Why Won’t My Car Start After a Lightning Strike Nearby?”

AvatarByCarl Frisch

When a car is struck by lightning, it can be damaged in several ways, causing it to not start. The electrical system in the car can be damaged due to the high voltage of a lightning strike, which can cause it to short circuit and stop running. Additionally, the lightning strike can cause physical damage to the car’s components, such as the spark plugs, alternator, starter motor, or other electrical parts. Lastly, a lightning strike can also cause damage to the car’s computer system which controls many of its functions. All of these damages combined can prevent a car from starting after a lightning strike.

Automobiles and Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes are a major concern for many drivers. When lightning strikes near a car, it can cause significant damage that may prevent the car from starting. If you discover your car was struck by lightning, it is important to take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your car. This article will provide an overview of the effects of lightning strikes on cars, how to diagnose and fix a car that won’t start after a lightning strike, tips for protecting your vehicle from lightning strikes, what to do if you find your car struck by lightning, and possible injuries caused by lightning strikes on cars.

Effects of Lightning Strikes on Cars

When lightning strikes near a car, it can cause damage in many different ways. Electrical components may be damaged or destroyed, causing electrical issues such as computer malfunctions or damaged ignition systems. The force of the strike may also cause physical damage such as dents or broken windows. In some cases, the strike may directly hit the car itself and cause fires or smoke damage.

How to Diagnose a Car That Won’t Start After Lightning Strike

If you find yourself in this situation, there are some steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue. First, check the battery for any signs of damage or corrosion. Next, inspect all fuses and wiring harnesses for any signs of corrosion or wear. Finally, look for corrosion or other signs of damage in the starter motor itself.

How to Fix a Car That Won’t Start After Lightning Strike

Once you have identified any damaged components due to the lighting strike, you will need to replace them before attempting repairs on any other parts of the vehicle. If there is minor corrosion on wiring harnesses or fuses, they should be replaced as well before attempting further repairs. In some cases, replacing a bad starter motor may be necessary if it has been damaged due to the lighting strike.

Tips to Protect Your Vehicle from Lightning Strikes

Fortunately there are several things drivers can do in order to protect their vehicles from being struck by lightning: park away from tall objects like trees; avoid open areas during storms; install a lightning protection system; put metal tops on convertibles and soft-tops; and never park under power lines during storms.

What To Do if You Find Your Car Struck by Lightning

If your vehicle is struck by lightning while parked outside during a storm there are several important steps you should take: check for any signs of fire or smoke inside and outside of your vehicle; inspect all electrical components for functionality; look over the exterior of your vehicle for any visible signs of damage; contact emergency services immediately if needed; contact an auto repair shop that specializes in repairing vehicles impacted by lighting strikes; and document all damages with photos taken prior to repairs so that you can make an insurance claim if necessary.

Possible Injuries Caused By Lightning Strikes On Cars

While most people do not suffer serious injuries when their vehicles are impacted by lighting strikes, it is important to be aware that these incidents can result in serious medical conditions such as burns or electric shock injuries due to electrical current passing through parts of your body that have made contact with metal components inside your vehicle (steering wheel/pedals). Medical attention should be sought immediately following such incidents regardless if any visible injury has occurred as some injuries may not be apparent until after they have been given time to manifest themselves fully in victims’ bodies.

Lightning Strike Near Car Won’t Start: What to Do?

Lightning is a powerful force of nature that can cause significant damage to vehicles, including cars and trucks. When lightning strikes near your car, it can cause a number of issues. The most common problem is that the car won’t start. If you’re caught in a thunderstorm while driving and your car won’t start after lightning strikes nearby, it’s important to take the proper safety precautions and follow the necessary steps to get your car running again.

Safety Precautions

The most important thing to do if you’re caught in a thunderstorm while driving is to pull over at a safe location as soon as possible and turn off all electrical devices, including your air conditioner and radio. Avoid contact with metal surfaces while outside of the car, as they can act as an electrical conductor during a lightning strike.

Potential Damage

When lightning strikes near your vehicle, there are several potential damages that may occur. This includes malfunction in the electrical system, damage of engine parts, total loss of vehicle, or other types of injuries such as electrical shock injury, burns or blisters, or cardiac arrest.

Inspection After Lightning Strike

Once you have safely pulled over during a thunderstorm and the lightning strike has passed, inspect your vehicle for any visible damage or malfunctioning parts. Check for burning smells or scorch marks around wires or other components that could have been damaged from the lightning strike. If there is any visible damage or malfunctioning parts, it is best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for further inspection and repairs if necessary.

Insurance Coverage

When it comes to insurance coverage for cars struck by lightning, comprehensive coverage typically covers most costs associated with repairs related to damage caused by lightning strikes. However Collision insurance may also cover some costs associated with repairing physical damages caused by the lightning strike on your vehicle such as broken windows or dents on exterior body panels depending on where you live and your specific policy details.

Preventative Measures

Taking preventative measures when driving in bad weather conditions can help reduce any potential risks associated with driving in thunderstorms or other hazardous weather conditions. Make sure all tires are properly inflated so they are able to evenly disperse heat from friction which can build up from road surfaces during wet weather conditions such as rain or snow. It is also important to keep up with routine maintenance on brakes which helps ensure proper braking performance in wet weather conditions. Additionally it is important to keep headlights clear from dirt and debris so they are able to properly illuminate the road ahead when visibility becomes poor during storms or other hazardous weather conditions

FAQ & Answers

Q: What should I do if my car won’t start after a lightning strike?
A: If your car won’t start after a lightning strike, you should check the battery, inspect the fuses and wiring, and look for corrosion or damage in the starter. You may need to replace damaged components or repair damaged wiring harnesses, or you may need to replace a bad starter motor.

Q: How can I protect my vehicle from lightning strikes?
A: To protect your vehicle from lightning strikes, you should park away from tall objects and avoid open areas during storms. You can also install a lightning protection system and put metal tops on convertibles or soft tops.

Q: What should I do if I find my car struck by lightning?
A: If you find your car struck by lightning, you should check for damage and signs of fire or smoke. You should also inspect all electrical components for functionality and look over the exterior of the car for any damage.

Q: Are there any potential injuries caused by lightning strikes on cars?
A: Yes, there are potential injuries caused by lightning strikes on cars, such as electrical shock injury, burns or blisters, and cardiac arrest.

Q: What type of insurance coverage is available for cars struck by lightning?
A: Insurance coverage for cars struck by lightning typically includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.

In conclusion, lightning strike near car won’t start is a very serious issue and it can cause a lot of damage to the car, if not addressed properly. It is important to take all necessary precautions when driving in thunderstorm conditions and to take the vehicle to a professional garage for inspection if lightning strike has occurred. Taking preventive measures like parking the car away from tall trees or metal poles and using surge protectors can help minimize the risk of lightning damaging a car.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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