Why Do You Need Running Boards on Your Toyota Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma is a highly-functional truck that is particularly great for off-roading. However, it is also a high-profile car, and with that comes a bit of difficulty when it comes to entering and exiting.

Of course, the best way to address that issue would be to get running boards that act as a stepping surface.

If you need guidance regarding picking the right running boards for your Toyota Tacoma, you are in the right place. Keep reading, it will be worth your while.

What are Toyota Tacoma Running Boards?

As previously mentioned, running boards provide a stepping surface that facilitates getting into and out of taller vehicles and trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. However, you need to consider some crucial factors that will guarantee that you select the quality Toyota Tacoma running boards.

Why are Tacoma Running Boards Needed?

If you are wondering if there are any other reasons why you need to invest in aftermarket Toyota Tacoma running boards, then the answer would be yes. Here’s what we are talking about.

Facilitating Entry and Exit

This is perhaps the most notable benefit of having running boards. These car accessories act as an auxiliary step into and out of your car.

Most SUVs and trucks are tall making it hard to climb into and out of them especially for children, the elderly, and shorter people.

With quality running boards, you easily eliminate the problem.

They Offer Safety

Running boards offer more than just an additional step into your truck. You see, there is a safety risk when you or other people try to get into your tall car.

The chances of slipping and falling are high and as you can imagine, that could lead to serious injuries.  This is particularly true in bad weather.

To reduce the chances of this happening, you want to get running boards because they also come with texturized surfaces that offer great traction.

Offering Protection

Surprisingly, running boards also offer some level of protection to your vehicle. Since they extend a bit below your car’s body, they tend to take the damage that may be caused by road debris instead of your car’s undercarriage.

Adding Aesthetic Appeal

Did you know that running boards, also add a touch of class to your truck? Just having a sidestep adds aesthetic appeal to any SUV or truck.

Of course, this should not be the main reason why you get them, but having a sleek contemporary design running board that retracts wouldn’t hurt. Wouldn’t you agree?

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Types of Running Boards for Toyota Tacoma

When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma, there are two main types of running boards that you want to consider and they include:

I) Side Step Running Boards

These can be fixed just at the rear of your vehicle, back wheel well and with that, you will have an easier time accessing the bed of your truck.

II) Cab Length Running Boards

These cover the whole length of your pick-up or cab and they are designed to offer an extra step into the passenger or driver seat.

How to Pick the Right Running Boards for Your Toyota Tacoma

As you embark on the journey to picking the perfect running boards for your Toyota Tacoma, you need to keep in mind that not just any option you find in the market will be ideal.

As such, you want to consider some crucial factors while making your purchase. What are these factors? We discuss them below.

Appearance/Style

Most drivers purchase Toyota Tacoma running boards for their functionality, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t care about how they look.

Luckily, there are running boards in the market with a variety of finishes and colors so it will not be hard to figure out the look you want for your truck. Just ensure that the style you pick matches or compliments your vehicle.

Material

One thing you need to keep in mind when purchasing running boards is that they will take a bit of abuse from foot traffic and the weather among other things.

That then means that you need to get a solid running board that can withstand the same. We would therefore encourage you to get side steps that are made from durable material like alloy steel and resist corrosion.

Size and Shape

Remember we had mentioned that there are two kinds of running boards? You get to choose from wheel-to-wheel options that run from the front wheel’s end to the rear wheel’s beginning or cab-length boards that cover the length of your car.

We want to assume that you want all the stability you can get when entering and exiting your car and if that is the case, you want to get running boards with extra stepping surfaces so that you can get enough room for your feet.

Warranty

Any car part or accessory should come with a warranty to protect your investment. A warranty tells you that the manufacturer is confident about the quality of their product. Besides, it ensures that you do not have to dig into your pocket to pay for repairs or replacements in case you need them within the warranty period.

Finish

There has always been a debate when it comes to nerf bars and running boards regarding what kind of finish is best. The thing is that there are several finishes and they all come with their pros and cons.

However, the most common finishes are polished and powder-coated. The former is sleek and shiny, while the latter is matte and toned-down. Whichever you pick ultimately boils down to your taste.

That said, you want to keep in mind that a powder-coated finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion and is ideal for all weather conditions. On the other hand, a polished finish looks flashy and is easy to clean, but it is not as great when it comes to resisting scratches.

Replacing or Installing Process

The next step is replacing or Installing Running Boards on Toyota Tacoma. You can do it by yourself, hire a professional for doing it or go to an auto repair shop.

If you want to do it by yourself. Then you have to need some essential tools, like: box end wrenches, ratchet & socket set, safety gloves, safety glasses, automotive creeper (optional), car lift (optional). And simply follow the installing process guide that came with the product.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that you need running boards for your Toyota Tacoma but if you choose the wrong ones, you will have wasted your money. This guide comes in handy in helping you make the right choice so go ahead and make the most out of it.