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Selecting the right nerf bars can be an overwhelming task, especially given the wide variety of choices existing in today’s marketplace. And you may really feel lost if you’ve never owned a set of nerf bars or step bars. Stop worrying, help is on the way! Whether its black, chrome, aluminum or stainless steel nerf bars; cab length or wheel-to-wheel, bent ends or straight, by focusing on the five factors of style, materials, finish, ease of installation and warranties, you can easily zero in on the right step bars for you.

Style - First decide on the style of step bars you are interested in. Do you want the traditional look with the 90-degree bends at the ends mounting to the truck frame? Or do you want a more straight tubular look? Are you looking for 3″, 3.5″ or 4″ diameter tube? Do you need an oval tube step, with its flatter, wider step area? Additionally, do you want a cab length only nerf bar, or are you looking for a wheel-to-wheel style that will make it easier to access the front of your truck bed?

Material - With style selected, you need to decide on whether you want carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum as the base metal for your nerf bars. Stainless steel nerf bars generally are the most expensive, but they will save you money in the long run. How? Fact of the matter is that no matter how great the finish on your nerf bar, pitting will eventually develop - particularly on the bottom. Moisture and road salt can then creep in, and if the nerf bar is not stainless or aluminum it will rust, eventually become worthless and requiring you to replace them. This can be a hassle, even if your bars are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

Finish - Next you need to determine the type of finish you want on your nerf bars. Typical choices are black powder coated paint (high temperature baked on black finish), chrome plating, or if your material is stainless steel, it may just be polished to a high luster. Also, pay attention to the step area on the tube. Is the step tread located over a cutout or is it fastened to a flattened impression on the step bar? Flattened is better as it will not allow moisture into the nerf bar cavity, which could cause a non-stainless steel bar to rot from the inside out.

Ease of Installation - This is particularly important if you’re planning on doing the installing. Most modern day nerf bars are engineered to fit a particular make, model, year and body type (i.e., extended cab vs. regular cab vs. crew cab), and are typically no-drill installations using brackets mounting into existing holes. These types of installations should be completed in less than an hour and a half. However, even these bars may need to have some minimal drilling to finish the installation - so if that’s important to you make sure you ask. Owners of older or less common vehicles may need to resort to a universal nerf bar requiring the drilling of the frame or rocker panels. Again, if this is an issue always ask.

Warranties - No one ever wants to have to exercise their warranty rights. Why? Because it can be such a hassle to get the old nerf bars off, return them for credit, get the new ones, put them on, etc., etc. But good warranties can be worth their weight in gold. Not only should you concern yourself with the period of time covered by the nerf bars’ warranty, but also what does it cover, and how good is the company at honoring their warranty commitments. Most warranty periods from reputable manufacturers go something like this - black powder coated finishes usually carry a three year warranty; chrome plated carbon steel will have a five year warranty, while stainless steel products will carry a limited lifetime warranty. Make sure you check and factor this into your decision making process, as your nerf bars are going to take a lot of wear and tear, and it would be nice if you don’t have to replace your nerf bars while you own the vehicle.

So there you have it. By deciding upon style, material, finish, ease of installation and manufacturer’s warranty, you can easily narrow the wide selection of nerf bars that today’s marketplace offers down to the pair that is just right for you. Of course, price and availability will come into play, but with the abundance of today’s internet e-commerce sites devoted to truck accessories, you can just about count on being able find the right bars, at the right price, and enjoy the convenience of having them shipped right to your front door.

Happy searching!

Lou Berkowitz is the chief products evaluator at US Truck Accessories Warehouse, LLC a major aftermarket truck accessories supplier providing a wide selection of nerf bars and other products to the consumer. He may be reached at 1.800.394.3881

Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?

The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called guru’s who write scam pieces will tell youDon’t Buyit’s a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00 per hour or more, it doesn’t take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of today’s automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor replacements.
Transmission Overhaul or Replacements–$3000.00
Water Pump replacements–$600.00
Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears–$600-$2000.00

However, don’t be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others don’t. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you don’t have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

Jerry Christopher-owner www.usedcarwise.com with over 26 years in the automotive service industry, offers a unique and innovative approach teaching you how to buy a used car the smart way.