Q. I drive a 1995 Geo Prizm and have really painful static shocks. I’m hoping you will elaborate on your answer (Transportation, Feb. 3). How often must one wipe or spray the car’s seats with fabric softener or an anti-static spray? Alternatively, how much money are we talking about for one of those wrist straps?
J. MacP., Chicago
A. We don’t know how often you need to treat your seats because we have never tested this solution. We have a hunch it varies with different cars. The static-dissipating wrist straps are less than $10, but you would probably find it inconvenient to connect the clip to a ground every time you exit your Prizm.
Q. A few years ago (circa 1992), my wife purchased a Honda Accord with a static shock problem so bad that toll takers had a special procedure for taking money from Accord drivers (gloves and a cigar box).
American Honda tracked the problem to the tires. They replaced the Michelin tires with Michelins of a different percentage of rubber. This solved the problem.
T.L., Long Grove
A. Driving gloves may be the answer to eliminating shocks–while making a fashion statement. They are cheaper than a set of tires.
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Bob Weber is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician, having recertified every five years since 1978. Address your questions to him Motormouth, 17717 Silcott Springs Rd., Purcellville, Va., 20132. Send e-mail, including name and town, to MMTribune@netscape.net. Answers will be supplied only through the newspaper.
