What Are Side Steps? A Complete Guide to Electric Running Boards

The side steps are undoubtedly one of the most popular accessories for pickup trucks. Side steps bring many benefits to any car model, including improved aesthetics, improved boarding convenience, and a more stylish appearance. In short, they are highly functional and almost flawless accessories – how can one not love them? In this guide, we will provide a brief introduction to automatic side pedals. We will cover all aspects related to automatic telescopic pedals, as well as the tips and tricks we provide to ensure you choose the perfect product. So, take out your laptop and get ready for an introductory lesson on automatic retractable running boards.

Most original height pickup trucks, jeeps, and SUVs can be equipped with automatic side steps. It can lower the height of entering the carriage, reducing the burden on your and passengers’ bodies. No need to lift your legs up to the door sill anymore, the side steps can lower the landing point of the car by several inches to a full foot. Car side steps usually also have wide anti slip pedal surfaces, ensuring maximum friction in all weather conditions, even in rainy and snowy weather.

In addition to facilitating boarding, the side steps can also significantly enhance the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. These accessories come in a variety of eye-catching styles and surface treatments, including understated powder coatings and various lighting effects. The side steps can also protect the interior of the car, allowing you and passengers to sit directly in their seats instead of sliding on them and exacerbating seat wear. Now that you have understood the many benefits of side steps

Let’s continue with the second lesson: Configuration of automatic side steps.
Scalable running board (electric type), the electric retractable running board can be retracted when not in use. When the door is opened, it extends from below the bottom edge of the door, and when the door is closed, it retracts behind the bottom edge of the door. Electric retractable side pedals are an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the practicality of side pedals, but do not like their appearance and are concerned about their negative impact on ground clearance.

Installation of compatible vehicle models:
Our electric (retractable side step) has been adapted to most pickup trucks and SUVs on the market. You only need to provide the model name and production year, and we can match the side step perfectly for your vehicle model.

Installation configuration: Install the telescopic bracket according to the reserved holes on the chassis of the original vehicle, and then use OBD plug and play to achieve automatic operation of the side step door opening

The material of the side steps: Each of our running boards is made of aluminum material to ensure that the product is lightweight and sturdy, and can withstand weights of 300-400 pounds or more in most cases. This is an alloy known for its excellent strength to weight ratio. Although aluminum side steps may require thicker materials to achieve the strength of steel or stainless steel, the final product weighs only about half of them. This alloy is also relatively corrosion-resistant because it does not rust like steel and iron. Although surface oxidation is common, the corrosion resistance of aluminum is sufficient for manufacturers to use it in its original polished or brushed surface state. In addition, aluminum car pedals are usually coated with clear varnish or painted to reduce maintenance requirements.

Next, let’s talk about surface treatment of side pedals. In addition to pedals that use corrosion-resistant base metals such as stainless steel, surface treatment determines the appearance and overall corrosion resistance of the pedals. Surface treatment is a specific coating, plating, or treatment method applied on a base metal, including powder coating. Powder coating is a very durable surface treatment method commonly used in commercial applications, automotive parts, and heavy machinery. This process involves first coating a charged polymer pigment powder onto an alloy product, and then curing it through ultraviolet irradiation or high temperature (usually the latter). The final coating is very durable, able to resist scratches, wear, oil stains, chemicals, and UV radiation for a long time, and has a long-lasting appearance like new. The surface treatment method of painting is similar to other painted parts on vehicles. The process is to apply liquid, solvent based, or water-based paint to the side steps before they are shipped. Although this can make the appearance uniform, it is far less durable than powder coating.

The side steps have both functionality and aesthetics, and depending on your preferred appearance style – whether low-key or eye-catching – you may be more inclined towards a certain style and surface treatment. For example, for those who prefer a low-key and minimalist appearance, we recommend retractable car pedals such as electric pedals (automatic telescopic).
Fortunately, we offer high-quality electric telescopic running boards at various price points, purchased at factory prices ranging from $300 to $500, because you purchase directly from the factory, which provides excellent value for money.