Have you ever wondered what would happen if a powerful bolt of electricity from the sky slammed into your car? It’s a frightening thought, and many drivers worry about the potential danger during thunderstorms. Will you be electrocuted? Will the car explode?
What happens if lightning strikes a car? When lightning strikes a car, the metal frame acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around the occupants and safely into the ground. Occupants are generally protected, but the car’s electrical system, tires, and antenna can be damaged.
This guide will delve into the science behind lightning strikes and vehicles, separating myth from reality. We’ll explore why you’re generally safe inside a car, what kind of damage to expect, and, most importantly, the crucial safety precautions you need to take during a thunderstorm. You will also understand how to prove the damage from lightning, and many more.
Key Facts:
* A car’s metal body acts as a Faraday cage, protecting occupants by channeling electricity to the ground.
* Lightning strikes can damage a car’s electrical system, tires, and antenna.
* The rubber tires of a car do not provide insulation from lightning.
* It’s safer to be inside a hard-top, fully enclosed metal vehicle than outside during a lightning storm.
* According to the National Weather Service, the outer metal shell of hard-topped metal vehicles provides protection to those inside with the windows closed.
Is it Safe to be in a Car During a Lightning Storm?
Yes, it is generally safe to be inside a hard-top, fully enclosed metal vehicle during a lightning storm. The car’s metal frame acts as a Faraday cage.
A Faraday cage is an enclosure made of conductive material that blocks external electric fields. When lightning strikes a car, the electrical current flows through the metal body, around the occupants, and then to the ground. This principle is why occupants are usually protected from harm. According to the National Weather Service (.gov), the outer metal shell of hard-topped metal vehicles provides protection to those inside a vehicle with the windows closed.
Why Do the Rubber Tires Not Protect You?
A common misconception is that the rubber tires of a car insulate it from lightning. This is false. The electrical charge from a lightning strike is powerful enough to jump the relatively small gap between the car’s metal frame and the ground, even through the tires. Energized by Edison states that it’s the metal roof and sides that keep you safe, not your rubber tires.
What is a Faraday Cage?
A Faraday cage is a container made of conductive material, like metal, that blocks external static and non-static electric fields. The electric charges are distributed across the cage’s exterior, canceling out electric fields inside.
What Happens to a Car When Lightning Strikes?
When lightning strikes a car, several things can happen, ranging from minimal to significant damage. The severity depends on the intensity of the strike and the car’s design.
How Does a Car Protect Occupants?
The primary way a car protects its occupants is through the Faraday cage effect. The car’s metal body conducts the electrical current around the interior, diverting it away from people inside.
What Damage Can Occur to the Car?
While the occupants are typically safe, the car itself can suffer various forms of damage.
- Electrical System Damage: The most common consequence is damage to the car’s electrical system. The surge of electricity can fry circuits, damage the battery, and disable electronic components. Stoneacre mentions that lightning can damage the vehicle’s electrical system, including the battery, computer, and other electronics.
- Tire Damage: Although tires don’t insulate the car, they can be damaged. The intense heat generated by the lightning strike can cause the air inside the tires to expand rapidly, leading to blowouts.
- Antenna Damage: The antenna, being a protruding metal component, is a likely point of contact for lightning. It can be melted or otherwise damaged.
- External Surface Damage: The exterior of the car may show scorch marks, pitting, or arcing where the lightning entered and exited. Toyota of North Charlotte states your car can sustain external damage on your ride if your car gets struck by lightning, such as scorch marks and arching or pitting.
- Fire: In rare cases, a very intense lightning strike can ignite a fire, potentially totaling the vehicle. MotorTrend notes that more powerful bolts can total vehicles, especially if fire is involved.
How Does the Electrical Current Travel Through the Car?
The electrical current follows the path of least resistance, which is typically the car’s metal body. It flows through the frame, around the passenger compartment, and then to the ground, often through the tires or by arcing.
What Should You Do If Lightning Strikes Your Car While Driving?
If lightning strikes your car while driving, it’s a frightening experience, but staying calm and taking the right actions can help ensure your safety.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Pull Over Safely: The first and most crucial step is to pull over to the side of the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Stay Inside: Remain inside the vehicle. The car’s metal frame provides protection, so it’s the safest place to be.
- Hands in Lap: Do not touch any metal parts of the car, including the steering wheel, door handles, gear shift, or electronic devices. Keep your hands in your lap.
- Wait it Out: Wait for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before exiting the car. Lightning can still strike even after the storm seems to have passed.
What to Avoid Doing
- Don’t Touch Metal: Avoid touching anything metallic connected to the car’s frame.
- Don’t Use Electronics: Refrain from using the radio, GPS, or any other electronic devices.
- Don’t Panic: Even if the situation is scary, staying as calm as possible will make it easier to handle the situation.
How to Check for Damage After the Storm
Once the storm has completely passed and it’s safe to exit the vehicle, carefully inspect the car for damage.
- Visual Inspection: Look for scorch marks, damage to the antenna, and any signs of fire.
- Tire Check: Examine the tires for any signs of damage or deflation.
- Electrical System Check: Once it’s safe to start the car, test the lights, radio, and other electrical components.
How Can You Prove Car Damage is From a Lightning Strike?
Proving that car damage resulted from a lightning strike can be important for insurance claims.
Documentation and Evidence
- Photographs: Take clear photos of any visible damage, such as scorch marks, damaged tires, or a melted antenna.
- Witness Statements: If anyone saw the lightning strike, get their contact information and a brief statement.
- Weather Reports: Obtain weather reports from the time and location of the incident, confirming the presence of a thunderstorm.
Professional Inspection
- Mechanic’s Report: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car and provide a written report detailing the damage and their professional opinion on the cause.
- Electrical System Diagnostics: An automotive electrician can perform diagnostic tests to determine if the electrical system damage is consistent with a lightning strike.
Insurance Claim Process
- Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident.
- Provide Documentation: Submit all gathered evidence, including photos, witness statements, weather reports, and the mechanic’s report.
FAQs About What Happens if Lightning Strikes a Car
Is it dangerous to drive during a lightning storm?
Driving during a lightning storm is not inherently dangerous if you are in an enclosed, hard-top vehicle. However, reduced visibility and wet roads can increase the risk of accidents. It’s best to pull over and wait out the storm if possible.
Can lightning strike a moving car?
Yes, lightning can strike a moving car. The movement of the car does not significantly affect the likelihood of a strike.
Are convertibles safe in lightning?
No, convertibles with soft tops do not offer the same protection as hard-top vehicles. The metal frame provides the Faraday cage effect, which is absent in a soft-top convertible.
Will a lightning strike total a car?
It’s possible, but not always the case. The extent of damage depends on the intensity of the strike. Minor damage might only affect the antenna or electrical system, while a severe strike could cause a fire and total the car.
Does car insurance cover lightning damage?
Comprehensive car insurance typically covers lightning damage. Check your specific policy for details.
Should I turn off the car engine during a lightning storm?
It doesn’t make a difference to your safety whether the engine is running or not.
What should I do if I see lightning while driving?
Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for the storm to pass. Do not touch any metal parts of the vehicle.
How common are car lightning strikes?
Car lightning strikes are relatively rare, but they do happen.
Can I touch the car after it’s been struck by lightning?
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before touching the car.
What are the most common types of damage to a car from a lightning strike?
The most common damages from a lightning strike are: damage to electrical system, tire blowouts, and antenna damage.
Summary
Lightning striking a car is a dramatic event, but thanks to the Faraday cage effect of the vehicle’s metal body, the occupants are generally protected. While the car itself may sustain damage, ranging from minor electrical issues to, in rare cases, a fire, the risk to those inside is low, provided they take precautions like staying inside and avoiding contact with metal components. If you find yourself driving during a thunderstorm, remember the key is to pull over, stay inside, and wait it out. Isn’t it remarkable how a metal box on wheels can offer such powerful protection against one of nature’s most formidable forces?
