static shock!

Anybody got a remedy for the static shock on the door as you exit the minivan? This is getting old! I thought it was just the cold weather but I guess it isn't. I know of other D/C owners with the same problem not just vans.If no one has an answer,I guess I'll have to hunt up some of those 70's static straps. ha ha!

Only solution I've found is the hold onto the door while stepping out of the car until your foot contacts the ground. This disapates the charge. I still forget and get zapped!

Only solution I've found is the hold onto the door while stepping out of the car until your foot contacts the ground. This disapates the charge. I still forget and get zapped!

Try a liquid fabric softner: Vaccum the interior, 2 parts fabric softner to 1 part water, place in spray bottle, spray area and let dry completely.
Repeat when needed

I always hold my key when I get out and touch something metal with it. You can see the sparks

A static strap would do the trick. It's basically just a piece of rubber about a foot long with a hole in one end. You simply bolt it to the frame of your vehicle and let the other end drag the ground. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing thing in the world to look at but hey, no more getting shocked. You can pick these up at any NAPA auto parts store. If the counterman looks at you funny, it's because they aren't all that popular for light duty vehichles. The part numbers are S206 for a 25" or S207 for a 30". The shorter one will work fine for you, but they are both only about 5 bucks a piece so just get whichever one is available and cut to fit your vehicle. Oh and you want to leave it long enough to drag the ground and not just touch it. Hope this helped.

Marc

Ooop! Just noticed that you already mentioned static straps! Oh well, maybe someone else learned something.

They had them in the seventies? Cool.

I have static straps. They actually work, I'm here to tell you.

....and that static shock is what causes the fires at the gas stations - NOT the cell phone usage. Even the Myth Busters covered this one. So please take note:

1. Do not get back into your vehicle while refueling.

2. Discharge your static charge BEFORE touching the fuel nozzle stuck into your fuel tank.

Oh yeah, and while we are on this topic, slowly veering off-topic, always put your gas can on the ground when filling it.

http://www.geocities.com/caravandrvr/explode1.gif

P.S. My compliments to whoever I lifted the cool gif from!

I think the straps look cool.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/155239march5th1.jpg