01-27-2012, 04:28 AM
1. Be aware of your clothing. Synthetic materials, such as most modern fleeces, increase the risk of static shock.
2. Shoes are also important. For example, beach shoes with foam soles are more or less guaranteed to shock you.
3. When you exit the car, grip the metal frame of the door for a couple of seconds before you let your feet touch the ground. The static charge is balanced when you're still seated, when you get up the charge of your clothing doesn't have the opposite charge to hold it where it is. Having your hand on the car frame when get up lets it discharge more slowly. All you need to know is that it works.
4. Open your door while still sitting in your car seat, reach up and rest your hand on the (outside) roof of the car before you slide/step out.
TIPS
Touch the glass as you exit, this will discharge any electricity as well with no shock!
Use an anti-static laundry spray on your car's seats and floor.
Hold a key in your hand and touch the metal door frame as you exit. It acts as a lightning rod and discharges the static without pain.
Here's a simple technique: tap the door with your knuckle as you exit. Your knuckle is much less sensitive than your fingertip and you won't feel the zap.
Tap the door with your forearm or elbow. You will feel the shock but it will be much less painful.
Most states have laws the prohibit this practice. If it is a real problem for you, connect a small chain from the frame of the vehicle to the ground. This will put the car at the same potential as the ground and you will not get shocked. However, the chain will drag as you drive, and may throw sparks, so use caution on positioning it.
Warnings
This is actually a safety tip, as static electricity, if not discharged, has actually caused small explosions at gas pumps. You should never re-enter your car while gassing up, as this can provide more static electricity. If you must, make sure you follow the directions above to discharge the electricity before you get anywhere near the fuel pump!
2. Shoes are also important. For example, beach shoes with foam soles are more or less guaranteed to shock you.
3. When you exit the car, grip the metal frame of the door for a couple of seconds before you let your feet touch the ground. The static charge is balanced when you're still seated, when you get up the charge of your clothing doesn't have the opposite charge to hold it where it is. Having your hand on the car frame when get up lets it discharge more slowly. All you need to know is that it works.
4. Open your door while still sitting in your car seat, reach up and rest your hand on the (outside) roof of the car before you slide/step out.
TIPS
Touch the glass as you exit, this will discharge any electricity as well with no shock!
Use an anti-static laundry spray on your car's seats and floor.
Hold a key in your hand and touch the metal door frame as you exit. It acts as a lightning rod and discharges the static without pain.
Here's a simple technique: tap the door with your knuckle as you exit. Your knuckle is much less sensitive than your fingertip and you won't feel the zap.
Tap the door with your forearm or elbow. You will feel the shock but it will be much less painful.
Most states have laws the prohibit this practice. If it is a real problem for you, connect a small chain from the frame of the vehicle to the ground. This will put the car at the same potential as the ground and you will not get shocked. However, the chain will drag as you drive, and may throw sparks, so use caution on positioning it.
Warnings
This is actually a safety tip, as static electricity, if not discharged, has actually caused small explosions at gas pumps. You should never re-enter your car while gassing up, as this can provide more static electricity. If you must, make sure you follow the directions above to discharge the electricity before you get anywhere near the fuel pump!