So your car got stuck by lightning... now what?

 They say your odds of getting struck by lightning are 1 in 15,300 (or so says the National Weather Service). And while those odds are pretty much in your favor that you won't be, there's always a chance. Today our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is going over what to do if your car gets struck by lightning and the damage that it can cause when this type of accident occurs. 

What should you do if your car gets struck by lightning? 

There really is no way to avoid your car getting struck by lightning other than to just not drive in thunderstorms, which we know isn't always feasible. So if you do find yourself in a situation where your N Charlotte Toyota has been struck, here are the steps to take after the fact. 

• If you're inside of your car, pull over and park. Turn your hazard lights on and refrain from touching ANYTHING metal (plastic is OK). Remember, metal is a conductor and there could still be electrical energy from the lightning surging through the car. 

• Put your hands in your lap and sit still for at least 30 minutes. It's also a good idea to call local emergency services to let them know what's happened and have them send help. 
• Don't open any doors or windows until the 30-minute period has elapsed. 

• If you're not in your car when it gets struck by lightning, it's still a good idea to call local emergency services and report what happened. 

• Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to open any doors of the vehicle. 

In both cases, you need to contact your car insurance company as quickly as possible. Your comprehensive policy on your insurance should cover lightning strikes, but you do need to start a claim right away. While physical aesthetic damage is easily tied to lightning, it can be more difficult to link electrical systems and mechanical damage as time goes on. 

What happens when your car gets struck by lightning? 

What types of damage can occur when your car gets struck by lightning? Here's what the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center have to say about it. 

Your electrical system and electronics could be fried. When your car gets struck by lightning, it could result in your electrical system being fried or melted. This can also damage electronics in your car, like your multimedia systems and cameras. 

Your N Charlotte Toyota could suffer mechanical or engine damage. Lightning strikes can also cause engine and other mechanical damage, which could leave you stranded as your car won't start. 

Your paint, glass, and exterior plastic accessories could be damaged. When your car gets struck by lightning you may experience paint damage on the exterior, as well as broken glass and melted or warped plastic. 

Your airbags may deploy. In some cases, a lightning strike will cause your airbags to deploy. If the other damage to your N Charlotte Toyota is bad enough, your car insurance company may declare the car totaled. 

Whether you have questions about what to do after your car gets struck by lightning or you need auto repairs to the damage it incurred, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.