Do Cars Have Lightning Protection Function?
3 Answers
Cars do not have lightning protection function. Here are the relevant details: 1. Metal Shell: The car's outer shell is a large metal enclosure, forming an equipotential body, so people inside the car do not need to worry about being struck by lightning. The vehicle itself is a conductor that easily attracts lightning. If lightning strikes the vehicle, walking near it may expose you to the current conducted through the ground. 2. Precautions: When a car is struck by lightning, the instantaneous high voltage may also damage the electronic components inside the car, causing the electronic devices to malfunction. Additionally, never rashly exit the car to inspect the vehicle's condition, as it is much more dangerous outside the car than inside.
In fact, a car itself acts like a metal cage, which is the Faraday cage effect, where lightning current travels along the outer shell to the ground. However, since tires are insulating, when a car is struck by lightning, the current may jump toward the ground through gaps in the car body, making it even more dangerous. I've seen a car struck by lightning on the roadside—its windows were completely shattered, and the paint was melted. Moreover, the lightning strike could instantly damage electronic components like the car's computer or airbag module, making repairs extremely costly. The safest approach is to avoid driving during thunderstorms. If caught in one while on the road, immediately close the windows, avoid touching metal parts, and seek shelter indoors as soon as possible.
From a safety perspective, a car's lightning protection primarily relies on structural design. The metal body can channel lightning to the ground, but this only works if the lightning directly strikes the roof. If it hits the ground nearby, the current can still enter the vehicle through the tires. Last year, there was news of a driver on the highway being struck by lightning, with the dashcam capturing the bolt grazing the side mirror and causing a complete electrical failure. Additionally, if there's water accumulation on the roof during rain, the current is more likely to enter the car. Therefore, during thunderstorms, avoid parking under trees and remember to turn off GPS and chargers to minimize risks.
