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
What to Do if Your Car Stalls at a Stoplight
A car stalling at a stoplight indicates an idle control problem. Your engine can't maintain minimum RPM when stopped. Learn the common causes and why you need diagnostics.
The Role of Oxygen Sensors in Your Engine's Health
Oxygen sensors measure unburned oxygen in your exhaust. Your engine control module uses this data to adjust fuel mixture. A faulty sensor causes poor performance and emissions failure.
Is Your Car Having an 'Electrical Hiccup' or a Real Problem?
Intermittent problems are the hardest to diagnose. Your check engine light comes on occasionally then disappears. Learn how professional diagnostics capture these elusive problems.
How to Etch Your VIN on Your Catalytic Converter to Deter Thieves
Etching your VIN on your catalytic converter deters thieves. Learn the DIY process, why it works, and how much it costs.
Why Your Exhaust System is a Key Part of Passing Provincial Inspections
Provincial vehicle inspections check exhaust systems carefully. Learn what inspectors look for and how to ensure your vehicle passes.
Symptoms of a Failing Muffler: More Than Just a Loud Noise
A failing muffler causes more than noise. Learn the warning signs and why you should replace it before problems worsen.
The Link Between Exhaust Leaks and Poor Fuel Economy
Exhaust leaks reduce fuel economy and cost you money at the pump. Learn why and how fixing the leak saves fuel.
Diagnostic Fees: Why Your Mechanic Charges for 60 Minutes of Testing
Understand why diagnostic fees exist and what technicians actually do during that hour at the shop. Learn what equipment costs and why labor rates have increased.
Why Older Vehicles Need 'High Mileage' Synthetic Blends
Understand why high mileage synthetic blends are ideal for older vehicles. Learn how aging engines benefit from specialized oil formulations.
The Link Between Engine Diagnostics and Passing Your Safety Inspection
Your safety inspection checks emissions and engine health. A check engine light means automatic failure. Get proactive diagnostics before inspection to identify and fix problems.
Why a $20 Code Reader Isn't the Same as a Professional Diagnostic
A $20 code reader shows error codes but not causes. Professional diagnostic equipment costs $3,000 to $8,000 and interprets live sensor data. Learn why specialized equipment prevents unnecessary repairs.
Symptoms of an Engine Misfire: From Shaking to Poor Fuel Economy
An engine misfire means one or more cylinders fail to ignite fuel. This creates multiple symptoms from rough idle to power loss. Professional diagnostics identify the real cause.