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.
485 articles by Sarah
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.
How to Spot an Exhaust Leak Using the 'Bubble Test' at Home
The bubble test is a simple DIY method to detect exhaust leaks. Learn how to perform it safely and what results mean.
How to Prioritize Repairs When You're on a Budget
Learn which car repairs are urgent and which can wait. Get a practical framework for managing repair costs when your budget is tight.
How an Oil Change Can Uncover Other Hidden Engine Problems
Discover how a good mechanic uses oil changes to spot hidden problems. Learn what signs during service indicate bigger issues needing attention.
How to Diagnose an Engine Overheating in -20°C Weather
Engine overheating in extreme cold seems impossible but happens. Your cooling system must flow properly even in freezing weather. Learn what causes winter overheating and how to diagnose it.