03/17/2026 " The Car Care Show" with Affordable Automotive

·25 min·2 clips

Kenny reveals why a spark plug change on his vehicle takes six hours compared to 30 minutes on an old Chevy 350.

The episode begins with host Meg introducing guests Ken and Kenny Chartel from Affordable Automotive and Howard Seaton from ADX Communications. Kenny outlines the day's topic: understanding labor costs in car repairs. He explains that modern vehicles are 'rolling computers' with tightly packed engines, making simple repairs like spark plug changes take hours instead of minutes. Meg asks how consumers can avoid being gouged, and Kenny suggests using Google for rough estimates and getting multiple quotes. Ken emphasizes trusting your technician and choosing a reputable shop. The hosts discuss Affordable Automotive's 30-year history and reputation for honesty. Kenny details how car design has changed over decades, with engineers prioritizing easy assembly over maintenance. A listener question asks why choose Affordable Automotive over a dealership; Kenny responds that dealerships charge more for specialized tools and may upsell unnecessary services. Another listener text mentions a high alternator labor cost; Kenny explains that modern cars often require removing components like AC compressors or radiators to access parts. The conversation touches on the right-to-repair act, which advocates for consumer and technician access to repair information. Kenny notes that increasing tool and part costs drive up repair prices overall. Meg asks about Affordable Automotive's philosophy, and Kenny highlights quality, customer relationships, and generational loyalty. In the final minutes, a listener asks for gas-saving tips; Kenny advises against aggressive acceleration, mentions that AC use reduces efficiency, and discusses the pros and cons of auto start-stop systems. He also recommends proper tire inflation and clean air filters. The episode concludes with contact information for Affordable Automotive and a teaser for the next episode on strange car noises.

As heard by us

A grounded car-care episode on splash guards, specialty tools, and why simple repairs can take real labor.

Affordable Automotive's Ken and Kenny use a call-in car-care segment to show how routine maintenance has become less routine on newer vehicles.

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Why you'd press play

You will hear why a simple spark-plug change can turn into an almost six-hour job on the wrong engine.

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