Running Boards vs. Side Steps: Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Particularly for bigger cars like SUVs and trucks, running boards and side steps can be helpful additions that simplify entering and exiting your modifying vehicle. However, they have distinct uses and satisfy different needs, hence selecting between them depends on multiple elements like design, durability, and general convenience. This whole analysis will enable you to choose which alternative would be most appropriate for your car.
What Are Running Boards?
Often reaching from the front wheel to the rear door, running boards are broad, flat platforms affixed to the lower side of a vehicle. Running boards are usually a continuous stepping surface, hence they are perfect for vehicles with high ground clearance, such SUVs and bigger trucks. Including little children and senior travelers, their broad, flat shape facilitates everyone's easy step up.
Usually composed of sturdy materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic, running boards are meant to bear the weight and regular use. In wet or muddy weather, a non-slip finish on the surface makes it safer to operate; it gives passengers a steady footing when they get on or off the car.
Apart from accessibility, running boards assist to guard the sides of the car from road trash, dirt, and rocks kicked up by the tires. Drivers who frequently travel on bumpy or dirt roads may especially find this function helpful. Running boards help to keep the sides of your car cleaner and lower the danger of small scratches or dings by catching this trash.
Running boards do, however, somewhat lower ground clearance even if they offer tremendous accessibility and protection. For off-roaders who might find the reduced profile of running boards to be a drawback on challenging courses or uneven terrain, this can be a cause of concern. Still, running boards are a practical and fashionable addition that provides convenience and shields your car for daily use in suburban or metropolitan environments.
What Are Side Steps?
Designed as a smaller substitute for running boards, side steps—also called step bars or nerf bars—are Side steps, unlike the large, continuous platform provided by running boards, are little, discrete stepping surfaces found beneath each door. Often appealing to off-road drivers of trucks or vehicles, its slim and tubular shape offers side steps a sportier, more tough look.
Usually positioned lower and somewhat farther away from the car, side steps are easy to reach and leave ample clearance for off-roading. Usually constructed from robust materials like reinforced composite or stainless steel to resist environmental elements including rain, mud, and snow, they
For drivers who often take their vehicles off-road, side steps are perfect since they have minimal effect on ground clearance. Side steps let you better negotiate rough terrain without running the danger of scraping against rocks or obstacles since they extend out from the vehicle rather than downward.
Children or elderly passengers who might require a larger stepping area may find the limited design of side steps less accessible, though. Though steady, the stepping surface provides a more constrained platform than that of a running board. Still, side steps offer the perfect answer for those wishing to add a chic, useful update with a tough style.
Comparing Running Boards vs. Side Steps
Running boards usually have an edge in terms of accessibility since their wide, continuous platform. Children, elderly passengers, or anyone else requiring additional help to safely enter and exit the vehicle will find it simpler on this larger surface. Particularly helpful on uneven ground or in bad weather, running boards also provide a strong, steady footing.
Side steps, on the other hand, offer a narrower stepping surface that may be challenging for some passengers. Their lower placement can also make side steps harder to reach for certain users, especially on trucks with high ground clearance. While side steps are more compact and out of the way, their design doesn’t provide as much ease of access as running boards, particularly for those who prioritize stability.
Ground Clearance
For drivers who frequently go off-road, ground clearance is a critical consideration. Running boards, which extend downward and often protrude slightly from the vehicle, can reduce overall ground clearance. This lowered profile makes it more likely for running boards to hit rocks or other obstacles on rough terrain, which can limit off-road capability.
In contrast, side steps are designed to maintain ground clearance. Positioned more compactly and extending outward rather than downward, side steps are less likely to come into contact with off-road obstacles. This design makes them the preferred choice for off-road enthusiasts who want a stylish addition that doesn’t interfere with their vehicle’s off-road performance.
Style and Appearance
Both running boards and side steps can add to your vehicle’s appearance, but they provide different aesthetics. Running boards tend to seem sleek and integrated, melding into the side of the car for a clean, polished image. They can make a car look more sophisticated and are typically chosen by drivers who seek a more subtle, useful modification.
Side steps, by comparison, give a more rough, athletic aspect, with a noticeable tubular shape that stands out from the vehicle. This style is commonly selected by truck and SUV owners who want their vehicles to have an off-road-ready appearance. Side steps can provide a bold, daring attitude, which is popular among those who prefer outdoor or off-road activities.
Durability and Maintenance
When it comes to durability, both running boards and side steps are built to last, however their maintenance needs can vary. Running boards are often easy to clean and maintain due to their flat surface. They’re generally intended to withstand corrosion and are available with protective coatings, ensuring they stay in good shape even in damp or muddy circumstances.
Side steps, being narrower and sometimes positioned lower, can acquire more dirt and grime from the road. However, their tubular construction often contains drainage holes that assist keep them clean, and they are generally built from rust-resistant materials. While they may require a bit of extra cleaning, side steps are sturdy and hold up well under demanding situations.
Who Should Choose Running Boards?
Running boards are suitable for drivers that prioritize ease of access, especially families with young children or elderly passengers. The large platform gives stability and comfort, making it easier for everyone to enter and exit the vehicle. If you frequently travel in urban or suburban regions, where ground clearance is less of an issue, running boards are a useful, elegant feature that promotes accessibility.
SUV and large truck owners generally find running boards handy for protecting the sides of their cars from dirt, debris, and small collisions. This added layer of protection helps keep the car cleaner and protects the outside appearance. Running boards also work well for those who use their vehicle as a daily driver or for family outings, when convenience is a vital issue.
Who Should Choose Side Steps?
Side steps are well-suited to off-road enthusiasts and those who like a sportier, more rougher look for their automobiles. With their minimal influence on ground clearance, side steps allow for better agility on uneven terrain, making them perfect for trucks and SUVs taken on off-road adventures. Their tiny shape is especially beneficial for preserving clearance in urban situations with steep driveways or parking ramps.
If styling is a big factor, side steps give vehicles a bold, adventurous appearance, giving a touch of individuality that suits an off-road-ready lifestyle. For drivers who frequently load and unload cargo, side steps also give an easy method to reach roof racks or truck beds without reducing the vehicle’s ground clearance.
Popular Brands for Running Boards and Side Steps
Several recognized brands offer high-quality running boards and side steps, each with unique features and benefits. Power running boards—which automatically extend and retract as doors open and close—combining design with utility—are a trademark of AMP Research. Renowned for durability and economy, Tyger Auto provides a broad spectrum of running boards and side steps. Westin Automotive specializes in tough designs with great stability and grip; side steps perfect for off-road vehicles are their specialty.
Selecting a company with a solid reputation for quality and durability guarantees that your running boards or side steps will last even under regular use. From sleek running boards for urban environments to tough side steps meant for adventurous off-roaders, companies like these provide a range of choices suited to different demands.
FAQs
Are running boards better than side steps?
Families and daily use would find running boards perfect as they are usually more easily accessible and offer protection against trash. For off-road capability and style, nevertheless, side steps are preferable.
Do running boards reduce ground clearance?
Running boards can indeed lower ground clearance, which would be problematic for off-road driving. If you must keep ground clearance, side steps are typically a better option.
Are side steps durable for off-road use?
Made from robust materials like stainless steel, side steps are meant for longevity and make sense for off-road driving.
Can running boards or side steps be installed at home?
Indeed, many running boards and side stairs come with installation kits, therefore enabling a do-it-yourself project. Retractable running boards, however, are advised to be professionally installed.
Conclusion
Running boards or side steps finally comes down to your demands, type of car, and way of life. For families or individuals who value accessibility, running boards give a large, handy platform; side steps provide a small, fashionable addition fit for off-road activities. You can choose the best way to improve the functionality and look of your car by weighing elements such ground clearance, style, and durability.