John Paul on Muck Rack

John Paul

Verified
Boston, Florida, Providence
As seen in: Boston.com, The Car Doctor Podcast (Podcast), MSN, Yahoo Life, USA Today, Yahoo News, The Indiegogo Review, Yahoo, Irish Examiner, Your AAA Network, Travelzoo, Providence Journal and
Covers:  Automotive, driving, safety and tech. Gadgets that make life easier
Read The Car Doctor, boston.com, newsday.com, projo.com. Listen to podcasts on johnfpaul.podbean.com

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John Paul’s Biography

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John Paul attained ASE certification more than 40 years ago. Today, he is Senior Manager in the Public Affairs Department, supporting traffic safety education. Paul is a nationally recognized expert in auto technology and repair and known as AAA's Car Doctor. He is an automotive columnist for Boston.com, The Providence Journal, NY Newsday, the Hartford Courant, Oneida Dispatch, Troy Record, Daily Freeman, Saratogian, Yankee Xpress, Quincy Sun and WPIX11. He is also the host of a popular radio s…

John Paul’s Journalist Portfolio

The Car Doctor with John Paul | WATD 95.9 FM

The Car Doctor with John Paul | WATD 95.9 FM

The Car Doctor with John Paul Sundays:11:00 am - Noon Hosted by John Paul With nearly 50 years experience in …

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Questions and answers from the 'Car Doctor'

Questions and answers from the 'Car Doctor'

Q. I own a 2019 Acura AWD MDX that was bought new. This model MDX is subject to a major recall related to pos…

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Ask John Paul, AAA's Car Doctor

Ask John Paul, AAA's Car Doctor

John Paul began his career as an automotive technician and attained ASE master technician certification more …

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The Car Doctor Podcast | johnfpaul

The Car Doctor Podcast | johnfpaul

Car Care for Everyone

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Should I be worried about rust on my car's calipers?

Should I be worried about rust on my car's calipers?

John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader with concerns about visible rust on h…

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Q&A With AAA Northeast's Car Doctor: May 2025

Q&A With AAA Northeast's Car Doctor: May 2025

John Paul, Senior Manager Traffic Safety, is a nationally recognized expert in automotive technology and repa…

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Articles

Q&A With AAA’s Car Doctor: July 2026

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By John Paul Verified
| Your AAA Network
A. The lower engine cover is often called the “belly pan.” It is usually made of plastic or composite material, though some are metal, like your VW’s. If badly damaged, it may need replacement. The part itself runs close to $300, plus labor. It is removed during oil changes and typically secured with triple-square or, sometimes, Torx fasteners, which can go missing over time. Unless the cover is severely damaged, it can often be resecured or even straightened.
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Preserving a vehicle’s computer settings while replacing a battery

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By John Paul Verified
| MSN Verified
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
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Q&A With AAA’s Car Doctor: June 2026

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By John Paul Verified
| Your AAA Network
A. The answer varies based on the model and year, as well as how accessible the sensor is. In many Toyota engines, the knock sensor is mounted under the intake manifold, which adds labor time. As a general example, on a RAV4 the knock sensor may cost around $190 and take about an hour to install. On a mid-size sedan such as a Camry, the part cost is similar — around $195 — but labor can stretch to more than two hours depending on engine layout.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

AAA

Have you ever used a typewriter?

yes

How is social media changing news?

so much fake news and poorly crafted nonsense
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