How to Maintain and Care for Your Jeep’s Running Boards

Adding running boards to your Jeep is not only a practical enhancement but also a stylish upgrade that improves accessibility and protection. Whether you’re stepping up into a lifted Jeep or seeking extra protection for the sides of your vehicle, running boards play a vital role. However, like any other Jeep component, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to maintain and care for your Jeep’s running boards so they remain functional and visually appealing for years to come.

1. Understand the Importance of Maintenance

Running boards withstand daily wear and tear but are still vulnerable to dirt, road debris, and weather conditions. Without regular maintenance, they can develop rust, lose their slip-resistant properties, or simply look worn out. By keeping your running boards in good condition, you protect your investment and ensure they provide optimal functionality for easy vehicle access and side protection.

2. Clean Your Running Boards Regularly

Running boards for Jeeps accumulate dirt, mud, and debris over time, especially if you frequently take them off-roading. Cleaning your running boards regularly is the first step in ensuring they remain in good shape. Here’s a simple cleaning process:

• Gather supplies: You’ll need a bucket of soapy water (automotive soap works best), a soft brush or sponge, and a hose for rinsing.
• Rinse off loose dirt: Before scrubbing, rinse off the running boards with water to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratching the surface when you start scrubbing.
• Scrub gently: Use your sponge or brush to scrub the running boards, paying special attention to textured or slip-resistant surfaces. You may need a more aggressive scrubbing brush for tough grime or mud, but avoid using anything too abrasive that could damage the coating or surface finish.
• Rinse thoroughly: Once scrubbed clean, rinse the running boards thoroughly to remove any remaining soap residue.

3. Protect the Finish With Wax or Sealant

Once the running boards are clean and dry, applying a protective coating of wax or sealant can help shield them from rust, corrosion, and UV damage. This is especially important for steel running boards, as they are more prone to rust over time if not properly protected.

• Choose the right product: Look for a wax or sealant for metal surfaces. Some automotive waxes can work on both your vehicle’s body and running boards.
• Apply evenly: Using a clean microfiber cloth, apply the wax or sealant evenly across the surface of the running boards. Make sure to cover all areas, including any small nooks or textured surfaces.
• Buff for shine: After the product sets (follow the manufacturer’s instructions), use a clean cloth to buff the running boards, giving them a shiny, protected finish.

4. Check for Rust and Corrosion

Even with regular cleaning and protection, metal running boards are still at risk of developing rust over time. Periodically inspect your running boards for any signs of rust or corrosion.

• Inspect key areas: Pay special attention to the undersides of the running boards and any welded joints, as these areas are most vulnerable to rust.
• Treat rust early: If you notice any rust spots, address them as soon as possible. Use sandpaper or a wire brush to remove rust from affected areas, then apply a rust converter or primer to prevent further damage. Afterward, apply touch-up paint that matches your running board’s finish.

Preventive maintenance like this will stop rust from spreading and keep your running boards in good shape.

5. Maintain the Slip-Resistant Surface

Many Wrangler side steps and running boards, like Westin’s Snyper Rock Slider Steps, feature slip-resistant, texture-coated step plates to ensure safety when entering and exiting your Jeep. Over time, dirt, mud, and grime can diminish the effectiveness of these slip-resistant surfaces, so maintaining them is crucial.

• Regular cleaning: As mentioned earlier, frequent cleaning helps keep these surfaces slip-resistant. Use a brush to clean any grooves or textured patterns that may collect dirt.
• Replace worn step plates: Some running boards, like the Snyper Rock Slider Steps, have removable step plates. Replacing these step plates can restore slip resistance and maintain safety if the texture wears down or becomes less effective over time.

6. Protect Your Running Boards from Road Salt

If you live in an area with snowy winters, road salt can be a major enemy of your running boards. Salt can accelerate the rusting process, leading to premature wear. Here’s how to protect your running boards during the winter months:

• Frequent cleaning: During the winter, wash your running boards more often to remove road salt and prevent it from settling into any cracks or crevices.
• Apply a protective coating: After cleaning, apply an anti-rust spray or an additional layer of sealant to protect against road salt’s corrosive effects.
• Use a car wash with undercarriage cleaning: Many automatic car washes offer undercarriage cleaning, which helps remove salt from the bottom of your Jeep, including the undersides of your running boards.

7. Inspect and Tighten Bolts

Over time, even if the running boards were installed professionally, the bolts securing them may loosen due to vibrations from driving, especially if you frequently drive on rough terrain. Regularly inspect the mounting hardware and tighten any loose bolts to ensure the running boards remain securely attached to your Jeep.

If you installed your running boards yourself, periodically check the drilled holes to make sure there’s no rust forming around the mounting points.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Jeep’s running boards is a simple but important task to ensure they last for years and continue to provide both style and functionality. Regular cleaning, rust prevention, slip-resistance maintenance, and bolt inspections are key steps in preserving their durability and appearance. By taking the time to care for your running boards, you not only enhance your Jeep’s aesthetic but also ensure your vehicle is always ready for off-road adventures or everyday use.