[zagrot]

once you exit the car touch the key to a bare metal part of your car before touching it with your hand, you won't feel the zap when the arc jumps from the key to the car. the ground straps that you are refering to are probably similar to the ones for electronics work, they have a 1 megaohm resistor in the ground lead to prevent electrocution and a bracelet that holds a metal plate to the bottom of your wrist ($5 at the computer store).