So you’ve already been battling through a storm and now your car has been struck by lighting. This is a serious situation. You may not know how to navigate this certain type of weather, but our team at Orlando Toyota is here to help weather you through the storm. This is more prevalent living in Orlando, however, lightning can strike at any time. So, the question is, how unsafe is it to drive through a lightning storm, and what should you do if your car gets struck?
What Should You Expect During if your Car Gets Struck by Lightning?
Well, this sounds like a bad time, but this is not always the case. The great news for you, if your car is struck by lightning, is that if your windows are closed, you and our Orlando Toyota will more than likely be safe. Your Orlando Toyota is made out of hard metal and if your car is to be struck by lightning, the metal will deflect the energy. Let’s find out more about what could happen if your car gets struck by lightning.
Deployed airbags. If lightning strikes on your Orlando Toyota can deploy your airbags. If this happens, your car may be totaled depending on the rest of the damage to it. You will be the safest when this happens, so do not panic.
Damage to the paint, plastic, and glass. Lightning can destroy the paint, fuse the outside mirrors, break glass, and melt the plastic. This may damage your Orlando Toyota and leave it messy, however, it’s important to note that this is usually not the case.
Damage to the engine. Just like it can damage your electrical system, lightning can also destroy your car’s engine and prevent your car from running.
A damaged electrical system and computer chips. Lightning can destroy computer chips which may prevent your Orlando Toyota from running. If your car is struck by lightning. it can melt and fry electrical systems, and break electronics inside of the car, like your sound system. This ca cause, many issues for your Orlando Toyota.
What is the Best Move to Make if Your Car is Struck by Lightening
If you’re outside of the car: You need to avoid touching it and immediately call your insurance company. This way you can report what happened and file a claim. Physical damage is easy to see however, keep in mind that there may be electrical and technological damage involved. Our Orlando Toyota team suggests taking you can in so that it can have comprehensive coverage for your insurance.
If you’re inside the car, You should pull over and turn your hazards on. The next thing that is important to remember is to turn your car off, but be careful not to touch anything metal that could still be conducting electricity from the strike. You then should call for help, but you should still not touch your vehicle until help arrives. Once you’ve safely exited, be sure to call your insurance company to make a report and start a claim.
Do you have more questions or possibly need repairs after your car gets struck by lightning? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
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