Electrified: What to Do if Your Car is Hit by Lightning

While the idea of getting struck by lightning while in your car might be frightening, it’s good to know that if this happens, you will be safe. If your car has a hard top that is.

The car’s outer surface conducts most of the electricity while the body acts as a Faraday cage and will protect all occupants. This is called the ‘skin effect’.

Common damage caused by lightning

Lightning can cause significant damage to your car however. Although every strike is different, some common areas of damage include the antenna, electrical system, rear windshield, and tires are all at risk. The scorching heat from a lightning bolt can leave your antenna partially melted, creating a dangerous spark and explosive shower of burning metal fragments.

Additionally, the electrical discharge from a lightning strike can find its way into the electrical system, damaging or destroying electronic components and leaving the vehicle inoperable. The rear window is not immune either, as its defrosting wires are susceptible to damage that may cause it to shatter. Lightning can also pass through the steel belts of one or more tires, causing damage. In worst-case scenarios, a lightning strike can ignite a fire that could destroy the vehicle.

What to do if you find yourself driving in a lightning storm?

If you find yourself inside a vehicle during a lightning storm, it's important to take certain precautions to stay safe. The first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road. This will help ensure that you are not in a vulnerable position in the event of a strike.

It's important to avoid touching any metal components or components that connect to the outside of the car, such as the door or window handles, radio, gear shifter, or steering wheel. This is because these parts of the vehicle can act as conductors, which can increase the risk of electrical current passing through a new or used car and even trucks.

The best thing to do is to switch the car off and put your hands on your lap until the storm passes. This will help you avoid any accidental contact with these components and will keep you away from any electrical current that may pass through the vehicle. Remember, safety is always the first priority during a lightning storm, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Take your car to a professional technician

It's important to be aware of the potential dangers of a lightning strike and to take precautions to protect your vehicle. If your vehicle has been struck by lightning, it's best to contact us to have one of our professional technicians assess and repair any damages. Remember that damage done by lightning is not covered by the warranty plan but is covered by most insurances.

At Isuzu Truck Centre we can help ensure your and your car’s safety in the event of a lightning strike.