Frosty Temperatures, Humid Heat Lead to Unexpected Problems for Car Owners

TALLHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With much of the nation still digging out from extreme winter weather that brought battering snowstorms, treacherous ice and Arctic temperatures, cars have become more susceptible to the dangers of rusting undercarriages caused by snow, ice and salt on roadways.

Damage caused by salt and other snow treatments can be costly to repair, but auto service contracts (also known as extended warranties) can help protect against many of these weather-related car issues that are outside of consumers' control.

"When consumers buy a new car, they may not be thinking about how weather extremes can affect the life of crucial car parts," said Tim Meenan, executive director of the Service Contract Industry Council. "No one can do anything to control the weather or its impact on vehicles, but extended warranties can make a tremendous difference in getting past those problems. They're the best protection for your wallet when extreme weather causes damage that requires a trip to the repair shop."

Even warm-weather states can't escape weather-related car trouble. Extreme heat, UV rays, and humidity can damage expensive car electronics, fade paint jobs and affect other vehicle components. Residents in coastal areas must also deal with salt and sand that can lead to rusting, corrosion and costly repairs to such components as air conditioning systems, compressors and paint. The busiest times of year for car repair shops are the summer and winter seasons.

Service contracts provide car buyers with a sense of security up front by providing cost-saving coverage when a car breaks down. Without this valuable coverage, consumers may find themselves digging into their wallets to pay for unexpected repairs.

The SCIC offers consumer tips on buying and using extended warranties or service contracts at go-scic.com/motor_vehicles.

The Service Contract Industry Council is a national trade association whose member companies collectively offer about 80 percent of the service contracts sold in the U.S. for home, auto and consumer goods. The SCIC educates consumers about service contracts, encourages its members to pursue high standards of customer satisfaction, and develops and promotes model legislation to regulate the industry with standards designed to protect the consumer and the industry.

SOURCE Service Contract Industry Council