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
Symptoms of an 'Unfit' Vehicle: What Red Flags Should You Look For?
Learn the red flags indicating a vehicle is unfit for safe operation. Understand symptoms that will cause inspection failure.
How to Inspect a Rebuilt Salvage Car for Safety and Structural Integrity
Learn how to properly inspect a rebuilt salvage vehicle. Understand what to check for structural damage, repairs, and safety.
Will Minor Rust Spots Fail Your Ontario Safety Inspection?
Don't panic over a bit of surface rust. Learn the actual MTO inspection rules regarding body corrosion, brake rotor scaling, and structural frame checks.
The Importance of Checking Tires and Brakes During a Safety Check
Learn why tires and brakes are the most critical components in safety inspections. Understand what inspectors check and why they matter.
How Digital Inspections Give You More Confidence in Your Mechanic
Learn how digital inspections and modern reporting increase transparency and build trust with your mechanic. Understand the benefits of digital documentation.
Commercial Vehicle Inspections: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Learn about commercial vehicle safety inspections for small business owners. Understand requirements, timelines, and compliance obligations.
How to Avoid Buying a 'Lemon' with a Thorough Mechanic Inspection
Learn how thorough mechanic inspections protect you from buying a lemon. Understand what to look for and how to avoid problem vehicles.
The Checklist for 2026: Passing Your First Post-Winter Safety Audit
Prepare your vehicle for spring safety inspections after winter. Use this checklist to address winter damage and pass your first post-winter audit.
What Happens if Your Car Fails? Re-Inspection Rules and Costs
Learn what happens when a vehicle fails safety inspection. Understand re-inspection timelines, costs, and your options.
How Preventive Maintenance Saves Canadians $1,500 Every Year
Regular maintenance costs less than emergency repairs. See how routine service protects your budget and keeps your car reliable.
The Ultimate Fall Car Care Checklist: Preparing for -30°C Mornings
Prepare your car for Canadian winter with this complete fall checklist. Ensure reliability when temperatures drop to -30°C.
Spring Recovery: Healing Your Car from a Winter of Road Salt and Slush
Road salt and winter slush damage your car's undercarriage and exterior. Learn spring recovery steps to repair winter damage.