When it comes to Chevy Silverado, it’s a powerful full-size truck or a multi-utility vehicle. It can take you through some of the most robust paths and sheer adventures without ruining your off-road experience. Because of the general nature of the car, it becomes essential to have excellent quality running boards on your Chevy Silverado. In this article, we have discussed running boards and how to install running boards on Chevy Silverado.
If you are new to the world of accessories and unaware of what exactly is a running board. Don’t worry; we have got you covered. We will check out comprehensively what are these fancy termed add ons for your Chevy and how to install them properly. Before directly getting into how to install them, let’s have an overview first. Check out what correctly running boards are and why they are essential.
Check out our product reviews on the best exhaust system for Silverado 1500.
Why having running boards on Chevy Silverado is essential?
The primary purpose of the running boards is to prevent the side of your car from directly being hit by another vehicle or anything. As there are so many different designs and patterns are available, the material of the running boards could differ massively. They are of stainless steel, chrome, or other types of powder-coated content.
Apart from providing additional safety to the car, it also helps passengers enter and exit from the vehicle. As the Chevy Silverado is a bit higher ground clearance, this small yet robust add-on can help. These can protect you when you are doing hardcore offroading on a hilly or forest area. Before buying and installing these accessories, it’s essential to check out which one to have for your car.
Check Out: The best headers for 5.3 Silverado.
Types of running boards available for Chevy Silverado
1. Cab-length Chevy board
It is covered from the back of the forward wheel and goes towards the behind doors. You can easily find them fitted in the back of the front types of your Chevy. This type of running board gets you two-step pads to ensure a slip-free experience. It is one of the most preferred running boards available in the market.
2. Wheel to Wheel Design
Wheel-to-wheel type of design is installed from the back of the car towards the front tires. One of the best things about this type of nerf bar is that you can easily access the bed and roof of your truck. As they are covered from wheel to wheel, you get higher security.
3. Oval Design is also trendy
It goes between the round and flat ones. These have more space to keep your foot on the plate and give you better stability. If you live in a snowy area, the oval design could be the best choice. These are comfortable for passengers to get in or out of the car.
4. Sports-type running boards
If you are looking for something fancier for your modified Chevy Silverado, this might be the best option for you to choose from. They look sleek and stylish when installed on your vehicle as they come with a smaller diameter.
Check Out: The best retractable tonneau cover.
How to install running boards on Chevy Silverado properly?
We have decluttered the whole complicated process into more manageable steps to simplify the entire process. Even if you are a newbie, you can easily follow these steps to install brand new running boards on your Chevy. Installation could vary based on the model number, year of manufacturing, trim level, and cab type of your vehicle. Follow these simple steps to know how to install running boards on Chevy Silverado properly.
Step 1:
To begin with, get the installation being with the driver side of your Chevy. Check out the rocket area of your car and find out the five tabs that are better known as pinch welds. Once you locate them, you need to begin installing the brackets by pushing and fixing them in the tabs.
Step 2:
Wheel-to-wheel type of design, you can find them installed from the back of the car that goes towards the front tires. One of the best things about this type of nerf bar is that you can easily access the bed and roof of your truck. As they get cover from wheel to wheel, you get higher security.
Step 3:
One thing you need to keep in mind while installing is the brackets are free-size operated and will work on both the driver and passenger area. Now, it’s time to mount the bolts to the holed with the OE threaded punches. Place them, but don’t tighten the bolts right from now.
Step 4:
Now the procedure is the same for the driver’s side installation. Once you install the brackets properly, align the running board with mounting brackets and ensure they are leveling with bolts. Try not to slide the board to avoid any damage. The running board needs to align 3 inches back from the opening of the vehicle. Make sure not to over-tighten it as the process does not end yet.
Step 5:
It’s time to get on the side of the passenger area of your Silverado truck. While installing it on the passenger side, keep in mind that the mounting hardware and the boards are not collapsing or interfering with the fuel tank. If it does so, you will need to adjust it a bit.
Step 6:
Like the driver side, repeat the same process on the passenger side. Once you finish the installation, double-check the bolts are tight and the complete running board is firm and not moving or shaking. Congratulations, you have successfully installed the running boards on your Chevy Silverado.
What are the advantages of installing running boards on Chevy Silverado
Safety is something that we can’t skimp
It protects the vehicle from sudden strikes and hitting hard from a surface. Running boards makes sure you enjoy your ride without getting into any dent or cramp in the side of the vehicle. Many times, it happens with us that while driving on hilly or uneven areas, the car might be hit by something and damage the doors.
A wide range of customization
We all love to have some customization on our Chevy, and running boards are the best. They are available in numerous shapes, sizes, and designs. No matter what kind of customization you are looking for, the running boards will never disappoint you. It will help you keep the styling quotient high of your robust Chevy.
Convenience for all
As we discussed above, the height of the Chevy Silverado truck is a little bit higher. Passengers of small size might face problems while entering or exiting. Running boards will help you sort this problem. As they are available in a single or double-stepped footer, you can choose the best fit for your car.
It prevents you from slipping
If you live in a snowy area, you know the pain of slipping from the car. A running board will make sure you properly get out and enter the vehicle without falling mishap. All in all, we can say that these robust yet straightforward innovations are with numerous benefits.
Maintenance of the running boards
They are robust accessories and won’t need much attention. But, keep ensuring from time to time that you install them firmly. If you feel that they are moving or shaky while putting force on it, it’s time to maintain.
Check all the bolts that you can tighten up. And do check if any of the bolts are missing from their place. It often happens that bolts might fall due to sudden shocks and vibrations while offroading. If you can clean the running board once a weak, it would make them look new even after years.
As they don’t have any manual mechanism, you are worry-free from all types of time-consuming maintenance. Regular cleaning of the running boards and your robust Chevy Silverado will ensure a more extended working period of the hardware piece.
With the above information, you can now easily install the running boards on Chevy Silverado properly. It might be sounding a complex process, but it’s not. All you need to do is follow the simple steps and don’t skip any of the above steps.
Final Words
Get started by choosing the stylish and cool-looking running board for your Chevy Silverado and installing them correctly without paying extra charges to the garage. You can quickly get this done; all you need is a complete tool kit to start the DIY. So, this article is not only for how to install running boards on Chevy Silverado but also for proper advice about your running boards.
They are not just for uplifting the styling factor of the car; they bring you numerous benefits. Right from ensuring your safety to keeping your vehicle covered from any dent or damage, this straightforward invention is there to give you an interruption-free driving experience in any road conditions. Give a new makeover to your Chevy now with stylish running boards.