Complete Automotive Services
Serving East Columbus Since 1978
Complete Auto Repair on Columbus's East Side Since 1978
Ernie's Automotive Service has been fixing cars for east-side Columbus drivers for nearly five decades. Ernie Behal opened the doors in 1978 with one guiding principle — "If we don't take care of the customer, somebody else will." Forty-eight years later, that promise still runs the shop.
Whether you need a routine oil change, a full engine repair, or a diagnostic on a warning light that won't go away, we handle it here under one roof. Foreign, domestic, daily driver, work truck — we service them all with the same personal attention and expert care that's kept generations of east-side families coming back.
When to Bring Your Vehicle to Ernie's
Your car usually tells you something is wrong before it quits on you. Pay attention to these signals and get in before a small problem becomes an expensive one:
Common Warning Signs
- Dashboard warning lights — check engine, oil, battery, brake, or temperature lights shouldn't be ignored or covered with tape
- Unusual noises — squealing brakes, grinding, clunking over bumps, knocking from the engine, or whining from the transmission
- Fluid leaks — spots on your driveway; color matters (black or brown is oil, green or orange is coolant, red is transmission or power steering)
- Performance changes — hesitation, rough idle, loss of power, harder starts, or a drop in fuel economy
- Steering or braking issues — pulling to one side, vibrations in the wheel, soft brake pedal, longer stopping distances
- Smells — burning oil, sweet coolant, sulfur (catalytic converter), or fuel odor inside or around the vehicle
- Rough ride — bouncing, clunking, or excessive body roll usually points to suspension components that need attention
If any of this sounds familiar, call us at (614) 235-8037. Early diagnosis is almost always cheaper than waiting.
Automotive Services We Provide
A full-service repair shop means you only need one number in your phone. Here's what we do:
Oil Changes
Full synthetic oil changes with $20 off every day — no coupon, no expiration. Includes a multi-point inspection.
Oil Change Service →Engine Repair
From diagnostic scans and check-engine-light work to major overhauls and replacements. Foreign and domestic engines, all sizes.
Engine Services →Transmission Repair
Automatic and manual transmission service, fluid exchanges, diagnostics, and repair. Catch shifting problems before they become rebuilds.
Transmission Service →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and master cylinders. If your brakes squeal, grind, pulse, or feel soft, bring it in.
Brake Service →Electrical Repair
Batteries, alternators, starters, lighting, and complex electrical diagnostics on modern multi-computer systems.
Electrical Service →AC & Heating
AC not cold? Heater blowing cool? We diagnose and repair climate control systems — refrigerant, compressors, blend doors, and blowers.
AC & Heating →Radiator & Cooling
Radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses, and coolant flushes. Cooling system failures turn into engine failures fast.
Cooling System Service →Suspension & Steering
Shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and power steering repair. A smooth, controlled ride starts here.
Suspension Service →Exhaust Repair
Mufflers, catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, and O2 sensors. We'll fix the noise — and the emissions issue causing it.
Exhaust Service →Tires & Alignments
Tire sales, mounting, balancing, rotations, and four-wheel alignments on modern equipment. Save your tires and your fuel economy.
Tires & Alignment →Auto Mechanic Services
Diagnostics, tune-ups, belts, hoses, fluid services, and all the general maintenance that keeps your vehicle running reliably.
Mechanic Services →Towing
Broken down? We'll arrange a tow to the shop so we can get started on the repair. Call us first — we'll coordinate.
Towing Service →Why Columbus Drivers Choose Ernie's
Nearly Five Decades of Trust
Founded by Ernie Behal in 1978, Ernie's Automotive Service has been a fixture on East Main Street for 48 years. Generations of east-side families have made us their shop — and we take that history seriously with every vehicle that rolls in.
Foreign & Domestic Expertise
From Hondas and Toyotas to Fords, Chevys, and everything European, we service the full range of modern vehicles. One shop, every make — with the diagnostic tools and factory-level training to work on them properly.
NAPA AutoCare Nationwide Warranty
As a NAPA AutoCare center, we back qualifying repairs with the NAPA Peace of Mind Warranty — 24 months or 24,000 miles, honored at more than 17,000 NAPA AutoCare shops across the country. You're covered whether you're home in Columbus or 800 miles away.
Honest Diagnosis, Honest Pricing
We diagnose first, explain what we found in plain language, and give you an estimate before any work begins. If something unexpected comes up mid-repair, we stop and call you. Surprise charges aren't how we've stayed in business for 48 years.
The Ernie's Promise
"If we don't take care of the customer, somebody else will." That's been the measuring stick since day one. Honest answers, fair prices, and the same care we'd give our own family's vehicles.
Convenient East-Side Location
Right on East Main Street in Columbus — easy access from Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Canal Winchester, and I-70. Drop it off, head to work, pick it up. That's the point.
Auto Repair FAQ
Common questions from drivers considering Ernie's Automotive Service.
What types of auto repair does Ernie's Automotive Service handle?
Ernie's handles the full range of automotive repair and maintenance — engines, transmissions, brakes, electrical diagnosis, suspension and steering, exhaust, radiator and cooling systems, AC and heating, tires and alignments, and oil changes. We service both foreign and domestic vehicles with the same personal attention and expert care. If it's on wheels and it's broken, call us first.
Do you repair both foreign and domestic vehicles?
Yes. Since 1978 Ernie's has specialized in comprehensive repair for both foreign and domestic vehicles — Hondas, Toyotas, Hyundais, Subarus, Nissans, BMWs, Volkswagens, Fords, Chevrolets, Dodges, Jeeps, and everything in between. Our technicians have the training, tools, and diagnostic equipment to work on modern vehicles from any manufacturer.
What kind of warranty do you offer on auto repairs?
As a NAPA AutoCare center, Ernie's backs qualifying repairs with the NAPA Peace of Mind Warranty — 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, and honored at more than 17,000 NAPA AutoCare shops nationwide. That means if something goes wrong with a covered repair while you're away from home, any NAPA AutoCare shop can take care of it under the same warranty.
How do I know if my car needs repair versus just maintenance?
Maintenance is planned — oil changes, fluid services, alignments, filter replacements — and it prevents problems. Repair is what you need when something has already gone wrong: warning lights, unusual noises, fluid leaks, a performance change, or a component that has failed. If you're not sure which category you're in, bring it in. A quick diagnostic is far cheaper than a wrong guess, and we'll tell you honestly what you actually need.
Do I need an appointment or can I drop in?
Appointments help us get you in and out faster, but we understand breakdowns don't schedule themselves. Call (614) 235-8037 and we'll work you in as quickly as we can. For routine work, use our online appointment request to book ahead.
Do you provide estimates before performing repairs?
Always. We diagnose first, explain what we found in plain language, and give you an estimate before any work begins. If something unexpected turns up during the repair, we stop and call you before doing anything that isn't already authorized. No surprise charges on the invoice — that's not how we do business.
The East-Side Shop You Can Actually Trust
Forty-eight years in business. Full-service repair for foreign and domestic vehicles. Backed by a nationwide NAPA AutoCare warranty. That's Ernie's Automotive Service — family-owned on East Main Street since 1978, serving Columbus, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Whitehall, Pickerington, Canal Winchester, and the surrounding east-side communities.
Quick Links
Address
Address
3906 E Main St
Columbus OH 43213
Hours of Operations
Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
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