This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Eric's Auto Towing & Tire in Carpinteria, CA draws largely positive reviews for fast, professional service, kind roadside help, quick flats/patches, and towing; many report fair pricing, short waits, and uncommon tire sizes in stock or sourced quickly. Communication (even via text) and occasional after-hours aid helped travelers get back on the road. Complaints note a dispute over OEM brake parts and accountability, a steep after-hours opening fee with unclear phone info, and one claim of upselling—suggesting inconsistent management on complex jobs. Overall strong but not perfect. Score: 89/100.
Address:
5292 Carpinteria Ave C, Carpinteria, CA, United States
I called Eric’s auto when my Tesla tire was deflated because of a nail. Very nice gentleman came out and did a great job patching the tire, in a very timely manner. I was so thankful to have such good service when I was stuck on the roadside. Thank you.
2 Stars — Issue “Fixed,” But Dishonesty Left a Bad Taste
I’ll give them 2 stars because they technically fixed the issue in the end — but consumers, beware.
I’ve been a loyal customer of this shop for years. They’ve handled all four of my vehicles and, aside from a few minor hiccups, have generally done a good job. Unfortunately, my recent experience completely changed my opinion.
I brought my Lexus RX back after Lexus informed me that the front brake pads had no shims, which was causing a squeak. This was surprising, as Erics had replaced the front rotors and pads in February 2025. Lexus also told me the pads were aftermarket — not OEM — even though I specifically paid for factory parts.
When I returned to the shop, I dealt with Jr at the front desk. He inspected the vehicle and eventually admitted the shims were missing. However, instead of simply taking responsibility, he repeatedly tried to justify the mistake, mentioning the cost of the parts and suggesting I might have to pay for them. He even implied the missing shims were somehow my fault because the old pads didn’t have them — a poor excuse, considering OEM pads always come with shims.
After some back-and-forth, he reluctantly agreed to order and install the correct parts. But even when handing my keys back, he still tried to charge me for their mistake. When I told him I’d pay but wouldn’t return as a customer, he threw me out of the shop.
Jr came across as dishonest and unpleasant throughout the entire experience. It’s a shame — Alex, who I’ve dealt with in the past, was always great, but now that Jr seems to be running things, the shop’s integrity has taken a serious hit.
Take my experience as you will, but Carp residents — be cautious if you choose to take your vehicle here, especially if Jr is the one you’re dealing with.
Very kind shop. Got a flat tire and my car has a unique tire size. Shop got the tire needed and quoted a great price knowing I was stranded. If I lived in the area, then this would be a wonderful place to work with as a trusted mechanic. Thank you for a job well done!!
Eric's Auto Towing and Tire provides excellent customer service and auto repair expertise. Shout out to Victor, who was amazing! He was so helpful in helping me with my tires.
Huge shoutout to Victor!
I was on a road trip up north when the tire pressure warning light came on. This shop was the closest, so I pulled in hoping for help. Victor was on his lunch break when I arrived, but he immediately put it on hold to check things out for me. Turns out I just needed some air (go figure… #iamjustagirl). He was incredibly kind, quick, and didn’t even charge me. So grateful for his help. Thank you, Victor!
Kind family-owned tire shop. We got a flat on 101 while on a road trip with elderly and a child. Before we arrived, they confirmed that they had our tire size. George changed our tire within 15 minutes and we were on our way! Price was super reasonable.
These guys are extremely great people had an issue with a utility trailer that was fully loaded and in the middle of transport. These guys not only worked with us on a very low budget but got our trailer back on the road super fast. In travel or local, I would highly suggest giving these guys a call.
Thank you guys for everything you did and getting us back on the road again.
Jorge fixed our tire as we were heading to Monterey Car Week. He was friendly, professional, and had us back on the road in no time. Thank you, Jorge! - Pierre and Julia (AMG GTC)
I was traveling south towards LA when my tire pressure warning light went on. Through text messages it was determined that my tires were good enough to make it home. I was told it was probably a sensor. I took my car into Toyota and sure enough, it was a sensor. I’m very grateful to this place for talking me through it and saving me money and him the time of re-opening the shop after hours.
Great service!!! Wish I could give them 100 stars.
Jorge (truck driver),Leo and Don Pablo(mechanic) great service,do not hesitate to contact them if you have any mechanical issue!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
These guys go above an beyond to help you out! They are honest and take their work in town seriously. As a woman, it can be difficult to find honest and reliable car service. Eric's Auto has been in Carpinteria for a long time. My family has used their services time and time again. I had something happen to my vehicle and was stranded over the weekend. They were willing to work around difficult circumstances and got my car to safety.
My car broke down and came across this shop. I was very hesitant because of me being a female, i thought they would take advantage of me like they've had in other places. Got to met Jorge and their workers, I was very impressed by how courteous, helpful, fast knowledgeable, and prices were really reasonable were. I highly recommend them, I am feel I can completely trust them. Thank you for all your help, truly appreciate.
I appreciate this place greatly for being open and available. Especially shout to JR for coming in to fix my tire. JR was super welcoming and made sure my vehicle was good to go after service was done. Very nice and professional operations.
They wanted to charge me $120 to open their shop yet they list 24hours of operation but specify to open at 8am. So I’d have to spend $195 for a used tire. Poor customer service over the phone, couldnt tell me if they did or didn’t have the size of tire I needed and would have to pay $120 for them to come check
Definitely shady. Got multiple estimates for my car from four Santa Barbara car shops, and Eric’s Auto was the only one where they estimated the repairs would cost WAY more than anywhere else, and on things my car didn’t actually need, that the other shops agreed were ridiculous diagnoses. The younger manager/owner here is clearly a hustler.
Good for a quick flat tire fix, but don’t trust them for anything beyond that.
I called three times and ask for owner Jorge to call me back regarding my oil change 3/26/21. Leo said to wait until he has time to call me back. I will post more about issues if owner does not call me back to resolve the problem.
James was so helpful and professional, he helped me with the low pressure of my tires for free and also explained to me some stuff about my new car that i didn't know, I definitely recommend this place
The word for these guys is ‘awesome’. Totally saved the day for me and it was a good deal too. Down to Earth pros who don’t take your business for granted.
Great guy! My motorcycle had a flat tire yesterday and some how I made it to the shop and it was late in the evening too. He waited for me without closing the shop and the generous part was the total service was free. I really appreciate the patience helpfulness. Recommend the business for all the other services they offer!!
Needed assistance with my car at 6pm, we approached Jorge and without hesitation he went above and beyond to help us out. So thankful for the great, reliable customer service when it was truly needed.
I just recently move to Carpinteria and had an issue with a flat tire. I know I need it a new set of tires and George gave me a great deal on my new tires. I felt well taken care of, didn't feel any pressured in any way and enjoyed the experience of buying new tires. Thanks a million George. Excellent customer service.
Really friendly staff got a flat yesterday on a rainy morning heading to work, almost had it my self since I know how to change a tire but screws were to in and had to call for towing they came to the help and no charge!!! Awesome now I know who to call in Carpinteria ?
Plugged a flat tire and oil change. My car (golf R) uses and uncommon oil cartridge which they didn’t have in stock. Jorge rush delivered the part and got it done in about an hour. Other less honest shops might have just left the old filter in there and said nothing. Good people, good vibes, recommended.
Imagine Saturday after 5 pm in Memorial weekend and your family just finishes a nice relaxing day. You load up the kids and walk around the back of the car and notice a flat tire. Panic starts to set in, where am I going to find a place open on a holiday week d after 5:00pm? Eric’s tire saved our day. George answered the phone right away said “no worries, bring your car over right away and we’ll take care of you”. That they did, small town little garage with the best small town quality service. Victor was able to repair the tire and noticed one of the other tires low, and yes the other tire had a nail, he fixed that too! Service so good, that even though I live in Ojai I would drive to Carpinteria to have any of my tires repaired!
A huge thank you from the Johnson family!
So happy with my service! They went above and beyond for me. I called after hours due to having a complete flat and not having a spare. They even offered a tow service as well! They called the shop ahead of time to make sure they had my tire size. They where all so kind and helpful. They let me text a picture of my tire so they could see it before hand. Over all I'm super happy with my service. I highly recommend them.
1145 Eugenia Pl Suite 201, Carpinteria, CAGovernment office
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