When lightning strikes a car, it will typically either strike the antenna of the vehicle or along the roofline. The lightning will then pass through the vehicles outer metal shell, then through the tires to the ground. Although every lightning strike is different, damage to the antenna, electrical system, rear windshield, and tires is common. The heat from a lightning strike is sufficient to partially melt the antenna of a vehicle and can cause what seems like a small explosion of sparks as tiny fragments of metal melt and burn. A portion of the discharge may find its way into the vehicle's electrical system and may damage or destroy electronic components, potentially leaving the car inoperable. The lightning may also find its way into the small defrosting wires that are embedded in rear windows causing the windows to shatter. Finally, it's very common for the lightning to destroy one or more tires as it passes through the steel belts to the ground.
Intense strikes can also ignite a fire within the vehicle, rendering it inoperable and endangering the lives of passengers. Lightning can scorch the paint, fuse the outside mirrors, break glass, and melt plastic, causing damage to the paint, plastic, and glass on the exterior of the car.
However, being inside a car during a lightning strike is generally considered safe because the metal body and roof direct the electrical charge from the lightning into the ground, but only in hard-top vehicles. It makes no difference to the safety whether the engine is running or not. If someone is inside a car during a lightning storm, they should avoid touching any metal parts inside the car and wait until the storm has passed before exiting the vehicle.
