There are a few ways you can find a reliable mechanic to service your car:

• Talk with family/friends: The easiest way to find a great mechanic is to speak with a trusted group of people like your family or friends.
• Check trusted review sites: Looking at reviews is a fantastic way to get recommendations for solid mechanics as well as shops to avoid.
• Look at a shop’s certification: With legitimate certification — like specific auto manufacturer certification or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) certification — you can trust the shop in question is performing to a fixed set of standards and rules.
• Test a shop with smaller repairs: Before you need any major servicing, test a shop by having it service your fluids or rotate your tires. By doing this, you can see if a mechanic’s customer service is up to your standards and whether it overcharges for basic service.