From standard to rare: the disappearing use of static strips in modern cars

Often referred to as grounding, static strips were once a vital part of every car. Today, they are mostly found on older models. Despite this, static strips are still available for purchase in automotive stores, with the cost being relatively low.

They primarily eliminated the so-called "kick" effect that occurred when touching the car body. This phenomenon was a common complaint among vehicle users, and resulted from the accumulation of an electrical charge on the car's body. It was particularly noticeable during winter when the air was dry. So, what was the role of the static strip? Its job was to facilitate the removal of this charge.

The answer is straightforward. They don't fully fulfill their role. Although these strips discharge electric currents from the body, the driver's and passengers' clothes also become electrified during the drive. So, even if the electrostatic charges are removed from the vehicle body, they linger on us once we get out of the car. As a result, those notorious "kicks" may still occur.

While static strips have largely disappeared from passenger cars, they continue to be mandatory for some vehicle types, such as fuel tankers. The use of static strips in this context is far more critical than simply preventing the occasional "kick" effect. These strips serve to prevent any spark from occurring during fuel transfer. Spark ignition in such situations could result in disastrous consequences.