About this episode
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Three-day shop sprint, ATG misfire class takeaways, and a through-line: maintenance beats repairs. Then calls on when to keep/swap cars, run-flats vs spares, and streetable performance cooling—plus a quick washer-fluid myth-buster. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Open / Monologue 3-day week grind; ATG class (Edison). Recognition from listeners. Big takeaway: factory schedule as baseline, oil at 5–6k, fluids-by-condition, turbos work harder—maintenance > repair. 07:25 – Case Study – ’15 Dodge Charger (P0128) Fast diag → thermostat; car shows “minimal maintenance” pitfalls. Cost-per-mile vs deferred work. 11:11 – Tom’s Inspection Story Full synthetic, 5k intervals; cost-per-month math on real ownership. 13:49 – Mark (Las Vegas) – ’08 Honda CR-V, 241k Loves simple tech; wary of CVT/turbos. Advice: rent/try newer tech, or keep CR-V and invest (engine/trans if needed) vs $30k+ replacement. 17:25 – Mark (cont.) – What to Buy / Wait? Shortlist: CR-V, RAV4, Blazer, Escape. Turbos are ubiquitous; hybrids add complexity. Consider waiting as regulations/offerings shift. 23:19 – Mike (CA) – ’14 BMW X5 Tires Run-flats vs spare. If converting, match rolling diameter & systems; run-flats have pros/cons, roadside realities. 27:00 – Kevin (MA) – ’72 Dart, Holley Sniper & Trans Cooler Handheld/tuner Q → check Holley; stall-converter heat, separate cooler, plug rad ports; “mild goes wild” on the street—detune for temps. 32:16 – Mailbag – Washer Fluid Colors Orange vs blue = freeze-point/formulation. Mixing generally OK if bottle allows; unlike oil/coolant/trans fluids. 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.