Author: Eliot Stonebrook

For truck and SUV owners, the perennial question arises: are retractable running boards a sensible investment? These aren’t your grandfather’s fixed running boards, they’re the automated cousins, seamlessly deploying and retracting when the doors swing open or shut. Retractable vs. Fixed: A Crucial Distinction Let’s understand, fixed running boards stay rigidly mounted to the vehicle, always visible and always occupying the space they take. In contrast, retractable running boards, or power steps, are the chameleons of the automotive world, disappearing into the vehicle’s body when not in use. This fundamental difference has significant implications for both aesthetics and functionality. Why Do People Buy Retractable Running Boards?…

Running boards, those convenient steps attached to the side of your truck or SUV, have been around for quite a while, though maybe not always looking like they do today. Originating in the 17th century on carriages, they served the essential function of helping people get into and out of vehicles with high ground clearance. Fast forward to modern times and while vehicle designs are lower, running boards persist, offering both practical benefits and things to think about. What Exactly Are Running Boards? So first off, let’s clear what they are. A running board is a flat surface, usually 4 to 7 inches wide, installed…

Running boards are not merely decorative additions; they are functional accessories that enhance the accessibility and safety of vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs with higher ground clearances. These long, narrow platforms extend from the vehicle’s side, creating a convenient intermediate step to aid passengers entering and exiting the cab. While their primary purpose is practicality, they also contribute significantly to a vehicle’s aesthetic, adding a touch of ruggedness or sleek style. A Glimpse into History Running boards have a surprising history, dating back to the 17th century when they were used to help people access tall carriages. Early automobiles also featured running boards as a standard feature due to their body-on-frame construction…

You’ve probably seen them under a pickup or an SUV, might’ve even used one, but ever stopped and thought — what actually makes a running board not a step board? Sounds similar, right? But there’s more going on than folks usually notice. What are Running Boards? Running boards are flat platforms typically mounted along the side of the vehicle, often extending from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well. They have a wider surface area compared to side steps or nerf bars, providing a more substantial and stable stepping surface. Historically, they were essential on older vehicles with high ground clearance, offering…

When it comes to your truck or SUV, making it easier to get in and out is always a good idea, right? Plus, maybe you want some extra style or a little bit of protection from the road. You might have heard terms like nerf bars and running boards, and you’re wondering what the heck the difference is. Let’s get this all sorted out. They both serve a similar purpose – helping you step up – but they go about it in different ways, you see. The Essence of Nerf Bars Think tubular, like big pipes along the side. That’s the visual for nerf bars. They usually made of metal,…

So you got a Toyota Tacoma—solid choice, by the way. Now you’re lookin’ at that open bed thinkin’, “Should probably cover that up before the weather or some random dude does it for me.” Whether you’re tossing in tools, groceries, camping gear, or just tryna stop stuff from flyin’ out on the highway, a good tonneau cover ain’t just a want—it’s pretty much a gotta-have. Problem is, there’s like a million out there, all swearin’ they’re the best. Some fold, some roll, some cost as much as a new fridge. But here’s the thing: not every cover’s built for your…

When we moved into our new condo near the CBD, we realized that location was so convenient that we seldom needed to use our car when getting to work. To save on gas expenses and avoid traffic issues, we decided to rely on public transportation and instead park our car in the garage since it wasn’t used often enough. After a month of busy office work, my husband and I decided to take our kids for a tour. With everyone ready for this long-awaited day, I was shocked to realize that our one-year-old car couldn’t start. Not only was it…

Just like how the human body is composed of key organs, your dear auto comprises a combination of key mechanical and electrical parts that determine its operation while on the road. One of these components that rest right at the heart of your auto is the alternator. In fact, this component functions more like your car’s brain as it’s the one responsible for most of your car’s electrical systems. �?And since this component is tasked to take care of most of your auto’s electrical parts, it might likely break down at one point in life. Since a damaged alternator can…

Although it might appear like just a minor issue, scratches on your auto’s windshield can do a lot more than just ruining your car’s integrity. They can create low visibility by letting the sun’s rays bounce off the scratched areas on to your eyes thus causing an accident. If the scratches are deep, water can collect on the grooves making it impossible for the wipers to wipe the water off entirely. This too can cause low visibility. So, to prevent any of these uncertainties, not forgetting costly repairs in the future, your auto will require a comprehensive windshield scratch repair…

Winches have come a long way since their formal introduction thousands of years back. Following their reputation in thousands of sectors, mankind has managed to build different varieties of the winch to make it more sophisticated. Some of the most common varieties you’ll find include the electric winch, hydraulic winch, portable winch, and the less common PTO winch. So, how does a PTO winch work? Now, winches have a notable reputation in thousands of sectors such as mining, manufacturing, sailing, and vehicle recovery. Although the electric and the hydraulic winches are the most recognizable, the PTO is a disregarded type…