Why Do We Sometimes Get Electric Shocks When Opening a Car's Door?

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We've all likely experienced electric shocks when opening a car door and wondered what just happened and why it happened. This phenomenon occurs due to static electricity, which is generated when two objects come in contact with each other. 

When your body gets rubbed with the car’s seat, friction is generated and the flow of electrons starts to take place. This flow of electrons between the two bodies leads to the accumulation of static charges. 

This buildup of static electricity in your body will lead to the sudden discharge of electrons causing an electric shock when you touch a metal car door. 

To escape the static shock while exiting your car, put your hand on a metal. For this, you can touch the door frame or the roof of the car with your hand as you put your feet on the ground. If you have already exited, touch the car with the key, coin, or anything else made of metal to dispel the static electricity.