# Static charge getting out of car **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [November 30, 2012, 2:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817 "2012-11-30T02:33:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JayS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@JayS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 2:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/1 "2012-11-30T02:33:44Z")
I get a huge jolt of shock when I get out of the car and touch the car frame. I live around Detroit where its cold and very dry, so I have to wear warm coat. Can any one suggest how I can avoid collecting static while driving and best way to discharge it when I get out. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 3:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/2 "2012-11-30T03:07:14Z")
The best way to reduce static buildup is to install seat covers of a material that’s not prone to storing static, suh as cotton. A wool or cotton coat helps too. Synthetic materials can be prone to static buildup. I’ve attached some links to information on the subject. Tons more is available in the internet. There are also “grounding straps” that can be installed that allegedly allow static to discharge to earth. I don;t know how well they work, but they’re cheap. > **[Static electricity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity)** > > Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. The charge remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or electrical discharge. Static electricity is named in contrast with current electricity, which flows through wires or other conductors and transmits energy. A static electric charge can be created whenever two surfaces contact and separate, and at least one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electric current (and is... [http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/static\_materials.htm](http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/static_materials.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 3:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/3 "2012-11-30T03:47:59Z")
If your door handles are metal, just grab the handle before you slide on the seat to exit the car. This “grounds” you to the car frame before you generate a static charge. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 6:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/4 "2012-11-30T06:44:06Z")
Or touch the door with the back of your hand to discharge the spark. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as the finger tips. Given the alternative, it should be easy to train yourself. ---
**Author:** ![JosephEMeehan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecc23a/32.png) [@JosephEMeehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JosephEMeehan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 7:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/5 "2012-11-30T07:51:48Z")
Also you can try using some spray starch. ---
**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 8:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/static-charge-getting-out-of-car/75817/6 "2012-11-30T08:55:17Z")
Strap this to the back of your car. Job done. > **[Amazon.com: Vehicle Ground Strap: Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Mitzer-Vehicle-Ground-Strap/dp/B0005I3F0O)**