I have a '96 Dodge Dakota, and whenever I leave the truck, I get a shock when I touch the door. This is really starting to tick me off. Other than wearing a rubber suit and gloves, what can I do? -- Duke

Ray: It's back! Another static-electricity epidemic. There was a static explosion in the mid- 1970's, mostly attributable to the proliferation of polyester leisure suits. But the current static-electricity problem seems to have its roots in tires.

Tom: Yes, tires! The tires play a role in grounding the car and diffusing the natural buildup of static electricity. But many of today's tires are so called "low rolling resistance" tires, which reduce rolling friction in order to improve gas mileage.

Ray: Instead of using a compound called "carbon black" to hold the rubber together, these "low rolling resistance" tires use "silica" as their reinforcing agent. That improves gas mileage, but decreases a tire's ability to diffuse static.

Tom: So under certain conditions -- particularly when the air is dry -- cars with these tires can deliver significant shocks to unsuspecting, exiting passengers. And if you're driving in a car with low rolling resistance tires on a dry day while wearing a polyester leisure suit, well, you'll probably look like a sign outside a Las Vegas hotel when you grab the door handle.

Ray: Here's what I'd do, Duke. Since the truck is still brand-new, I'd take if back to the dealer and ask if they'll swap the tires for you. Ask them for some nice, gummy, high rolling resistance treads.

Tom: If they won't do that, or if every ounce of gas mileage is important to you, invest in a pair of those static diffusing rubber strips that attach to the truck's frame and hang down and drag along the ground.

Ray: Yeah. I got a pair of those for my wife. Her minivan shocks her every time she gets out and touches the door handle. And as soon as she agrees to stop serving broccoli five times a week, I'm going to install them for her.

It's amazing how many bad driving habits and wacko theories have been passed down from generation to generation! Tom and Ray set the record straight in their booklet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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