What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Car? Real Dangers, Myths & What to Do Next

What happens if lightning strikes a car? It is estimated that lightning strikes about 1.4 billion flashes each year worldwide, and while most people worry about being struck outdoors, many forget about the risks in their cars. Now let’s break down the science, common myths, and safety guidelines so you can protect yourself and your vehicles.

What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Car?

Can Lightning Really Strike a Car?

The answer is YES. 

The dangers of lightning are huge. It can hit vehicles, especially in open spaces during a thunderstorm.

Actually, thunderstorms do not discriminate between tall trees, houses, or vehicles; they simply take the fastest path to the ground.

Can Lightning Really Strike a Car?

Common misconception

While many people believe cars are safe from lightning thanks to their rubber tires, this is a myth!

Can a car be protected from rubber tires?

Car tires made of rubber do not shield you from lightning - the protection actually comes from the metal shell of the vehicle.

This structure directs electrical energy along the exterior and away from the occupants inside.

Scientific explanation

When lightning strikes, the metal frame of the car channels the electrical charge across its surface, allowing it to disperse into the ground. 

This is why most people inside remain unharmed as long as they avoid direct contact with metal parts during the storm.

Electricity from lightning disperses into the ground

What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Car?

Lightning strikes cars more often than most realize, but what exactly happens in the moment? Can lightning strike through a car’s window?

The Lightning Strike Event

When a car is hit by lightning, the bolt usually connects with the metal roof, antenna, or trunk. 

What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Car?

The metal frame acts as a protective shell. Instead of traveling inside to passengers, the electrical current flows along the vehicle’s outer shell, sparing the inside cabin in most cases. This protective effect is often called the Faraday cage. 

While this usually keeps people inside safe, it doesn’t mean the car itself escapes damage.

Effects on Vehicle Components

When lightning strikes a car, it can harm the car in various ways: 

• Electrical system failures: onboard electronics, computers, and wiring may be fried by the sudden surge.

• Tire damage: the extreme heat can burn or blow out tires as the current exits through them.

• Exterior damage: scorch marks, melted antennas, or damaged paint can appear where the strike hit.

• Glass issues: in rare cases, the intense heat may crack or shatter windows.

Effects on Vehicle Components

What Actions To Take if Your Car Is Struck By Lightning?

If your car is struck by lightning, the most important thing is to stay calm and remain inside until the storm passes. 

The vehicle’s metal frame usually directs the electricity around you, but there are still safety steps you should follow:

• Keep windows closed and avoid touching metal parts such as door handles, steering columns, or gear shifts.

• Do not use electronic devices plugged into the car, since they could be affected by the surge.

• Wait until the storm ends before leaving the vehicle. Stepping out too soon may expose you to another strike.

• Check for damage once it is safe, look for tire issues, electrical malfunctions, or broken glass.

• Call for assistance if the car will not start, smells like smoke, or shows signs of electrical failure.

What Actions To Take if Your Car Is Struck By Lightning?

Lightning Myths

There are many myths surrounding lightning and its dangers. Now let’s walk through some of them to find out the truth!

Can a Lightning Strike Total a Car?

Yes, while the metal body of a car helps protect occupants, a powerful strike can still cause serious damage.

This may include blown tires, damaged electronics, cracked windows, or in rare cases, fires that could render the vehicle unusable.

Can a Lightning Strike Total a Car?

How Often Do Vehicles Get Hit By Lightning?

While vehicles can and do get struck by lightning, it is a rare event compared to lightning hitting open ground, trees, or buildings. 

In the United States, experts estimate that lightning strikes about 25 million times each year, yet only a very small percentage of these strikes involve vehicles. 

Cars are less likely to be hit directly because of their relatively low height and smaller surface area compared to tall structures or wide-open fields.

However, when vehicles are struck, the metal frame usually directs the electrical charge safely around passengers before grounding it into the earth.

How Often Do Vehicles Get Hit By Lightning?

Is Driving During a Lightning Storm Considered Safe?

Driving is not the biggest danger; it is wet roads, low visibility, and slippery conditions. 

While cars act like protective shells, they do not eliminate all risks. If possible, it’s still best to wait out the storm under solid shelter.

Is Driving During a Lightning Storm Considered Safe?

Does Car Insurance Cover Lightning-Related Damage?

Lightning damage may be covered, but only if you have comprehensive insurance.

Liability or collision-only plans generally will not pay for damage caused by environmental events like lightning. 

Does Car Insurance Cover Lightning-Related Damage?

Final Word

What happens if lightning strikes a car? People inside are usually safe because the metal frame directs electricity around the vehicle, but the car itself may suffer damage to its electrical system, tires, or exterior. The best way to stay protected is to remain inside, avoid touching metal, and wait until the storm passes.