Topic: Static

[newbee]

Hi there

Is there any solution to eliminate the static or sparks when you touch your car? I know it sounds funny but I really get lot of this during winter time.

[AVToller]

That was a major issue for me when I had the Golf. I used some anti-static spray during the winter months and it helped a lot. I can't remember the brand though. I bought it in a supermarket in the laundry section if that's any help. 

[skypoint]

I used to find that touching the asphalt before touching metal surfaces on the car would marginally reduce the intensity of the shock.

My other favourite technique as to carry around a young relative ie cousin. Upon exiting my car, I would avoid touching the metal work until after I had discharged the static charge built up on me on the relative. This technique was problematic in that it was usually accompanied my a yelp of pain.

[mrthompson]

Even in summer, my Focus can give you a real shock if you are not careful when exiting the car.  It is even worse in winter.  The static appears to be generated by the type of fabric that was installed on the seats.  I have used 'Static Guard' on the seats which seems to help temporarily.  The Focus has plastic door handles, so when I exit the car I avoid touching anything metal and close the doors by pushing on the door handles.

[Driver]

I used to find that touching the asphalt before touching metal surfaces on the car would marginally reduce the intensity of the shock.

Skypoint is bang on.  Touch GROUND.  If you're near a wall in a parking lot or a pole, touch that first with bare hands then touch the car.  Asphalt will do just fine too.  If there's no GROUND in sight (like today, unplowed parking lots), make a fist first and knock the car with your knuckles... just like knocking on the door.  the static shock you'll get is a whole lot bearable since the sensation of knocking your knuckles sort of equalizes the static.

[skypoint]

Of course, the easiest way to avoid static is leather seats.

[mrthompson]

Or leather pants...

[wing]

Or touch the metal BEFORE getting out of the car, doing it the other way is the issue..... I think.

IE: Grab plastic handle on door, then before getting out of the car hold onto a metal part of the car and put your feel down.  The discharge will now occur through your body which you will never feel.

The problem is most cars are all plastic, so you open the door step out, then when you go to shut the door you touch the metal part and blammo shock.

[Wetson]

I don't remember what they are called but you can get strips that you attached to the undercarriage of your vehicle near the rear of the car.  They drag slightly along the ashphalt as you are driving and discharge any static.  I believe Crappy tire sells them and I'm certain you can get them at other automotive supply shops.

[mrthompson]

Static grounding straps?  I always thought they were to improve radio reception.   

[The Mighty Duck]

I always throught there were tacky as sin...

[barrie1]

Yes, but they do serve a purpose and so does the shoes or type of boots you are wearing for grounding as well. The Car interior is the biggest offender on this problem unless you are properly grounded with good footwear. I think we all have been caught with the wrong combination of clothes and footware and nailed at least one good ZAP. Defintely not a Fun trip at all. 

[bmorton]

The grounding straps that drag along behind the car (they still actually sell these? I haven't seen any in years) won't help with the zap you get when you get out of the car because it's you who's charged in that situation, not the car. The car itself is grounded through its tires. As you contact the car seat a fairly high-voltage static charge can build up, and you can take that charge with you when you get out. Wing is right, touching metal as you get out allows the charge to dissipate without that spark, or arc of discharge to the car.

Doing that, or using anti-static spray, seem to be the best ways to deal with it.

[vroom124]

I get that static too when getting out of my car. So that's where it comes from...

[wing]

If you were able to sit PERFECTLY still in your car and not slide into the seat you would never have this problem, friction creates the static charge. 

So there are a few ways to avoid it.

1) Sit perfectly still (impossible)
2) Touch metal BEFORE putting your feet down
3) Sanitize your cars interior with anti static spray

[mrthompson]

I believe the static is generated by your a$$ sliding across the seat fabric as you exit the vehicle.   

[wing]

isn't that what I just said

[msian]

isn't that what I just said

How do you egress the car while "sitting perfectly still"....   

[wing]

Grab steering wheel, and lift yourself up   Like I said, pretty much impossible

[exserviceguy]

Hi All,
I just need a quick refresher in physics.  How can a car be electrically grounded through rubber tires?  Doesn't a vehicle moving over dry surfaces create a static charge?  And are those static grounding straps with the neat reflectors on them only for senior citizens?  And wasn't the most fun you had on a farm when you grabbed the electric fence and told your younger cousin to lick his finger and touch your hand?