Im one of these people who gets a shock when you get out a car?

Question

It seems to happen more when the weather is hot. Ive heard that wearing cotton clothes can help but it doesnt. Even tried closing the door with my elbow but doesnt work either still get a shock the only thing i can do is kick the door closed. Does anyone else have this problem and does anyone have any ideas on how to stop this happening? Thanks

Answer 1

I also suffer from this problem. It seems to be due to static build up in my clothes rather than due to the car. Since I where rubber soled shoes (read: no metal/materials to earth through) whereas the car can earth through the tyres due to the inclusion of carbon-black in tyres, when I touch the metal of the car on getting out I get a shock. Metal racks in shops often have the same effect.

For cars, my answer is that I touch the car with my car key when I get out, (touch the metal bit back from where the key will touch the car) thus any spark happens between the key & the car, not me & the car, thus no pain. The other way is to shut the door by pushing the glass, not the metal.

Other than this the main way to avoid the problem is to ride a bike. No seriously, the way is to wear clothes with anti-static properties and ones that can earth the static charge constantly so that it never builds to the level you can get a shock. Cotton is usually ok. Polyester, nylon, rayon and such like are the worst offenders. Check your labels. Some "cotton" items are actually a cotton/poly mix with up to 70% poly, thus the cotton can't help so much. Also, whilst your shirt may be cotton, how about your trousers/jacket? (and vice versa)

For me tapping the door handle with the car key is the answer. It also helps me remember to take the keys out of the car so it becomes an aide-memoir as well.

Try it, hope it works for you.

Answer 2

How to Get out of a Car Without Getting Shocked by Static Electricity


1. Be aware of your clothing. Synthetic materials, such as most modern fleeces, increase the risk of static shock.
Shoes are also important. For example, beach shoes with foam soles are more or less guaranteed to shock you.

2. 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.

3. Wear an anti-static wristband, if possible. These are sold at most electronics stores. They provide a conductive path to ground.


4. Touch the glass as you exit, this will discharge any electricity as well with no shock!
5. Use an anti-static laundry spray on your car's seats and floor.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Answer 3

I sympathise with you all so much, as I suffer exactly the same.
I also feel SO guilty when I stroke my pets, and we ALL get a massive electric shock. The poor little souls think that I have hit them, and they look so scared and hurt. If only I could explain, and if only they could understand. What can be done about this awful problem? I assume it is something to do with stroking their fur.
Supermarket trolleys can be a real nightmare too. I remember a few years ago that Sainsbury's had a massive problem, with countless customers getting shocks off their trolleys. It was so bad that you could hear customers, staff and myself SCREAMING out with the pain/violence of the shocks. It was so bad that we had to stop using the shop!Apparently, they said it was something to do with certain cleaning products used on the supermarket floors. Another claim was that it was down to the new wheels on the new trolleys. (Perhaps it was a combination of both reasons).

Answer 4

Shock happens when a static charge builds up and you contract something at a different potential.

Static builds up when the relative humidity is lower because static charge won't build up as high with higher humidity.

Many plastics are insulators. This includes vinyls, polyesters, etc. Sliding across seats will build up the charge as well.

Perhaps if you can contact the metal of the car frame (door post, door, etc you can reduce the static build up.

Answer 5

Hiya,

I have the same problem as you and I close the door with my foot because the shocks are really intense at times. My hair causes this problem due to it being really fine and extremely prone to static. It just builds up and I get a shock when I touch certain things like my car door for instance.

I really empathise with you because I hate it, I also shock my kids when they are in the pushchair......:-(

Answer 6

It's caused by the build up of static electricity in the body and the shock is when you earth yourself through the metal of the car. Use the glass as that doesn't conduct electricity, when you close the door.
It's caused at other times by friction from your feet causing static build up and once again when you touch anything metal you discharge the static by earthing yourself through the metal.

Answer 7

i am more statically charged around the time a thunderstorm is due and when it has passed im fine. ive learnt to live with it. i love it if i stand near someone i dont even have to touch them and they jump a mile. i get shocks off lite switches, lift switches car doors trolleys most things. i have got used to it wearing cotton underwear makes no difference.

Answer 8

Me too!!! I hate it I get it from the car, light switches and shopping trolleys in supermarkets hell I even get them off certain coins!
I believe you can hang a chain or a length of rubber from underneath you car to stop that one other wise it's just something you have to put up with. Drives me nuts and it really hurts sometimes I've got such shocks that I've dropped and broken stuff.
Good question heres a star.

Answer 9

I also have this problem, I always have to close the car door by pushing it with my bum or foot as I hate getting electric shocks.

No idea how to stop it happening though sorry.

Answer 10

yeah i have it happen to me too it seems more common with cloth seats so what i do is touch the plastic part of the door and make a ground so you dont get a shock.