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
Why EV-Specific Tires are Necessary for Electric Vehicle Owners
Electric vehicles demand special tires. Learn why EV-specific tires are necessary and what makes them different.
How Many Kilometres Should a Set of Premium Winter Tires Last?
Understand how long premium winter tires last and what factors affect lifespan. Learn to maximize tire longevity and calculate cost per kilometer.
The Link Between a Faulty Radiator Cap and Engine Damage
A bad radiator cap can cause overheating and engine damage. See the signs, how a cap is tested, how to pick one and what to do if the engine overheats.
What is 'Sludge' and How it Restricts Your Cooling System
Sludge forms from degraded coolant and contaminants, clogging radiator passages. Learn what causes sludge, how it damages your cooling system, and prevention methods.
Common Mistakes During DIY Winter Tire Swaps
Avoid costly errors when changing winter tires yourself. Learn common DIY mistakes and why professional installation adds value.
How to Diagnose a Clogged Radiator Using a Temperature Gun
Learn how to use a temperature gun to detect radiator clogs. Identify cold spots and understand what uneven temperatures reveal about your cooling system.
How to Inspect Your Tires for Cracks and Bulges After Winter
A step-by-step tire check for after winter: cracks, bulges, tread depth and pressure, and which damage means the spare now, an inspection or a new tire.
Why Musty Smells in Your AC are More Than Just a Nuisance
A musty smell from your car's AC isn't just unpleasant. It signals bacterial and mildew growth that can harm your respiratory health. Learn what causes it and how to fix it.
Oil Leaks After Winter: Why Gaskets Fail During the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
An oil leak can show up in cold weather. See how heating and cooling cycles wear gaskets, where the oil comes from, when to stop and what a repair costs.
Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump You Shouldn't Ignore
The main signs of a failing water pump, how a shop tells it from a thermostat or belt fault, when to stop driving, and what a replacement costs.
What Does a Car Thermostat Do? Symptoms, Heater Problems and Cost
A car thermostat controls engine warm-up and cabin heat. See stuck-open and stuck-closed signs, when to pull over, how to test it and 2026 costs.
How Dirty Oil Can Lead to a $5,000 Engine Replacement
Dirty oil can wear out bearings and block oil passages. See the warning signs, how to prevent damage and 2026 engine rebuild prices in CAD.