Static electricity

Static electricity is a common and often annoying inconvenience of cool, dry weather.

It is produced when certain susceptible materials move against each other. In the case of a vehicle, sitting on the seat causes the electrical charge within the atoms of your clothing and the vehicles trim to transfer, producing an unequal charge.

While the materials remain in close proximity there is no noticeable effect, however stepping out of the vehicle increases the voltage between you and the car from 10,000 to 20,000 volts and you get zapped. This can be overcome by simply holding onto a metal part of the car as you get out and you wont feel a thing.

Static electricity is more noticeable in dry weather as moisture in the air assists in dissipating the charge.

A static discharge near fuel can be dangerous, with certain types of containers being unsuitable for fuel storage due to their susceptibility to static build up.

Metal containers are safe, as are plastic containers specifically made for fuel storage. Any other type of plastic container should never be used with fuel.

Other important reminders when handling fuel include:

• Never fill a container in the back of a car or trailer, always place it on the ground to discharge any static electricity.
• Once it is on the ground, touch the container with your bare hands to discharge any static charge that has built up in your body.
• Make sure the fuel pump nozzle contacts the container while filling.