Stephanie Bakalar
Stephanie 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.
1384 articles by Stephanie
How to Put Air in Tires at a Gas Station Without a Gauge
The pump has no gauge? A tire cannot be judged by eye. See where to find your tire pressure, how to fill cold or warm tires and what to use to add air at home.
How to Prevent Car Overheating on a Summer Road Trip
Check coolant, hoses and the radiator cap before a summer road trip, learn the coolant change interval by type, and know what to do if your car overheats.
How to Safely Bleed Air from Your Cooling System at Home
How to bleed or burp air from a car's cooling system: find your car's method, follow the bleed-valve steps on a cool engine, and know when a shop must do it.
Signs of a Blown Head Gasket: The Ultimate Cooling Nightmare
Coolant loss, white exhaust, milky oil and overheating can point to a blown head gasket. See the signs, the look-alikes, the tests and when to stop.
Check Engine Light: Steady vs. Flashing (When to Stop Driving)
A steady check engine light needs service as soon as possible; a flashing one signals a severe misfire. See when to stop, what to check and repair costs.
The Benefit of Using Cold-Climate Tested Radiators in Northern Canada
Cold-climate radiators are engineered for extreme temperature cycling. Learn why they're worth the investment for northern Canada vehicles.
Comparing Jiffy Lube, Great Canadian Oil Change, and Local Shops
Compare chain oil change shops with independent local mechanics. Understand pricing, service quality, and value to make the best choice.
Should You Use 'Stop Leak' to Fix a Radiator Puncture?
Radiator stop leak can clog small coolant passages, and an owner's manual can forbid it. See the pros and cons, the safety steps and the right repair.
Can Worn Suspension Cause Uneven Tire Wear? Causes and Checks
Worn ball joints, shocks and other suspension parts can wear tires unevenly. See what each wear pattern means and what to check before new tires.
What Happens If You Drive Winter Tires in Summer?
Can you drive winter tires in summer? See how warm roads speed up wear, lengthen stops and raise fuel use, when to switch, and how to check the set.
Why Aluminum Radiators are More Prone to Winter Cracking
Aluminum radiators are efficient but brittle in cold. Learn why winter thermal cycling causes cracking and how to protect aluminum radiators.
Engine Diagnostics: Your Complete Guide to Check Engine Lights, Sensors, and Winter Issues
Learn what your check engine light really means, when to stop driving, why gas caps matter, and what professional diagnostics reveal. A practical guide to engine health for car owners.