What Happens When Lightning Strikes a Car?
4 Answers
When a car is struck by lightning, the instantaneous high voltage may damage the electronic components inside the vehicle, causing the electronic devices to malfunction. Vehicles struck by lightning will show burn marks at the point of impact, and the electrical appliances and related components inside the car may be damaged. In severe cases, it can even lead to spontaneous combustion. Here are some considerations for purchasing car insurance: 1. Purchase Channels: Pay attention to the purchasing channels and choose a legally qualified insurance company and agents with professional qualification certificates, practice certificates, and formal agency contracts with the insurance company. 2. Consider Your Needs: Pay attention to selecting insurance products that suit your actual needs and fully understand the terms and conditions of motor vehicle insurance.
I remember my driving instructor said that when lightning strikes a car, the body acts like a big metal shell, and the current runs along the surface without entering the interior to harm people, so you're usually safe inside the car. However, the car may suffer damage, such as electronic systems like the navigation or radio short-circuiting and malfunctioning, tires being prone to bursting or wearing out after being struck, and airbags possibly deploying unexpectedly. After such an incident, don't rush to drive; first, pull over to check for any abnormalities, and it's best to have a professional repair shop thoroughly inspect the electrical wiring. Be extra cautious when driving in a storm—avoid parking in open areas and seek shelter under a bridge or in a covered spot. Learning more about safety knowledge is very helpful for daily driving, such as regular car maintenance to reduce risks.
I learned from a friend at the repair shop that although people are unharmed after a lightning strike, the car's hardware is prone to issues. The metal body conducts the current away, but electronic modules like the engine control unit or battery management unit may get fried, leading to difficulties starting the car or flickering lights. Tires can also be damaged because the current seeks grounding through the wheels, potentially causing leaks or deformation. If the car is equipped with smart systems, features like GPS or automatic braking may fail. After such an incident, don’t panic—first turn off the engine and inspect the vehicle. Once safety is confirmed, drive slowly to a repair shop. Regular preventive checks on the electrical system can help minimize such troubles.
I once had a similar experience. Driving home on a stormy night, a lightning bolt struck a nearby rooftop, causing sparks to fly from the car body, but the passengers were unharmed. The dashboard flickered a few times, and the air conditioning suddenly stopped working. Later, I found out the audio system was damaged and had to replace a fuse to restore it. From this incident, I learned that when struck by lightning, you should stay inside the car with the doors locked, wait for the lightning to stop, and then check the engine and lighting functions. If the car is still drivable, slowly move to a safe area and call a tow truck. Remembering these emergency steps can be lifesaving in critical moments.
