Five key signs can indicate if lightning struck your car: look for dark scorch marks near the antenna or roofline, check for shattered glass with tree-like patterns, inspect tires for charred marks or white streaks, watch for multiple warning lights on your dashboard, and pay attention to sudden engine or transmission problems. Your car’s electronic systems are particularly vulnerable to lightning damage, and these symptoms often appear together. Understanding these warning signs will help you identify potential lightning damage before it becomes dangerous.
Quick Tips
- External burn marks and scorched paint near the antenna or roofline indicate direct lightning contact with the vehicle.
- Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously can signal electrical system damage from a lightning strike.
- Shattered rear windows or glass surfaces showing distinctive tree-like Lichtenberg patterns point to lightning damage.
- White streaks running from rim to tire edge and charred marks on tires suggest lightning’s path through wheels.
- Sudden engine shutdown or failure to start, accompanied by erratic vehicle performance, indicates potential lightning-induced system damage.
External Burn Marks and Paint Damage
Five telltale signs of lightning damage can appear on your car’s exterior, with burn marks and paint damage being the most visible indicators.
You’ll notice dark scorch marks near the antenna or roofline, while the paint may show pitting, bubbling, or peeling where the strike occurred. The damage can compromise the vehicle’s integrity, similar to how brake system functionality is critical for vehicle safety. Look for small craters in the metal and localized areas where the paint has blistered or stripped away completely. The intense electrical charge often creates a Faraday cage effect through the metal body of the vehicle.
Window and Glass Warning Signs
Windows can experience significant damage since lightning reaches temperatures of up to 27,760 degrees Celsius. Lightning strikes can also cause heat stress on the glass, leading to cracks and other imperfections. Look for shattered glass, especially in the rear window where defroster wires can conduct electricity. You’ll also want to check for pitting, tree-like Lichtenberg patterns, and signs of heat stress like warping or discoloration near window edges.
Telltale Signs of Tire and Wheel Damage
A direct strike to your vehicle can wreak havoc on its tires and wheels, leaving behind distinct signs of damage that you’ll need to carefully examine.
Look for charred marks on the tire surface, white streaks running from rim to edge, and electrical arcing marks on wheel nuts.
While some damage is visible immediately, internal tire breakdown can occur gradually, leading to dangerous blowouts hours later. Additionally, it’s crucial to inspect for tire bubbles as they can compromise tire strength and safety.
Electronic System Failure Indicators
Beyond visible damage to tires and wheels, modern vehicles can display numerous electronic warning signs after a lightning strike.
You’ll notice multiple dashboard lights illuminating simultaneously, including check engine, ABS, and airbag warnings.
Your car might fail to start or experience rough transmission shifts, while the infotainment system could become unresponsive.
If your OBD scanner won’t connect, that’s another red flag. Additionally, a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor can lead to incorrect engine timing, exacerbating performance issues.
Engine and Vehicle Performance Problems
Several critical engine and performance issues can signal that your car has been struck by lightning.
You’ll notice your engine may suddenly shut down or refuse to start, while erratic behavior could affect your transmission, steering, and brakes.
If you’re experiencing difficulty shifting gears or inconsistent engine performance, along with multiple warning lights, these symptoms strongly suggest lightning damage to your vehicle’s systems.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve found any of these warning signs on your vehicle, don’t wait to take action. Contact your insurance company immediately and have a qualified mechanic inspect your car for lightning-related damage. While some effects might be immediately apparent, others can surface over time and compromise your safety. Document everything you’ve noticed, take photos of visible damage, and don’t drive the vehicle until it’s been professionally cleared.