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General Science => General Science => Topic started by: ecapdeville on 18/01/2006 15:44:33

Title: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: ecapdeville on 18/01/2006 15:44:33
Hi!

I want to intruduce myself, I´m Eduardo and I´m mexican...this is my first post in the forum.

Everytime I go out the car I receive small but anoying electric choks when I touch anything...I´m getting really mad![}:)]

I wish you could help me

[:D]

Me,talking to Naked Scientist? I´m going MAD
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: ROBERT on 18/01/2006 15:53:27
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/staticcont.htm

It is possible to fit special earthing strips to the back fender (bumper) of your car which touch the road: they discharge the static electricity your car accumulates, so theoretically preventing you from experiencing an electric shock when you leave your car.

They are sometimes called "anti-static strips".
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: ecapdeville on 18/01/2006 16:02:56
Thank you so much mate! [:D]

Me,talking to Naked Scientist? I´m going MAD
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: Dr B on 18/01/2006 16:30:42
One of the reasons the shock is so annoying is that you tend to touch things with your fingertips - there are lots of nerves here and so the sensation is strong.  Make sure that the first metal object that you touch after getting out of your car is touched with your knuckle !

Dr B
Istanbul
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: ariel on 18/01/2006 21:57:45
wow, good thinking...I guess touching the door with my knuckle first would be much more efficient than struggling to close the car door with my feet all the time!
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: sharkeyandgeorge on 19/01/2006 11:36:19
why would the car be getting charged in the first place? i know you can get static build up from sandstorms is that it?

"Defender of the Sea"
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: ROBERT on 20/01/2006 14:48:14
I believe the static charge is generated by the flow of (dry) air over the vechicle.
Title: Re: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: sharkeyandgeorge on 24/01/2006 13:33:43
not a problem ive ever had but i livr in scotland.....no dry air

"Defender of the Sea"
Title: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: LeeE on 02/03/2010 14:13:23
It's also possible that the charge is being built up between your clothes and the fabric of the car seat, especially if there's a rubber mat in the footwell, and/or you're wearing rubber soled shoes.  Your body can accumulate a sufficient charge just due to you moving around in the seat while sitting inside the car, and which can then earth when you touch any conductive parts of the car.  You can get various seat covers to address this.
Title: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: Geezer on 02/03/2010 17:03:32
I think Lee is correct. You can often avoid the problem if you discharge yourself through a key or a coin held by your fingers. The spark will them jump between the coin and the metal frame of the car, but you won't feel a thing.
Title: Small electric shocks when I get out the car, why?
Post by: Geezer on 04/03/2010 06:02:30

This has some plausibility to it. 


Dave, it's a lot more than "plausible". It's extrememly practical and proven. I used it for many years when I lived in Phoenix.