means the metal part that holds the car together is breaking down, usually because of rust. This can make the car unsafe to drive.
When a car's frame rots, it means that the structural support of the vehicle has deteriorated due to rust or corrosion. This can compromise the safety and integrity of the car.
"...it was a. 2015 Ford Escape. Right, 15 Escape. The car legitimately had 300 and it just shy of 400,000 miles."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that's good for driving around town or taking on trips. The 2015 version has different engine choices and is popular for its usefulness.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV known for its practicality and versatility. The 2015 model features a range of engines and options, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
"...replacing that battery on a regular scheduled timeframe."
The battery is what starts your car and powers things like the lights and radio when the engine isn't running. It's important to change it regularly to keep your car working well.
The battery in a car provides the electrical power needed to start the engine and run electrical components when the engine is off. Regular replacement is essential to ensure reliable vehicle operation, especially as the battery ages.
"I don't think there's any cheating in a start-stop vehicle. I think you have to replace that regular battery."
A start-stop vehicle turns off the engine when you're not moving, like at traffic lights, and starts it again when you press the gas. This saves fuel and helps the environment.
A start-stop vehicle is designed to automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restart it when the driver is ready to move again. This technology helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
"...you may find, and I don't know that this works on every car, but I've been in some stop, start cars. If you want to defeat the stop, start."
A stop-start system is a feature in some cars that turns off the engine when you're stopped, like at a red light, and turns it back on when you press the gas pedal. It helps save fuel and reduce pollution.
A stop-start system automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it when the driver is ready to move again. This technology helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in urban driving conditions.
"Listen, the new Chevy Colorado's got stop, start."
The Chevy Colorado is a smaller pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It's useful for carrying things and can be good for both work and personal use.
The Chevy Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It is known for its versatility, offering a balance of power, efficiency, and capability, making it suitable for both work and everyday use.
"But when it's five years old and I tend to keep a car, my suburban's 22 years old, you know, you know, what's, what's that factor going to be?"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big family vehicle that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's popular because it's roomy and can last a long time, which is why someone might talk about how it holds up after several years.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It has been a staple in the automotive market for decades, often favored by families and businesses for its versatility and durability, making it a common topic in discussions about long-term vehicle ownership.
"Did the key fobs stop working at the same time as the TPMS light coming on? I think so."
The TPMS light is a warning light on your dashboard that tells you if your tires are not properly inflated. It helps you keep your tires safe and in good condition.
The TPMS light indicates a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers when tire pressure is too low or too high. This system helps maintain optimal tire pressure for safety and fuel efficiency.
"...an inspection and some differential oil change. And I asked him about that to check the TPM systems in the tires."
Differential oil change is when the oil in a part of the car that helps the wheels turn is replaced. This is important for keeping the car running smoothly.
A differential oil change involves replacing the lubricant in the differential, which is a component that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially during turns. Regular changes help maintain the performance and longevity of the differential.
"...to check the TPM systems in the tires. He rotated the tires too."
TPM systems are tools in cars that check if the tires have enough air. If the air is too low, they let you know so you can fill them up and stay safe while driving.
TPM stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring systems, which are designed to monitor the air pressure in a vehicle's tires. They alert the driver when tire pressure is too low, which can help prevent blowouts and improve fuel efficiency.
"...He rotated the tires too. And he found two bad ones."
Tire rotation means changing the position of the tires on your car so they wear out evenly. This helps them last longer and keeps your car safe.
Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one position on the vehicle to another to promote even tire wear. This is important for extending the life of the tires and ensuring optimal performance.
"...because it will also show me tire pressure. If the sensor in the left front tire shows me 36 PSI and I measure it and it's got 36 PSI..."
Tire pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. It's important to have the right amount of air to keep the tires safe and help the car drive better.
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a vehicle's tires, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
"to buy a new used or certified pre-owned car. You can browse hundreds of real listings"
A certified pre-owned car is a used car that has been checked and approved by the manufacturer or dealer. It usually comes with a warranty, so you know it's in good shape.
A certified pre-owned car is a used vehicle that has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by a manufacturer or a dealership. This certification often includes a limited warranty and other benefits, providing buyers with more confidence in their purchase.
"...y filling out the paperwork at home and schedule express pickup or home delivery? Done."
The Chevrolet Express is a large van that can carry a lot of items or people, making it great for businesses. It's built to be strong and useful, which is why people might mention it when talking about getting things done quickly.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van designed primarily for commercial use, offering ample cargo space and seating capacity. It's often used for transporting goods or people, making it a practical choice for businesses and organizations that require reliability and functionality.
The Buick Enclave is a large SUV that can fit a lot of passengers and cargo. The 2021 version has many modern features to make driving easier and more enjoyable.
The Buick Enclave is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2021 model offers a comfortable ride and a range of technology options.
Select text to request an explanation
This is an I Heart podcast, guaranteed human.
This is Carissa Thompson from Calm Down with Erin and Carissa.
Buying a car used to be a whole day affair,
but now at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new,
used or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever.
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.
