Topic: Static

[sprinter]

You can but static straps from crappy tire for a few bucks.  The idea is that as you travel the strap should be long enough to touch the road once in a while.  Doing so allows static buildup to be discharged.  It works theoretically and for some time.  But as the tip of the strap gets worn down, there is less contact so you're back to the same problem. Solution is to go under the car and lengthen the stap.  A real pain in winter or when the screws holding the strap begins to rust.  You will notice fuel tankers actually drag a chain underneath for the same reason.

The car body picks up static as it travels.  Air running across the metal panels is the culprit I think.  I too and plaugued by this so if I remember, I keep my right hand on the metal part of the door or roof when I alight.  I noticed the discharge goes through my heel.  It's not painful down there owing to a thicker skin   Another way is to hold the metal part of the key firmly between your thumb and forefinger and then let the key touch metal.  You will feel some static but not as bad.

I've read about sprays in the past but haven't tried them  Might do so this time.

[random006]

It's almost as if we need a humidifier inside the car!   Maybe a few big clumps of snow dropped onto the everpresent "pantsaver" style floor mat when entering the car? 

Touching metal is probably the easiest method.

[mrthompson]

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?

Most passenger tires have steel belts nowadays.  Carbon black is an ingredient in the rubber compound use for tires.  AFAIK, it is able to conduct electricity.

[bmorton]

A car does build up a charge as it drives, but the charge dissipates very quickly to the ground through the conductive rubber in the tires once it's stopped. When you get out, if you haven't dissipated your charge slowly by touching metal first, the charge will suddenly arc as it discharges through your hand, into the door and then to ground. The grounding straps won't change that, as the idea behind them is to assist in dissipating the car's charge.

If I don't touch anything as I get out of the car I'll sometimes get zapped and see the blue spark when I touch my metal garage door handle.