Top car mechanic Scotty Kilmer has lifted the lid on what could happen if cars are struck by lightning after first-hand experience.
In a resurfaced clip, the leading American car mechanic unveiled his vehicle had been hit by a lightning bolt while parked on his driveway.
The bolt sheared through Scotty’s solar charger but otherwise, the model was completely unharmed.
Seconds later Scotty turned the ignition key, proving the model had sustained no long-term damage from the ordeal.
The leading mechanic issued the simple advice on his YouTube channel where he shares almost daily tips to motorists.
Speaking on YouTube, Scotty said: “Today I’m going to tell you why one of the safest places you can be in a thunderstorm is inside your car.
“And this is why, They sit on rubber tyres. And that’s one reason why I stand on rubber soles.
“Years ago I was in the driveway working on a car, lightning hit a tree and I had my rubber souls on.
“I did feel a little bit of electricity in my legs but it didn’t do any damage.
“Now three days ago lightning hit the pole right behind here about 150m away. It destroyed my solar charger in this car. That’s why there’s a new one in here but look at the car.
YouTube viewers were quick to praise Scotty’s findings in the comments section but many suggested the rubber tyres had limited impact.
Instead, they pointed out the car’s main chassis which is designed as a ‘Faraday cage’ to push electric current around the vehicle and not through it.
@Herbertti3 explained: “Yeah that’s not the main reason. Rubber [tyres] insulate for sure but it’s the car’s metal structure that prevents lightning directly hitting the car.”
@abred76 commented: “Scotty it’s more that that car is a Faraday cage. Rubber [tyres] are an insulator, but the two are mutually exclusive.”
