Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Get rid of static charge safely
• Method 2 of 2: Avoid static charge
• Tips
• Warnings

Do you keep yelling when you touch the door handle of your car? These shocks arise because you and your car picked up opposite charges while driving. You can avoid the shock by making contact in such a way that the charge is discharged without problems, or by preventing a static charge from forming.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Get rid of static charge safely

1. Keep your hand on the metal when getting out. Most static shocks occur because you and your car are charged opposite. Getting out of your chair separates these charges and can cause a static shock. By touching the metal of the car while getting out, you can get rid of the charge through your hand without feeling any of it.
   • If you still feel shock, the paint may not be conductive enough. Then touch unpainted metal.
2. Touch the car with a coin. Another way to protect yourself is to touch the car with a coin or other metal object after getting out of the car. You can see a spark between the coin and the car, but it won't hurt your hand.
   • Do not use a key with an electronic chip in it. The shock can break the chip, causing the key to stop working.
3. Touch the window for a few seconds. If you have already gotten out and you have no coins, put your hand against the window. Glass is less conductive than metal, so the discharge will occur in a much milder way, without shock.

Method 2 of 2: Avoid static charge

1. Wear shoes with conductive soles. Most soles are made of rubber or plastic, and they insulate correctly. If you wear shoes with leather soles, less charge will form in your body. There are also shoes that are specially made to conduct electrical charges. Any static charge will then disappear into the earth the moment your shoe soles hit the ground.
2. Treat the car seats with softener. You can rub cloths with fabric softener on the car seat, it will take the load off for a few days. You can also dissolve a teaspoon (5 ml) of fabric softener in a quart of water and put it in a spray bottle. Mix well and spray the chairs with it.
3. Pay attention to what you wear. Synthetic materials, such as fleece sweaters, increase the risk of static shock. But natural materials such as wool or cotton can also cause a static charge, so do not immediately renew your entire clothing collection. But be careful when wearing polyester.
4. If your tires are not guiding, attach an anti-static strip to your car. Some belts made with silica are poor electrical conductors. This can cause the car to build up static charge while driving, as the charge cannot escape. An anti-static strip that makes a connection between your car and the road can be the solution.
   • Very old oldtimers sometimes have white rubber tires, these tires cause the same problem.
   • Normal tires are treated with carbon, which is a conductive material. An anti-static strip will make no difference for a car with these tires. Shocks can still occur, but the charge difference is between you and the car, not between the car and the ground.

Tips

• Here's a simple technique: While getting out, touch the door with your knuckle, forearm, or elbow. These areas are much less sensitive than your fingertips, so it will hurt less.

Warnings

• Never get into your car while refueling, because more static electricity can then be formed. A small explosion can occur due to a spark. If you really need to get in, follow the instructions above to discharge the electricity before getting near the pump.