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
The 7°C Rule: Why You Shouldn't Wait for Snow to Install Winter Tires
The 7 degree rule: winter tires go on after seven days at or below 7°C (45°F) and come off after seven days at or above it. See the laws and tread to check.
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.
Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean and What to Do
Read the symbol, not only the colour. See what each dashboard warning light can mean, which ones call for a safe stop and what you can check yourself.
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.
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.
Signs of a Failing Alternator: Symptoms, Tests and Cost
Spot a failing alternator early: the warning light, noises and smells, an alternator-or-battery check, a voltage test, and 2026 costs in CAD and USD.
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.
What to Do if Your Car Stalls at a Stoplight
Your car stalls at a red light: turn on the hazards, try a restart and call for help. See the hill steps, the causes a shop checks and what to tell it.
Can a Car Overheat in Cold Weather? Causes and What to Do
Yes, a car can overheat in cold weather. Learn the causes, the warning signs, what to do when the gauge hits red, and how a shop finds the fault.
Etching the VIN on a Catalytic Converter: Does It Stop Theft?
Which VIN digits to etch on a catalytic converter, where police have etched them for free, what the mark does to theft, and what to do after a theft.
The Link Between Exhaust Leaks and Poor Fuel Economy
An exhaust leak can make your engine burn extra fuel. See how it happens, the signs to watch for and how to work out the cost in CAD or USD.