How to Prevent Rust on Car Running Boards

Car running boards are essential accessories that provide a convenient step to enter taller vehicles. These metal steps mounted beneath the doors are constantly exposed to harsh elements that can cause premature rusting. This guide focuses specifically on how to prevent and address rust on your vehicle's running boards.

Why Car Running Boards Are Prone to Rust

Vehicle running boards face unique challenges due to their position on your car:

• Road salt directly hits running boards during winter driving

• Slush and snow collect on running boards and melt slowly, allowing moisture to linger

• Stone chips from driving damage the protective finish on the running boards

• Debris and mud get trapped between the running board and vehicle body

• Constant foot traffic wears down protective coatings faster than other vehicle parts

Unlike other vehicle components, car running boards are in a particularly vulnerable location where they receive both environmental exposure and physical wear from passengers stepping on them.

Choosing Rust Resistant Car Running Boards

When selecting running boards for your vehicle, material choice significantly impacts rust resistance:

• Powder-coated steel running boards are common but most susceptible to rust

• Aluminum running boards offer excellent rust resistance for vehicle use

• Stainless steel running boards provide superior durability against vehicle-specific corrosion

• ABS plastic running boards eliminate metal rust concerns entirely while maintaining durability

For truck and SUV owners in areas with harsh winters, investing in aluminum or stainless steel running boards provides significantly better long-term protection against the specific conditions vehicle steps encounter.

Essential Cleaning Practices for Vehicle Running Boards

1. Wash running boards thoroughly after driving on salted roads

2. Use a brush to clean underneath the running boards where most corrosion begins

3. Pay special attention to running board mounting brackets where salt and moisture collect

4. Clean the seam between running board and vehicle body to remove trapped debris

5. Dry vehicle running boards completely after washing to prevent lingering moisture

During winter months, try to rinse your car's running boards frequently, as this specific vehicle part collects more road salt than most exterior components.

Protective Coatings for Car Running Boards

Creating a barrier between your running boards and moisture requires vehicle-specific products:

Automotive Wax Protection

• Apply automotive-grade wax designed for exterior vehicle parts

• Ensure complete coverage of all running board surfaces, not just the step area

• Pay special attention to the running board edges where water tends to collect

• Reapply wax to running boards more frequently than other vehicle parts (every 1-2 months)

Ceramic Coatings for Vehicle Running Boards

• Ceramic coatings designed for automotive use provide superior protection for running boards

• These create a hardened layer that protects running boards from both moisture and physical damage

• Professional application ensures complete coverage of all running board surfaces and edges

• DIY ceramic coating kits specifically for automotive use can be applied to running boards at home

Rust-Inhibiting Sprays for Running Board Hardware

• Use automotive undercoating spray on the underside of running boards

• Apply rust inhibitor to running board brackets and mounting bolts

• Treat the connection points between running boards and vehicle frame

• Focus on running board bracket hardware which is often overlooked

Addressing Existing Rust on Car Running Boards

If rust has already appeared on your vehicle's running boards:

For Surface Rust on Running Boards:

1. Sand the affected running board area carefully to remove surface rust

2. Apply an automotive rust converter specifically to the running board's rusted sections

3. Prime the treated running board area with automotive rust-inhibiting primer

4. Paint with vehicle-matching paint designed for exterior automotive use

5. Seal the repaired running board section with automotive clear coat

For Severe Running Board Rust:

When rust has significantly damaged your car's running boards, replacement is the most effective solution. Attempting to repair severely rusted running boards often proves futile and potentially unsafe. Complete replacement ensures proper structural integrity and appearance.

JustV offers premium best running boards that are specifically engineered to resist rust and corrosion.

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule for Car Running Boards

Maintaining vehicle running boards requires season-specific care:

Spring Running Board Maintenance:

• Deep clean running boards to remove winter salt accumulation

• Inspect running board mounting brackets for corrosion

• Check running board seals where they meet the vehicle body

• Apply fresh protective coating to all running board surfaces

Summer Running Board Care:

• Regularly wash running boards when cleaning your vehicle

• Touch up any chips in the running board finish promptly

• Check running boards for loose mounting hardware that could allow moisture intrusion

Fall Running Board Preparation:

• Apply heavy duty protective coating to running boards before winter

• Treat running board mounting hardware with rust inhibitor

• Seal any gaps between running boards and vehicle body

Winter Running Board Protection:

• Rinse running boards weekly to remove corrosive road salt

• Clear snow and ice from running boards promptly to prevent moisture seepage

• Monitor running boards for new rust spots that may develop during harsh conditions

Conclusion

Protecting your car's running boards from rust requires focused attention on these specific vehicle components. By selecting appropriate materials, performing regular maintenance tailored to running board needs, and addressing issues promptly, you can significantly extend the life of these useful vehicle accessories.  

FAQ

How often should I clean my car's running boards specifically during winter months?
Clean your vehicle's running boards at least weekly during winter, focusing on removing salt and slush that collect uniquely on these components. After driving on heavily salted roads, consider rinsing running boards even more frequently.

Are aftermarket running boards more or less rust-prone than factory-installed ones?
Quality aftermarket running boards often use more rust-resistant materials than factory-installed ones. However, installation quality is crucial—poorly mounted aftermarket running boards can create gaps that trap moisture and accelerate rust formation.

What's the best way to protect the mounting points where running boards attach to my vehicle?
Apply automotive grade dielectric grease to the mounting hardware before installation, then treat these areas with a specialized rust inhibitor spray twice yearly. These connection points are often the first to develop rust and can compromise the entire running board if neglected.