Do Cars Have Lightning Protection Function?

[StIker]

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.

[VanAlice]

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.

[SanMiguel]

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.

[ZaneFitz]

You've learned about Faraday cage principles in physics class, right? Cars basically follow this principle. However, the reality is that vehicles contain numerous non-metallic components, such as plastic interiors and rubber seats, which may create discharge gaps. During a maintenance visit, I once heard a technician mention they repaired a lightning-struck car and found the air conditioning pipes had melted. The key lies in the thickness of the metal roof—luxury cars with aluminum alloy roofs offer better lightning resistance, whereas ordinary family cars with thin sheet metal roofs actually face higher penetration risks. Don't even think about retrofitting for lightning protection; if you encounter a thunderstorm, concrete buildings remain the most reliable shelter.

[DeLillian]

The probability of being struck by lightning is much lower than that of a car accident, but the damage is extremely severe. The metal body of a car can divert lightning current, but the windshield glass and tires are weak points. The anti-static drag straps often installed on off-road vehicles are completely useless for lightning protection, while the metal cords inside the tires can help conduct the current. The most dangerous scenario is driving a convertible or with windows open, as lightning can easily discharge through the human body. I once experienced it firsthand—during a thunderstorm, my hair suddenly stood up while driving, which scared me into immediately closing the windows and turning off the engine. I later learned that was an electrostatic induction warning. Now, I absolutely refuse to drive during severe convective weather.