What are running boards?

Written By Andrew Brady

We explain what running boards are
What are the benefits of running boards?
Why running boards are becoming popular again

So what do a horse-drawn carriage, tram car and a Volkswagen Beetle have in common? Well, apart from being among the most iconic forms of transport of the last 300 years, they all feature running boards; a sturdy strip of metal mounted below the body of the vehicle, designed to make it easier to step in and out and avoid muck.

Ask most people about running boards, and they’ll picture an enormous vintage car from the 1920s. In fact, running boards are even older than that, and started life as a real necessity. Ferrying members of high society from place-to-place in the 17th century required carriages that were elevated above pedestrian traffic, yet accessible enough that you could easily climb aboard whilst maintaining decorum. With the arrival of the automobile at the start of the 20th century, the same was true. Only the privileged could afford cars, but driving was still a dirty business.

Nowadays, combining running boards with a modern Volkswagen is much easier, uniting both this accessory’s functional early beginnings, and fashionable rebirth. In fact, every SUV in the Volkswagen range comes with the option to add sturdy running boards.

The benefits of adding running boards to your car

Running boards have a wide variety of uses, and it is exactly this versatility that makes them such a great addition to any vehicle; but especially on taller cars. Whether you own a Toureg or a T-Cross, it acts as the perfect ‘stepping stone’, ready and waiting to help you get in and out more comfortably.

This small addition can make the start of every journey a bit easier, and if your routine often involves carrying younger children or elderly relatives, both will really appreciate how much simpler it is to climb aboard with a little assistance.

Better still, loading up the car for a holiday or longer trip will now take less time. Because of the improved access, no more stretching to load a topbox with that last bit of luggage, or blindly fiddling trying and secure bikes or skis onto the roof.

But what makes them different from rocker bars or side steps? Well, unlike those solutions, running boards are mounted flush to the side of your car (directly onto the bodywork) so they work in harmony with the exterior design. Expressing a dash of extra personality, but without spoiling the styling, or making the looks too extreme.

This mounting system also means that you are less likely to catch your new running boards on kerbs, and they can even protect your paint, since they make it much harder for fellow drivers to open their car door into yours in a busy car park.

Manufactured from weatherproof anodised aluminium, these boards are ready for any adventure, great or small. Thanks to a grippy rubber insert that runs the length of the step, you can place your feet securely every single time. Each step can also carry up to 200kg, which ensures they’ll be just as tough as the rest of your Volkswagen.

Unlike with aftermarket solutions, you get the security and added peace of mind knowing that all the fitting will all be taken care of to a high professional standard. The work can be carried out by appointment with your local dealer, yet the cost is surprisingly affordable, with a sliding scale depending on the size of your SUV.

Volkswagen offer running boards across their SUV range and here is an idea of the costs for the parts and fitting:

T-Cross - £670*

T-Roc - £670*

Tiguan - £670 (£725 with mud flap compatibility)

Tiguan Allspace - £790 (£768 with mud flap compatibility)

Touareg - £837

*Alternative Wheel Jack may be required - RRP £48

Find out more about adding running boards to your new Volkswagen SUV here.