If lightning strikes your car, you are generally safe inside the vehicle. The car's metal body acts as a Faraday cage, a protective enclosure that directs the electrical current around the passengers and into the ground. The most immediate action is to stay inside with your hands in your lap, avoiding contact with any metal surfaces connected to the frame, like the steering column, door handles, or gear shift.
While the occupants are protected, the vehicle itself can sustain significant damage. The lightning strike can destroy electronic systems, fry the battery, blow out tires, and cause cosmetic damage to the exterior paint and body panels. The high-voltage surge can easily overwhelm modern vehicles' complex networks of ECUs (Electronic Control Units), which manage everything from engine performance to infotainment.
After a strike, the car may be inoperable. It's crucial to wait a few minutes after the strike passes before exiting. Once it's safe, carefully inspect the vehicle for damage. You should have it towed to a professional mechanic or auto body shop for a thorough inspection before attempting to drive it again. Comprehensive insurance typically covers lightning strike damage.
| Potential Damage Area | Common Effects & Repair Considerations |
|---|
| Exterior Body/Paint | Burn marks, pitting, or melting at strike points. Requires professional bodywork and repainting. |
| Tires | Can burst or be damaged from the current heating the air inside. All four tires should be inspected. |
| Electrical System | Fried battery, alternator, and fuses. Damage to wiring harnesses and ECUs can be extensive and costly. |
| Infotainment/Glass | Shattered windows or sunroof from the shockwave. Stereo, navigation, and climate control systems may fail. |
| Safety Systems | Airbag control modules and sensors can be compromised, requiring a full diagnostic scan. |
