Can a Car Be Struck by Lightning?

[MirandaLee]

No, here are the reasons why a car cannot be struck by lightning: 1. People inside the car are not at risk of being struck by lightning: A car cannot be struck by lightning. Even if the vehicle is hit during a thunderstorm, the people inside will remain unharmed. However, the car's electronic systems may be damaged if struck. Many people wonder why the occupants remain safe when the car is hit by lightning. Some believe it's because car tires are made of rubber, which is an insulator, preventing the current from reaching the ground and thus keeping the occupants safe. 2. Why a car cannot act as a lightning rod: When a charged cloud approaches a car on the ground, the car's metal body (excluding convertibles or vehicles with non-metal upper structures, such as canvas tops) induces an opposite charge on its surface due to electrostatic induction. The car reaches an electrostatic equilibrium, resulting in a zero electric field inside, equal potential at all points, and no potential difference, making it an equipotential body. Therefore, closing the windows ensures safety inside the car. Of course, a powerful lightning strike may cause some damage to the vehicle, such as a flat tire, but the occupants will not be struck by lightning.