Static Eelctricity

There are several factors that both cause a static charge to occur, build up and then be discharged.

The friction of the vehicle through the air, temperature, humidity and as you mention, seat coverings can all cause a static charge to occur. However, the charge may be disapated as quickly as it builds up due to the compound in the tyres, wet roads, heaps of sharp bits on the vehicle etc. Static disapates into the air easily from sharp edges compared to smooth rounded edges. The mast head on a sailing ship sometimes glowed with 'St.Elmos fire', cattle horns as glowes as in 'ghost riders in the sky' - these are examples of 'point discharge' of static electricity.

The other thing i heard is that the way you depart the vehicle may have something to do with it......grounding yourself to the chassis whilst departing may not cause static discharge. Something the petro dudes mentioned ages ago about elderley people having less problems with static buildup as they held onto the vehicle more to get out.

The patrol, being higher/bigger may change your pattern of vehicle departure.

Can someone confirm these theories ;-)

andrew

Dave, You are probably buying better quality clothing and shoes since you bought the Patrol. I guess owning a Jackaroo you would always have your hand in your pocket paying out for repairs. So probably long gone are the chinese stubbies knockoffs and rubber thongs. Good to see you are enjoying your Amani suit and leather soled shoes. Yes and no more static!!! Hope this helps, Michael

Dave,

The "Pattern of Vehicle Departure Theory" sounds like the answer. I noticed recently that, with s 2" lift, the back of my leg is usually in contact with the running board as my foot touches the ground and I don't have a problem with getting zapped.

Sounds like a good field for a PhD thesis.

'Biometric dependancy between automative departure patterns and concurrent impact on discharge of standing field generation.' Or something like it.

Matt.

I never had a problem with my Troopie but since I bought the Pathfinder I have been getting some really strong zaps! I figured it was the seat material also.

I had the factory nissan Cathodic protection fitted on purchase do you think that would make it worse ?

Do those gammy looking straps that hang down work ? I think I would prefer the zap to one of those : ) LOL

When I changed from a VN Commodore wagon to a 2002 Pathfinder I was so conditioned to the zaps from the Commodore that it took weeks to learn not to flinch. I very rarely if ever got a zap from the Pathfinder and cannot recall getting one from the current Patrol (even though it is a 3.0 litre!)

K

My wife gets zapped getting out of the Falcon wagon....but I do not..and laugh like b.....y...needless to say she is not amused...cheers