The Chevy Silverado is one of the best auto purchased that you can ever make, as you can use it on the roughest roads and still have a memorable off-road experience. However, due to its height, getting into and out of the vehicle can be a challenge especially for shorter people, and you need to help to overcome this problem.
A smart way of solving this problem is by installing running boards on your vehicle. Besides the ease of accessing your car, these boards will also enhance your Chevy’s appearance.
You do not need to take it to a truck repair/customization shop as you can do it by yourself, and we will discuss in this article.
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What is the Importance of Running Boards on a Chevy Silverado?
The first obvious reason is that they give you and your passengers an easy time entering and exiting the vehicle. Due to Chevy’s higher ground clearance, these add-ons could be a valuable part of your truck.
Another benefit is that they protect your car’s side from direct impact by another vehicle. The board come in many designs and materials, including stainless steel, chrome, and others, to offer different degrees of protection to your auto.
Installing Running Boards on your Chevy Silverado
As we mentioned at the start, installing running boards on your vehicle is not a complicated task, and you can do it yourself.
Keep in mind that the installation process differs from one car model to another and the brand of the running board.
Here we go.
I) Have all the Tools and Hardware Components in Place
The first thing you need to do is ensure that all the tools and hardware components are close. In most instances, you will find that the package includes items such as bolts, mounting brackets, ratchets and sockets.
In rare cases, you may have to acquire other tools from the auto repair or hardware store.
In addition to that, you should consider having safety equipment such as goggles and leather gloves close by.
II) Locate the Holes
With all the necessary equipment in hand, you should now start searching for the pre-drilled holes that are located underneath the vehicle. Start from the driver’s side, and when you find the holes, you can install the running boards.
In some cases, there are no pre-drilled holes, and you may have to drill them yourself. However, you should first make a point of reading the terms and conditions of the vehicle to ensure that drilling the holes does not void the warranty or the vehicle.
III) Mounting the Brackets
Examine that larger hole to ensure that it does not have a rubber plug in it. If there is, remove it to get the clear to mount the brackets.
Use nuts and bolts to mount the brackets, with the larger hole being for the clip nut while the threaded nut is for the rest of the holes. Once you have mounted the brackets, tighten the nuts to hold the brackets securely to their positions.
IV) Placing the Running Board
Once you are done with the brackets, it is now time to deal with the running boards. Start by placing a board on the brackets and ensure that it does not form a barrier against anything. Further, be sure that the position that you set it in will offer maximum comfort as you exit or enter your Chevy.
V) Bolt the Board
As soon as you set the board to its ideal position, you should now embark on mounting the board with the brackets, and you should use bolts for the process. At first, you should keep the bolts loose, and when you have placed the boards properly, you should tighten them (bolts).
VI) On the Passenger Side
Head over to the passenger’s side and repeat from steps 2 to 5 while being keen on the boards and other elements not standing in the way of the fuel or lower tank.
VII) Confirm Everything is Fine
When you are done with the installation, examine the bolts and hardware to ensure that nothing is loose. Try entering and exiting your vehicle a couple of times to ensure you have done everything correctly.
Types of Running Boards for the Chevy Silverado
Let’s also look at the different types of running boards that you could install on your Chevy.
I) Cab-Length Chevy Board
This type of board starts from the back of the front wheel to behind the doors, and it offers you two-step pads to ensure that slipping is out of the question.
II) Oval Design
If you live in a snowy region, this model would be perfect for you. It lies between the round and the flat design and provides you with more space to keep your foot on the plate. On top of that, this model also offers better stability.
III) Wheel to Wheel Design
The distinguishing factor with this design is that you will install it from the back of the car, running all the way to the front tires. The main benefits of this model are that they give you easy access to your truck’s bed and roof, and they also protect your vehicle from being bumped by other cars.
IV) Sports-type Running Board
Finally, we present you with a fancier option that will make you stand out from the crowd. They tend to have a smaller diameter and give your vehicle a sleek and stylish look upon installation.
Advantages of Installing Running Boards on your Chevy Silverado
We shall now check out some of the advantages of installing these boards on your Chevy Silverado.
I) Comfortable Entry and Exit of the Passengers
Running boards provide passengers, especially the short ones, with a comfortable step-up into tall vehicles, such as the Chevy Silverado.
II) Keeping the Vehicle’s Inside Clean
You could use the boards as a doormat whereby you can wipe your feet as you enter the vehicle. This way, you can leave most of the dirt outside and keep your vehicle’s interior clean. However, you will have to ensure that the boards are made out of durable material to get this effect to the maximum.
III) Protection from Elements such as Rock and Debris
Since the Chevy Silverado is primarily an off-road vehicle, you are likely to drive it in rocky areas where the wheels will pick up a lot of rocks and other debris. When these elements hit the vehicle’s body, they will create lasting damage on it.
But with the running boards well installed, you do not have to worry about rock chips and debris damaging the vehicle’s body and door.
IV) Enhancing the Look
Lastly, running boards could also help enhance your vehicle’s look, but you have to go for sturdy and stylish units to achieve this goal.
Conclusion
By now, we hope you have understood that installing running boards is relatively easy and you can do it yourself in an afternoon. These units are viable investments that would give you an easy time getting into and out of your vehicle, plus offer additional benefits such as protecting the body and giving the car a better look. With that, take your time and read the steps we have provided all over again so that the installation of these boards never becomes a troublesome affair.