Can someone PLEASE tell me why my car zaps me every time I get out of it? And how do I make it stop?!? Thanks.

Answer 1

That would be static electricity. Do you, by any chance, have nylon seat covers? try changing them.

Answer 2

It's not the seats, your shoes, the car's motion, or anything else but the humidity in the air and you can do nothing about it. It's just static electricity and when the humidity is lower, the voltage is higher and it zaps you. It is present all the time, you just don't feel it until the voltage gets higher when the humidity is down. When the humidity is higher, the moisture in the air absorbs some of the static.
The best thing to do is remember to touch something metal before you move and while getting out of the car. This has the effect of grounding you and draining the static before it builds up. When approaching the car from outside, remember to lay your flat hand on the car to neutralize your ions with the car before you touch it with a finger and it won't hurt so much.

Answer 3

My car does the same thing to me when the weather is warm and dry, I think the cause of this little zap is the car's motion through the air causing sufficient friction to cause the accumulation of a static charge, being inside the vehicle you are somewhat insulated from the charge which collects in the metal of the car, when you step out of the car, put your foot on the ground and touch the door, you form a circuit, a way for the static to escape and zap. I have seen cars with straps trailing from the rear of the vehicle which makes contact with the ground every time the car stops, this strap is available from some auto parts stores, I don't know what it is called, but it is designed to drain the static charge from the car before you can be zapped. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

To stop static discharge, simply touch a metal part of the car as you get out. If the door handle is plastic coated, or if there are no obvious metallic parts accessible, look for a screw in or around the door liner and touch that as you get out.

An alternative would be to apply some type of anti-static spray to the upholstery. That might work for a while, but it would need to be reapplied occasionally. If you can't find a suitable anti-static spray, a dilute soap solution (like hand dishwashing soap) will often suffice to prevent triboelectrics (electricity caused by sliding) from occuring. Just spray it on the upholstery and let it dry.

Answer 5

It is Caused By Static Electricity .Touch some Metal Before Getting Out Like a Door Handle.
The other thing you can do install a Ground Strap (Anti Static Strap)
Don't Slide Your Ass Across The Seat That is what Causes Electricity.

Answer 6

It's from static electricity building up on your clothes from your seat when you go to move
out from your car seat when getting out.

You need to put a ground strap on the back of your car making sure it's connected to the metal part of your car and touching the ground. Then you will never get zapped again. Maybe try J.C. Whitney catalog, they may have one. Some auto supplies stores carry them also.

Sincerely yours,
Fred M. Hunter

Answer 7

Mine does it to - It's just static discharge. Lust like walking across a carpet and touching a metal door knob. This time of year (North America) is the worse time for static.

"In the old days" people would mount rubberized ground straps to the rear bumper or rear part of the frame and they would drag on the ground (drag at low speeds and the wind would make them "fly" at higher speeds) helping the potential charge to disipate faster and hopefully not giving the driver (or passengers) that familiar shock.

You could try to hold the key in your fingers then touch the key to the door before you do with your hand. Just be careful not to scratch the paint.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Let me guess. You have fabric seats right? As you slide out of the car you generate a static charge on yourself. When you touch any metal portion of the car, it is grounded out and you get a shock. I've been told this works. Touch your key to the top of the car, before you touch the car yourself. Make sure that you are touching the metal portion of the key.

Answer 9

Spray the seats with laundry anti-static spray or wrap a leather belt around the rear axle and let it drag on the ground to dissipate the static electricty.....old trick.

Answer 10

your can spray some of that stuff that has fabric softener in it. take dryer sheets an put some in the glove box. it will make the car smell good and keep the static under control when you need it. just rub it on your clothes or your seats if need be. good luck.

Answer 11

you cant stop it ,its static electricity,my car does me this way if i wear a new pair of shoes,until they get worn down some it will shock me every time.it has to do with what your wearing,and the type seats you have in it,cloth seats will do it all the time,good luck.