Why Do They Tap the Tesla Before Charging?
Tesla has revolutionized the electric vehicle industry with its sleek designs, impressive performance, and cutting-edge technology. One peculiar practice that has piqued the curiosity of many is the act of tapping the Tesla before charging. It has become a common sight at Tesla Supercharger stations to see people give a gentle tap to their car before plugging it in. But why do they do it? Let’s uncover the mystery behind this interesting ritual.
The main reason people tap their Tesla before charging is to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on the car’s surface. When driving, the friction between the tires and the road can generate static electricity, which can accumulate on the vehicle’s body. By tapping the car, drivers ensure that any accumulated static electricity is safely discharged before plugging it in.
Static electricity can be a potential hazard when charging electric vehicles, as it can cause sparks. Although unlikely, a spark could potentially ignite any flammable gases that may be present, such as hydrogen, which is produced during the charging process. Tapping the car before charging helps mitigate this risk by eliminating any static electricity.
Additionally, tapping the Tesla can also serve as a grounding action. By physically touching the vehicle before charging, drivers establish a connection between themselves and the car, which helps in dissipating any residual static charge they may be carrying. This grounding action further minimizes the risk of a spark during the charging process.
Now, let’s address some common questions regarding this practice:
1. Is tapping the Tesla necessary every time before charging?
No, it is not necessary to tap the car before charging. Tesla vehicles are designed with safety features to handle any potential static electricity build-up during charging.
2. Does tapping the Tesla void the warranty?
No, tapping the Tesla does not void the warranty. It is a precautionary measure taken by some owners to ensure safety.
3. Can tapping the Tesla cause any damage?
Tapping the car gently should not cause any damage. However, it is advisable to avoid tapping with excessive force or using any sharp objects.
4. Is static electricity a common occurrence in electric vehicles?
Static electricity can occur in any vehicle, electric or not, due to friction between tires and the road.
5. Can ignoring tapping the Tesla lead to dangerous situations?
While the chances are low, ignoring this practice may increase the risk of sparks during charging, which could potentially be dangerous.
6. Can tapping the Tesla prevent electric shocks while charging?
Tapping the car does not directly prevent electric shocks during charging. However, it helps discharge any static electricity, reducing the chances of sparks.
7. Does tapping the Tesla have any impact on the charging speed?
No, tapping the Tesla has no impact on the charging speed or efficiency.
8. Should I tap my Tesla even when charging at home?
Tapping the car is mainly recommended at public charging stations where the risk of accumulated static electricity is higher. At home, the risk is significantly lower, but it can still be done as a precautionary measure.
9. Can tapping the Tesla damage the charging port?
Tapping the car should not damage the charging port if done gently.
10. Can I use any object to tap the Tesla?
It is recommended to use your hand or a soft object to tap the car, avoiding any sharp or metallic objects.
11. Are there any official instructions from Tesla regarding tapping the car?
Tesla has not officially endorsed tapping the car before charging, but it has become a popular practice among some owners.
12. Does tapping the Tesla affect the battery life?
No, tapping the car does not have any impact on the battery life or the overall performance of the vehicle.
In conclusion, tapping the Tesla before charging is a precautionary measure taken by some drivers to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on the car’s surface. While not necessary, it serves as an additional safety step to minimize the risk of sparks during the charging process. It is a simple ritual that has become part of the Tesla charging experience for many owners.