Side Steps

• Side steps are individual footholds that are commonly installed on vehicles that have high ground clearance like SUVs, trucks, and Jeeps.
• Side steps are mounted either on the rocker panel or on the vehicle frame.
• People who frequently drive their kids or elderly family members will find these steps necessary in preventing their loved ones from slipping or falling while trying to enter or exit their vehicle.
• You may also find pickup truck side steps installed on the side of the truck bed for accessing items from inside the rear compartment without the need to open the tailgate and hop into the truck bed.
• Some of the reasons to replace your side steps include rust and corrosion damage, collision damage, and for customization purposes.
• The price of side steps will vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model. In general, OE replacement side steps will cost you anywhere between $50 for a single part to over $200 for a set.

America is undoubtedly a country where trucks and SUVs reign supreme. Large vehicles have become so popular that countless groups and individuals have made it their passion to either fix up old models or customize new ones. For vehicles that sit taller than sedans, one part that is commonly replaced during repairs or upgrades is their side step.  

Side steps are individual footholds that are commonly installed on vehicles that have high ground clearance like SUVs, trucks, and Jeeps. These steps extend from underneath the doors on the driver and passenger sides, making it easy for people to enter and exit the vehicle.

Side steps are mounted either on the rocker panel or on the vehicle frame. While static steps are more common, there are newer vehicle models that support electric side steps. These extend when activated and fold into the rocker panel when not needed.

Side steps provide the driver and passengers a stable and non-slip surface for their foot while getting in and out of a vehicle.

While many may think these are only necessary for lifted vehicles, they can also be useful for everyday drivers. People who frequently drive their kids or elderly family members will find these steps necessary in preventing their loved ones from slipping or falling while trying to enter or exit their vehicles.

You may also find pickup truck side steps installed on the side of the truck bed. Truck side steps make it easier for the driver to access items from inside the rear compartment without having to open the tailgate and hop into the truck bed.

While shopping for side steps, you may have come across similar terms such as nerf bars and running boards. These three are similar in function—they provide drivers and passengers a stable surface for their feet while entering or exiting a vehicle. However, they have a few differences that set them apart.

A side step, as its name suggests, is an individual step that is installed under each vehicle door. It is flat like running boards, however, the latter typically runs the entire length of the cabin (from the back of the front wheel to the front of the rear wheel).

Nerf bars may be designed as individual steps or a full-length bar that runs underneath both doors on each side. But unlike side steps, they are metal tubes that may or may not have footpads that provide extra grip. There are also sport-style nerf bars that are installed on vehicles with low ground clearance that are purely decorative.

Replacing corroded or damaged side steps may not seem urgent since they don’t affect a vehicle’s drivability. However, there are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t wait to replace these parts.

Rust and Corrosion Damage

Side steps are constantly exposed to the elements as an external component of your vehicle. Water, snow, and road chemicals can find their way into nooks and crannies that aren’t painted and cause rust to buildup. One of the less noticeable areas that could have hidden corrosion damage is around the bolts that hold the mounting brackets in place.

Failing to replace rusted side steps on your vehicle can cause the damage to spread elsewhere, leaving you with a more expensive repair bill.

Collision Damage

Another possible issue that you should keep in mind is collision damage. Because side steps stick out from the sides of your vehicle, they are usually hit during fender benders or sideswiping accidents. Collisions may compromise the integrity of your side steps over time, preventing them from supporting the same amount of weight they did previously.  So it is best to have them checked and replaced if needed.

Customization

Swapping out your stock side steps for aftermarket ones in a different style or finish can instantly change the look of your vehicle. Polished steel and aluminum reflect light—perfect if you want something flashy to draw attention towards the lower half of your vehicle. If you prefer something more understated, black and textured side steps can blend in with your body paint, giving your vehicle a tough yet sleek look.

The price of side steps will vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model. In general, OE replacement side steps will cost you anywhere between $50 to over $200. You may purchase these parts individually or in sets of two.

These often come with the necessary mounting brackets and bolts for installation. You can further customize the look of your truck, Jeep, or SUV by choosing from a variety of finishes (e.g., powder-coated, textured steel, polished aluminum, etc.) 

CarParts.com can make your search for the right truck, SUV, or Jeep side steps so much easier. You never have to worry about ordering the wrong parts with our built-in vehicle selector. Simply browse through our catalog of industry-approved replacement parts by plugging your vehicle’s correct year, make, and model into our search filters.