Is it safe to drive in thunder? What happens when a car is struck by lightning?

It is safe to drive in lightning, because the car shell is made of metal with excellent conductivity, which is very close to the conditions in faraday cage. The so-called "faraday cage" principle means that when high voltage is generated, according to the electrostatic balance condition of the grounding conductor, the cage is equipotential, the internal potential difference is zero, and the electric field is zero, so there will be no current passing through the cage, and people hiding inside will not get an electric shock.

Therefore, when the driver drives the vehicle in thunderstorm weather, even if the vehicle is unfortunately struck by lightning, the electromagnetic environment inside the vehicle is basically unaffected, and people can stay in the vehicle safely. At the same time, the lightning current will reach the position of the axle through the surface of the car body with the help of rain, and will soon be transmitted to the ground through the wet tires. Therefore, the car is an ideal outdoor lightning protection place.

However, it does not mean that it is absolutely safe for cars to be protected from lightning outdoors. When a car is struck by lightning, the instantaneous high-voltage electricity may also damage the electronic components in the car, resulting in the failure of the electrical equipment in the car to work normally, and even a fire may occur in serious cases.

It is reported that the places where cars are more vulnerable to lightning strike are mostly concentrated on the metal rings on the roof and wheels, because in the process of high-speed driving, the current will quickly develop to the ground after lightning strikes the car. Under wet conditions, lightning current will reach the position of the axle through the surface of the car body. Because the rubber of the wheel is non-conductor, lightning current will leave a current scar on the metal part of the wheel. In wet conditions, lightning will be grounded through the wheels.

In the case of dry wheels or convertibles, lightning will endanger personal safety. The car is a metal object, but the wet tire has become the key part of the connection and conduction between the car body and the ground. Even if the car is struck by lightning, the current can be conducted to the ground through the body shell and tires.

Driving skills in thunderstorm weather

1. In thunderstorm weather, it is best not to park your car in an open place, or on a large billboard or under a big tree. Although there is no electricity in the car, if billboards and trees are hit by lightning, the car is in danger of being smashed;

2, radio, GPS, car phone and other equipment should be turned off, these equipment will attract lightning in thunderstorm weather;

3. Doors and windows should be closed to keep the car closed to prevent being struck by lightning.