SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/car-lightning-metal-not-tires

You're inside a hard-topped car in a lightning storm. What protects you?

The car's metal shell, not the rubber tires.

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The Just Right card

Too littleLeaning on the car outside is fine
Too muchCars are never safe in storms
Just rightInside a hard-topped car, windows up

Huh, didn't know that: Standing outside and leaning on the car is not safe. The protection only works if you're inside.

The dad joke
What's worse than raining cats and dogs? Hailing taxis.
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References

Answer: The metal shell around you. Lightning runs through the car's outer metal shell and down to the ground, around the people inside. The tires don't stop it. Stay inside with the windows up.

  1. National Weather Service: Lightning and Cars www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-cars
    the outer metal shell of hard-topped metal vehicles does provide protection to those inside a vehicle with the windows closed.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

How Things WorkDoes lightning ever strike the same place twice?How Things WorkYou see lightning, then count 10 seconds until thunder. About how far away was it?How Things WorkHow hot can lightning heat the air around it?

That's stuff everyone should know.