The dry air is causing some cars with fabric seats to give shocks. Here is a tip I wrote up for Nutz and Boltz magazine years ago.
"Many readers have written to ask what is the cause and cure of static shocks when they are exiting their cars. The cause of course is static electricity building up from the rubbing of the seat material with your clothing, and the overall car static generated principally by friction with the air, and the tendency of some tires not to shunt the static charge to ground. The simplest solution it to touch the metal surface of the car with your shoe or the side of your hand before touching with your fingers - this will drop the energy to ground with little or no discomfort. You can also use "Fabric Guard", the product that is advertised on TV to stop static cling. But here is a simpler, cheaper solution you can make up at home:
1) Get a small misting sprayer, such as an empty car detaiing spray.
2) Mix 1 part liquid fabric softener (Downy, Snuggle, etc.) with 6-10 parts distilled water.
3) Spray lightly on the seat material, let it dry.
4) Do this at least once/month in the dry winter months, or more frequently if necessary.
The fabric softener has anti-static materials in it, and in concentrated form works well in this application.
If this does not solve things, go to a truck supply store and buy the rubberized grounding straps, mount to part of the frame, and that will do the trick, if look a little Grandpa-ey.
"Many readers have written to ask what is the cause and cure of static shocks when they are exiting their cars. The cause of course is static electricity building up from the rubbing of the seat material with your clothing, and the overall car static generated principally by friction with the air, and the tendency of some tires not to shunt the static charge to ground. The simplest solution it to touch the metal surface of the car with your shoe or the side of your hand before touching with your fingers - this will drop the energy to ground with little or no discomfort. You can also use "Fabric Guard", the product that is advertised on TV to stop static cling. But here is a simpler, cheaper solution you can make up at home:
1) Get a small misting sprayer, such as an empty car detaiing spray.
2) Mix 1 part liquid fabric softener (Downy, Snuggle, etc.) with 6-10 parts distilled water.
3) Spray lightly on the seat material, let it dry.
4) Do this at least once/month in the dry winter months, or more frequently if necessary.
The fabric softener has anti-static materials in it, and in concentrated form works well in this application.
If this does not solve things, go to a truck supply store and buy the rubberized grounding straps, mount to part of the frame, and that will do the trick, if look a little Grandpa-ey.
