can you jump start a car in a thunderstorm

[VanPaisley]

No, you should not attempt to jump-start a car during a thunderstorm. The combination of water, which is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the high voltages involved in a lightning strike creates a significant risk of severe injury or electrocution. While the 12-volt car battery itself is relatively safe, the real danger comes from a potential lightning strike in the vicinity. The electrical surge from a strike can travel through the jumper cables and into your body, or cause the battery to explode.

The safer alternative is to wait for the storm to pass. If you are in an unsafe location, such as the middle of a road, the priority is to call for a tow truck or roadside assistance service. These professionals have the training and equipment to handle the situation safely. Pushing the car to a sheltered spot is also a viable, albeit physically demanding, option that eliminates the electrical hazards entirely.

Here’s a breakdown of the risks and safer alternatives:

Risk Factor	Why It's Dangerous	Safer Alternative
Lightning Strike	A direct or nearby strike can send millions of volts through the ground and any conductors (like cables), causing fatal electrocution.	Wait inside the vehicle with windows up. The car's metal frame acts as a protective "Faraday cage."
Water Conductivity	Standing water, wet ground, and rain greatly increase the risk of electrical current passing through your body while handling cables.	Move the vehicle to a dry, sheltered area if safe to do so (e.g., by pushing it), then attempt the jump-start.
Battery Explosion	A power surge from a strike can cause the battery to release flammable hydrogen gas, leading to an explosion.	Disconnect and inspect the battery once in a safe, dry environment to check for damage before jumping.
Personal Safety	Being outside and exposed during a thunderstorm puts you at high risk of being struck by lightning, regardless of the car.	Call for professional help. Roadside assistance is the safest and most reliable solution in severe weather.

The key takeaway is that no car repair or battery issue is worth risking your life. Patience and calling for professional help are always the correct choices when dealing with automotive emergencies in dangerous weather conditions.

[ManuelFitz]

I wouldn't do it. My dad, who was a mechanic for 40 years, always said to treat electricity with respect, especially when it's wet. A car battery is one thing, but you're out there holding metal cables while the sky is literally throwing down bolts of lightning. It's just not a smart gamble. I'd rather sit tight, call AAA, and wait it out. It’s inconvenient, but it’s safe. Some things are just not worth the risk.

[LukasMarie]

It's a terrible idea. Think of it this way: you're essentially making yourself part of an electrical circuit during the worst possible weather for it. Water from the rain covers everything, making it easier for stray electrical current to find a path, and that path could be you. The jump-start process itself can create sparks, which is a minor risk compared to a lightning strike. The safest move is to stay in your car until the storm clears. Your car's rubber tires offer no protection from lightning, but the metal body can help direct the charge around you if struck.

[BriannaMarie]

Absolutely not. The danger isn't from the car battery; it's from the environment. Lightning seeks the easiest path to the ground, and you holding up metal jumper cables could inadvertently provide that path. The National Weather Service advises avoiding any conductive objects during a storm. Your best bet is to stay inside your vehicle with the windows up. If you're blocking traffic and it's safe, turn on your hazard lights and consider trying to push the car to the shoulder. Otherwise, wait it out or call for a tow. This is a clear-cut safety rule.

[Bell]

No, do not attempt this. The primary hazard is electrocution from a potential lightning strike. The massive electrical discharge can travel through the wet ground and up through the jumper cables you're holding. Even if lightning doesn't strike your car directly, a nearby strike can induce a powerful surge. The correct procedure is to wait for the thunderstorm to completely pass. If you are in an immovable and dangerous spot, your only action should be to call for professional roadside assistance. They are equipped to handle this scenario safely. Your personal safety is paramount.