car static zaps
 

I always get static zaps when I get out of cars, any type of cars, is there something wrong with myself or just that cars have this due to the carpet or seat fabric or electrical discharges? Usually I get it from touching metal door handles or even the body just to avoid it. Is it the rubber soles on my shoes, but I still get it wearing leather soled shoes. Now I am driving either a Corolla, a Camry or 2 Benzs, C180s and still get the zaps. I have bought the static discharge strap to string to the ground somewhere under the back of the car which I have seen on quite a few cars. Does this actually work???? Theoretically I think it does, BUT? In motion, it just flies off ground due to its flat shape against the wind, so doesn't affect the car in any way. However, when you stop the car, the metal contacts and strap end falls to the ground and supposedly releases the static to be discharged into the road, if that is true. Now does this work the same in dry or wet conditions? I now have sheepskin seat covers for the front seats which have acrylic back pieces for stretching to fit and my rear seats are only with full acrylic seat covers because the sheepskins are too thick and unstretchable and cannot fit into the backseat 2 panels. Will this make it worse or no difference? Thanks guys for all your previous experiences of this daily nuisance.

I had this happen alot with my Mazda...cloth seats...got zapped most prevalently in the winter when the air was drier.

Didn't happen when I owned vehicles with leather seats.

I was told by someone one day that the newer tire compounds are designed to save fuel, and have lower "rolling resistance" than earlier tire designs. Since the tire patch is the "ground" lead in a vehicle, could it be that the electrical charge path is possibly compromised a bit with this type of tire? :confused:

Had the same experience as G-Benz with a Subaru we owned. Every time I got out of that sucker, I would get zapped. I think the cloth seats were definately a factor, as like him, I have never gotten it getting out of any Benz with leather. Never paid any attention to the weather as it seemed to happen all the time.:eek:

The problem lies in the amount of silicon in the type of tire you are using. Cars act as a big capacitor and absorb an electrical charge as you drive them. Because silicon is a very good electrical insulator, the charge (electrical potential) can’t transfer to ground until is has and unsuspecting victim – you.
I don't know were you can find any info on silicon specs - You might just as a toll booth operator which cars hurt the most.

...Brad

I've had this problem with almost every car I've owned. Leather seats, cloth seats, even vinyl, it didn't matter. :eek:

Interesting theory on the tires. Could be, I don't know what to attribute it to.:confused:

I'll bet it has something to do with our personal physical makeup, or it would happen to everyone. My wife has never been zapped, or have quite a few other people I know.:confused: