Static Electricity

[FGS51]

I get electric shocks in cold weather when I get out of the car and touch the door handles.

Someone told me I can earth myself to stop this happening. I've forgotten how.

Can someone remind me please?

Thank You!

[mibn2cweus]

Discharge through your key.

[FGS51]

I guess you mean just touching the key? or locking the door manually? (forgive me being thick)

Thanks

[Gef]

Hold onto the metal part of the door before you put your foot on the ground outside.

[mibn2cweus]

Holding the key in your hand, touch the tip of the key to the offending surface. This will allow the static charge to dissipate through the tip of the key rather than the tip of your fingers. Once the potential difference in charge between you and the car or whatever has been neutralized it will be safe to make direct contact without the fear of a static shock. You must use a metal key, holding the plastic or paint coated part of a key may not work.

The key will not feel a thing, I promise!

This method should only be used for static discharge. Do not attempt this if an electrical wire is touching your car!

[FGS51]

Thank you mibn2cweus for such a comprehensive answer.

I shall report back to the lady who asked me to post the question - she is a wheelchair user but only gets this problem with her car and not her wheelie.

[curlyfilm]

used to get this all the time, best way i found was the get out, making me legs did not touch the door sill then lean back on the car so the shock went through me bum, less painfull, but since wering only cotton clothing had no problen, also you can get things that drag under your car that stop it

[Matheous]

A bit late answering this but anyway I will throw in my twopence worth.....If you wax tour car that seems to virtually eliminate (or insulate?) static problems.....but then again so will avoidance of wearing polyester or nylon type clothing......