Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron sits down with Ken Miller, President of Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) and owner of 821 Collision, for an important conversation about diminished value — the loss in a vehicle’s market value after it has been involved in an accident.
Even when a vehicle is repaired properly, it may still be worth less simply because it now has an accident history. Ron and Ken explain what diminished value means, how insurance companies handle it, and what steps vehicle owners can take to pursue proper reimbursement.
They also discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Services Show, the largest regional auto body and mechanical trade show in the country, held each year in New Jersey. The event brings together technicians, shop owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders for training, new technology, and a look at the future of automotive repair.
If you’ve ever wondered how accidents affect your vehicle’s true value — or how the repair industry is evolving — this conversation offers valuable insight from the people who deal with it every day.
Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes

Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel

Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900

Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the show with a story from the service bay about a recent repair and an important lesson for both technicians and vehicle owners: a good repair means looking at everything related to the problem — not just the obvious failure. From related components to the bigger picture of how the vehicle operates, Ron explains why careful diagnosis and thorough thinking are what turn a basic repair into a complete and reliable fix.
Later in the hour, Ron welcomes Tim McDonnell from Mitchell 1 to discuss the latest updates and improvements to Mitchell’s repair and shop management software. They talk about how modern repair information systems are evolving to help shops work smarter, document repairs better, and keep up with the increasing complexity of today’s vehicles.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into doing a repair the right way, or how professional shops manage information and workflow behind the scenes, this hour gives you a look inside the modern service bay.
Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes

Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel

Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900

Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the most expensive number in car ownership?
It’s not the sticker price.It’s not the monthly payment.It’s not even the repair bill.
This week, Ron explains the number almost no one calculates until it’s too late — cost per mile — and why modern vehicles demand a different mindset than they did even ten years ago.
Inside this episode:
Why today’s cars feel more like rolling computers than mechanical machines

A real shop conversation about when a vehicle may need $5,000 in upcoming repairs — and how to decide if it’s worth it

Why automotive ownership can’t be emotional

The growing debate around start-stop technology and long-term engine wear

A Subaru recall warning involving potential fuel leakage and fire risk

Being a good mechanic today sometimes means being a fortune teller — helping drivers see what’s coming before it becomes expensive.
Because in the end, the smartest car owners aren’t reacting to repairs.They’re planning for them.
Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes

Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel

Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900

Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern




See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode starts with a question every driver dreads:If your engine is losing coolant—but there’s no leak—why is the warranty company asking you to tear it down to “prove it”?
Ron revisits last week’s Ford Escape case and reads an email from respected engine builder Brian Sheeron—who calls the teardown demand what it often is: a path to denial, not a path to repair.
Then the show takes a hard left into another hidden cost for drivers: New York City stations where motorists may be paying premium prices and getting lower octane fuel. If your car requires premium, that’s not a small mistake—it's a long-term risk.
Plus, you’ll hear:
Why “engine machine shop deserts” are real—and why rebuild culture is fading

The modern reality: tear-down vs. replace (and why the math often favors replacement)

A rural mail carrier’s fleet of Buick Centuries and what harsh shifting can reveal about transmission wear and “learned” behavior

A great old-school mechanic call that reminds you what this trade used to be—and still can be

The parts warning nobody wants to hear: counterfeit parts are out there, even in “real” boxes

Ron’s own snowplow breakdown—and a simple electrical lesson: a 15-amp fuse living at 13 amps won’t live long

The cheapest protection that still matters most: oil changes on time, especially for short-trip drivers

This is the real cost of ownership—warranties, fuel, parts, and maintenance—where the small stuff becomes the expensive stuff.
Good mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes

Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel

Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900

Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern




See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a busy hour on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor—and the calls cover everything from safety to big-dollar decisions.
First, Frank calls about a 2015 Chevy Suburban with an intermittent hard brake pedal. Ron points to a known GM issue involving the engine-driven vacuum pump and brake booster contamination, and explains the smart first test to confirm it.
Next, Stan’s 2019 Ford Escape 1.5L is losing coolant with no visible external leak, raising concerns about internal engine issues and the frustrations of dealing with extended warranty “script readers.” Ron lays out a logical path: prove what it’s not, document what it is, and push for coverage.
Then, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler owner reports cold hard shifts into 3rd/4th—Ron suggests checking for pending codes, software updates, and relevant service bulletins before damage gets worse.
Finally, James asks what to look for as his son buys his first vehicle: a 2009 Chevy Silverado with 163k miles. Ron gives the real-world checklist—rust, maintenance history, fluids, overall condition, and budgeting for what happens if the drivetrain quits.
As always: don’t assume—test, verify, and make decisions with your eyes open.
Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes

Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel

Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900

Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern




See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.