Sarah Mitchell
Sarah has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
465 articles by Sarah
Transmission Flush vs. Drain and Fill: Which is Best for Your High-Mileage Car?
Learn the key differences between transmission flush and drain-and-fill services. Discover which method works best for high-mileage vehicles and how to protect your transmission investment.
Why Your Honda CR-V is Shuddering: Common CVT Issues and Fixes
Honda CR-V CVT shuddering is a known issue. Learn what causes it, how to diagnose the problem, and what repairs your shop should recommend to fix it safely.
The $6,500 Question: Is Your Transmission Worth Replacing?
Transmission replacement costs $4,000 to $6,500. Learn how to decide whether repair, rebuild, or replacement makes financial sense for your vehicle.
Signs of a Slipping Transmission: Grinding, Jerking, and Delayed Starts
Transmission slipping is dangerous. Learn to recognize grinding, jerking, delayed shifts, and other warning signs that your transmission needs immediate attention.
All-Season vs. All-Weather vs. Winter: Choosing the Right Tire for Your Province
Understand the differences between all-season, all-weather, and winter tires. Choose the right tire for your province's climate and legal requirements.
Signs Your Alternator is Failing: Don't Get Stranded This Winter
Recognize the warning signs of a failing alternator before you get stranded. Learn what to expect and how much repairs cost in 2026.
How to Use Your Dashboard Indicator Lights for DIY Diagnosis
Your dashboard lights tell a story. A red coolant light means stop driving. A yellow battery light means service soon. Learn what each tell-tale indicator means.
Case Study: How a Faulty Sensor Can Ruin Your Transmission Performance
A real case study shows how a single faulty transmission sensor caused rough shifting and power loss. Professional diagnostics prevented an unnecessary $3,000 transmission rebuild.
Why High-Mileage Engines Need Frequent Electronic Checkups
High-mileage engines accumulate sensor failures. At 150,000 miles, original sensors are worn out. Frequent diagnostics catch multiple issues before they cascade.
Diagnosing the 'Sweet' Smell of Burning Coolant
A sweet burning smell usually means coolant is leaking onto hot engine parts. This is a serious fluid leak that worsens over time. Get professional diagnostics to find the leak location.
The 7°C Rule: Why You Shouldn't Wait for Snow to Install Winter Tires
Winter tires lose grip at 7°C, not when snow falls. Learn why temperature matters more than weather for tire safety.
What is a Catalytic Converter and Why is it So Valuable?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals worth hundreds of dollars. Learn how they work and why thieves target them.