The destruction caused by static electricity. 908-652-0154
April 6, 2026Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:51 — 104.1MB)
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Originally published 6/9/2021
This episode of Idle Chatter aired in the early days of the podcast. The introduction and audio are a little different from what I use today. The information is timeless, foundational, and just as relevant to your success.
Agriculture runs on machinery… but profits on reliability!
Thanks for listening, Ray Bohacz… the Hot Rod Farmer
Hi Ray,
While listening to your show about static electricity, it brought up a memory of a 2011 Chevy Equinox we used to have. It seemed most times while getting out of the vehicle we would get a strong electrical shock.
I would have never thought the tires might have been causing it. We did have Michelin’s on it, and you mentioned in your show about testing Michelin’s and I’m wondering now if we would have had a different brand on if the static electricity would have gone away?
Also I remember seeing certain vehicles that had a rubber strap hanging from them to create a grounding effect. Could never understand how a rubber strap could ground out a vehicle when rubber is an insulator.
On a side note, my son has a small trucking company and it seems he is always having trouble with the trailer lights. They are all Led lights and the diodes will either go dim or one by one will stop working. I was wondering if that might be caused by buildup of static electricity from the tires, as he runs all Michelin’s.
Thank Ray for all you do and congratulations on being in the top 10% for most listened to podcast.
Gary
Good morning!
Thank you so much for listening and the kind words about my podcast ranking. Without people like you it would not be possible… I need to thank you and not you thank me.
You are 100% correct about rubber but the grounding straps are impregnated with a particles of conductive material (I think some type of ferrous metal). That is why they work. Today, with all the fake stuff coming from China I would make sure that you purchase one from a reputable company since all you may get is a piece of rubber from an unknown source.
LED lights are funny and have been very problematic when retrofitted to an originally non LED application. I would have your son try running a true grounding strap on at least one truck. Even if it does not help it will not hurt to discharge the static electricity especially with a semi, due to the amount of tires and the charge that is created by the wind resistance.
I am going to record this week’s show today and I will use your letter since it brings up some very valid questions. I am quite sure the audience will appreciate and learn from it.
Have a blessed and thanks again for listening,
Ray