What to Do When a Car is Struck by Lightning?
2 Answers
When a car is struck by lightning, there's no need to panic because vehicles are equipped with lightning protection features. If struck, promptly find a safe place to pull over and inspect the car's condition after the rain stops. The details are as follows: 1. A car acts as a Faraday cage, where its metal shell provides excellent protection to the interior, shielding it completely from the effects of external electric field changes. Therefore, there's no need to panic if the car is struck by lightning. 2. After a lightning strike, the instantaneous high voltage may damage the car's electronic components, potentially causing electrical devices inside to malfunction. Hence, it's crucial to check the car's condition once the rain stops.
If my car is struck by lightning, I might first be startled by the loud noise but immediately remind myself to stay calm. If driving, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and stay inside the car—it's the safest shelter as the metal body structure can direct the current to the ground, preventing electric shock. Avoid touching door handles or other metal parts and remain seated. Common issues after a lightning strike include sudden tire bursts or electrical system shorts, such as malfunctioning dashboard displays, and you might detect a burning smell indicating potential hazards. Quickly use your phone to contact rescue services or a towing company; if communication is down, wait patiently for the weather to improve. Afterwards, have a professional technician thoroughly inspect the vehicle: the battery, ECU module, and wiring are key areas to check. Lightning damage is usually covered by insurance, but safety comes first—don’t attempt repairs on your own.
