"Dswolfson" <dswolfson@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:462dnSkMGZHIqFnfRVn-1w@rcn.net...
>
>
> --
> We have new Michelin tires but it happened before we got the new tires as
> well and yes we have cloth seats. Can you explain what a grounding strap
> is? Is it something you can get at a auto supply store?
>
> Susan
>
You may have to call around or even order one from the internet, but thay
are standard enough devices. You can even use any piece of braided wire.
They are braided straps that attach to the body of the car and dangle
underneath. Many people set them up to touch the ground, but it really isn't
necessary - just the sharp fuzzy end is enough to bleed the static
electricity off. You will see the same things (but much pricier) on the
wingtips of small aircraft - they are called "static wicks." When I was in
avionics many years ago I went on a test flight with a man who complained
all his radios filled with noise when he got in the air. Sure enough, before
he even lifted off the noise rose and got worse with increased speed. It
turned out every one of his static wicks had broken off.

Mike