Static Electricity in Your Car

Static electricity can be shocking and unexpected when exiting your car. What can you do to stop it? Television car expert Lauren Fix has more in this edition of the Car Coach.
Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable
Aired: 4/26/2011

[@SCUBONZIES]

THANKS LAUREN JUST GOT A NEW FIAT AND DRIVING ME CRAZY

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the thoughts you have shared here.

[@charlessmith263]

Especially on very bitter cold days at gas stations, a spark from static electricity could cause a gasoline fire.
The main rule of thumb is you need to discharge the static first before touching any area of the metallic car skin that has the gas pump in it. Especially if you are close to it.
So never touch your finger on the gas pump area of your car after not touching anything metal for more than a few seconds, especially if you wear synthetics, which will build up much more static charge.
Wearing all cotton will reduce the risk of static spark, but if you wear rubber shoes, you could be in danger. Wear leather shoes and also reduce the risk further of a spark going off from a static shock .
You can discharge static by using your foot to touch any metal on the car - you can also use the leg to touch the metal too, before you touch your hand to the gas pump area of the car next. Not before then.
If you follow these rules, you can cut back on or avoid the risk of gasoline flash fire caused by that static.

[@samhan7048]

All I'm thinking right now is why is Jane Kaczmarek from Malcom in the Middle on youtube. :0

[@jitegemee]

Is it on book that static electricity increases in warmer seasons??
In winter time this is hardly an issue.
I aways get zapped after exiting my car and then trying to close my car door.
My car is all cloth inside.
thanks Lauren!!

[@jeffuehrer]

I like the shock.

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Here's one for ya; What if the vehicle is missing its hood ground strap. That builds up static electricity in the hood, so what happens if you touch it?

[@Repairje]

Great video and explaination

[@CarCoachReports]

Glad you liked it!

[@fssid2930]

Thx ya

[@beliefmail]

why dont they built the touch-to-discharge feature on the door exit handle? that way every time it's discharged upon exiting vehicle. Anyway, does this applied to tropical countries? cause where i am from there is no such problem in hot climate.

[@Musicman2012Now]

+beliefmail I doubt if tropical countries would experience this. We experience static when there is LESS moisture in the air. In less tropical countries, you will probably find yourself getting shocked more in the fall and winter. I hope this helps.

[@mjhappens]

But if I touch the metal frame or window before getting out of the car I will zap myself :( help?

[@robertclark4929]

Our Kia Soul knocks the crap outa me every time I get out.

[@milesfifer171]

Just buy a cheap static strap made for this and install it under your vehicle and never have this problem.

[@accountingchamber5735]

Can i replace my fabric seats with leather seats to prevent this forever?

[@CarCoachReports]

Yes you can do that

[@skerr3913]

so what about entering yr car! zap.

[@philipc1709]

Maybe get a sheet of bounce for laundry and rub it on your seats and your clothes

[@dabtech7456]

She looks like and sounds like the mom from Malcolm in the middle

[@CarCoachReports]

I’ve Ben told that before. Lol

[@boaz.bananas]

ChrisFix's mom I guess

[@CarCoachReports]

No connection. My last name is Fix. His is not!

[@skerr3913]

so what about entering yr car! zap.