5 Reasons To Have a Side Step Installed on Your Vehicle

Among the many available car and truck customizations, there are a few that stand out for their functional and aesthetic appeal. One such accessory is the side step. Consider these five reasons to have a side step installed on your vehicle.

The Difference Between Side Steps and Running Boards

The first thing to clarify is the difference between side steps and running boards. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes. Running boards are flat, wide platforms that run along the side of a vehicle, providing a step for easier access to the interior or the roof of the vehicle.

Side steps, on the other hand, are smaller, more discrete accessories, sometimes referred to as “nerf bars.” They are often designed with a non-slip surface for safe entry and exit. They're perfect for adding style to your car or truck while also enhancing its practicality.

Types of Vehicles That Benefit From Side Steps

Side steps are not just for trucks or SUVs. They can be a great addition to any vehicle, especially those with a higher ground clearance. Whether you drive a compact crossover, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, side steps can make your vehicle more accessible and safer to use.

Reasons To Add Side Steps

There are several specific, practical reasons to add side steps to your vehicle beyond the fact that they simply look great.

Accessibility and Safety for Getting in and out of Large Vehicles

One of the most significant benefits of installing  truck side steps  is the improved accessibility they provide. For children, elderly passengers, or anyone with mobility challenges, climbing into a tall vehicle can be difficult and even dangerous, presenting risks of falling. Side steps make it easier and safer to get in and out of your car.

Preserving Seat Upholstery

Most passengers exit a vehicle with high ground clearance by sliding across and down from their seats. With time, this can cause wear and tear on seat upholstery. Side steps help mitigate this issue by providing a place to step, rather than slide, out of a car, SUV, or pickup. They help preserve seat upholstery, which keeps the inside of your vehicle looking new.

Keeping Your Vehicle Clean

Side steps can also help keep your vehicle clean. You and your passengers can use them to scrape off mud, snow, or other debris from your shoes before you enter the vehicle, helping keep your car's interior clean.

Keeping Your Clothes Clean

Similarly, side steps make it less likely that you’ll brush your clothing against the exterior of the vehicle, picking up dirt and dust. This can help protect your clothes when you enter and exit the vehicle.

Protecting Your Vehicle From Mud and Debris

Finally, side steps can deflect road debris away from your vehicle's body, reducing the risk of mud splashes or scratches and dents from rocks and gravel. This can help maintain the exterior of your vehicle, preserving its value and aesthetic appeal.

If these reasons to have a side step installed on your car have interested you, visit Fat Lip Customs to review your options and select the type of side steps or running board that will work with your vehicle.