Glossary / General

side steps

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Side steps are the little steps on the side of a vehicle that help you climb in more easily. If they’re covered in mud, it usually means the vehicle saw rough terrain.

Technical Definition

Side steps (running boards) are exterior steps that make it easier to get into and out of a vehicle, especially when it’s lifted or tall. The host mentions mud caked on the side steps, implying off-road or rough-road use.

Hear It Discussed

"Yeah, I mean, you can see like we got some real mud caked up here on those side steps."
We Need To Talk About Toyota Reliability! | Ep. 334 TFL Car Chat 09:02

"It's so annoying. I don't want sidesteps on a pickup. I understand why they're there for people [544.3s] who are of smaller stature, but if you're going to go off-roading, you don't want this..."
Episode 452: 2026 GMC Canyon AT4, 2026 Kia EV4 Unnamed Automotive Podcast 08:59

"That's why actually the way we have it, it has sidesteps. Because without sidesteps, it would be very difficult to actually jump inside."
Did GM Go Too Far With The New 2027 GMC Sierra 1500? | Ep. 337 TFL Talkin' Trucks 42:42