Why do I always get static shock everytime I get out of my car? Is there a problem w/ my cars grounding?

Question

How can I tell if there is a problem on my cars grounding?

Answer 1

The problem isn't the car... it you. (I get this all the time, but less so with higher humidity in the air.) Usually, its built up static electricity from movement between your body, your clothing, seats in the car, etc. The moment you touch something that offers grounding (in this case to the battery in the car, a discharge occurs). In the winter, I get it all the time going from the warehouse to the office in work (which is carpeted), whenever I touch anything metal in the office (file cabinets, doorknobs, etc. Mine are visible sparks...)

OH... and what sometimes works for me is touching the metal on the door before I open the door and remaining in contact with it as I get out of the car. I find if I don't, and then try to shut the door by touching the metal, that's when I get it most...)

Answer 2

It's your clothing, not the car's grounding. Clothing with synthetic fibers or wool will generate much more static electricity than cotton will. The material that your seats are made out of will also have a significant influence there.

As it applies to the buildup of static charges, all cars are very will insulated from earth by the tires.

A buildup of static electricity has caused a number of explosions at gas stations. Contrary to the posted signs, there has never been a confirmed case of a cell phone causing one but there are MANY documented cases of static buildup causing one. This is especially true on cold days when the driver gets back into the car to stay warm and then triggers an explosion of the fuel vapors when they reach for the nozzle and the static charge jumps to the nozzle or the car's body.

Answer 3

No, the problem is with several factors, from your shoes to clothes to your car's seat fabric. All cars have rubber tires, so they're insulated. It's how your clothing and shoes react to your seat material as you slide out that affects your static charge. So either go naked, or try different shoes/clothing to see which affects the situation worse. Do you have dry or oily skin? Some people who have dry skin don't conduct as well, so could build up more static charge. Try changing things one at a time, to see if you reduce your static charge.
- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 4

As boston-- said it is the build up of static electricity. One of the things that is contributory to the build up is it has to be DRY. Like here in AZ during the monsoon season not static. But when it is cold and dry OR hot and dry, The static electricity is really bad.

There are carpet sprays that are used in hospitals to help eliminate static build up due to the use of oxygen. I have used a couple of them and they work very well. Call your local hospital and as for the facilities manager. Ask him what they use on their carpets to cut down static build up. He will most likely help you. Also try local carpet cleaning companies. They have treatments too.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I wish i knew why, but mine does the same thing so i doubt you have a problem.

Answer 6

IT IS CAUSED BY YOUR CLOTHES AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

Answer 7

YOUR CAR IS ALIVE!!

Answer 8

http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1995/March/09.html
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1996/May/12.html
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2000/June/09.html