What happens if the car you’re in gets hit by lightning?

Sometimes the tires pop. Other times nothing major happens. The metal car acts as a sort of protective cage which allows the lightning to pass over and around the outside of the car. It has nothing to do with the rubber tires acting as an insulator. It is the metal frame of the car that protects everyone inside by keeping the lightning on the outside.

There are many parts of the car which could be damaged, however. Aside from tires popping, there have been reports of paint damage, as well as electrical wiring and computer damage. But the bragging rights you get are well worth it.