On my old Ford Zapper, when remembered, I would grab a metal portion of the door before stepping out of the seat to try to bleed the charge as it was created . Even then, I'd still feel shocks as the clothing and seat fabrics separated, but they were weaker than waiting for it to hit all at once.
I have a big pump spray bottle of anti-static compound which is used to reduce static build up in electronic assembly areas. I have often thought about spraying my car seat with it, but I'm not sure what sort of long term damage might occur. Tom
Just mount something like this on the dashboard: Static electricity static control ESD table top Static Charge Static Electricity Static Elimination Web Cleaning Sheet Cleaning Ionization Electrostatics
Out here in AZ where the humidity is notroiously low, static electric discharges on just about anything is very common. I've been zapped on just about every car I've owned - including my Prius. My wife got hit with a spark that was heard 10-feet away right on the business end of her right boob. As much as it hurt her first instinct was to put her hand over the impact zone and rub it but obviously couldn't. We were in public and one of my friends was standing right next to me when it happened. I must say he blushed one of the darkest colors of red I've ever seen. Yes, my wife is okay and doesn't run around speaking in tounges, barking at the moon, or chases hubcaps.
I have some relatives that live in Nevada and I recall them complaining about how humid it is in Sacramento. (Its not, but I suppose its all relative) Up until last Oct. I worked in a facility where we manufactured electronics. Some of the devices we used could be damaged by a discharge < 100V. That is below the level where a person would feel the spark. We wore ESD smocks (lab coats with carbon fibers running thru the material) and ESD shoes. We had static dissipative workstations and static dissipative flooring that was all connected to ground (earth) in the electrical system. We also ran ionizers at critical workstations to neutralize any charge buildup on non-conductive materials.
It's my understanding folks *pay* top dollar to have this done. You should remind her how lucky she is to be married to you, as it didn't cost her anything at all ... I'd settle for a gal that did Option 1 and Option 2. Option 3, meh, I could take it or leave it ...
I never get that with my leather seats.. but when I lived in Washington and my wife would get out of my Jeep "had sheepskin fur covered seats" she would get zapped on a regular basis as she touched the door as she went to close it. She used to get so mad at me "like it was my fault".... I just told her if her legs weren't so short she wouldn't slide her butt so well over the fur and build up such a nice charge on the way out!... That never went over too well. I think what made her the maddest is that I never got shocked... "longer legs!" Or maybe it was because she got out first!.... shhhh "secret" That could certainly be the case if the buildup was from wind against the car body!
If we weren't in public, I would've. My wife is pretty open about stuff like that and often teases me or dares me - but getting embarrassed in public is a hot button with her. Believe me... I respect that. Too bad I had to miss a good opportunity, though.
