Fixing Up Your Car

If your idea of a luxury ride is perched high above the road where you can see everything around you, you probably enjoy driving a truck or SUV. But sitting high comes with its own challenges. The steps on many trucks and SUVs are designed with the average man in mind and have steps that are too high for many people. If you or others who commonly ride with you fall into any of these categories, retractable steps may the the answer for you.

#1 People with Short Legs: Let's face it. Some people have shorter legs than others. This can make climbing in and out of truck or SUV a challenge. If you or someone in your family has short legs, then retractable steps are a must. Not only does it make entering and exiting the vehicle easier and more comfortable, it eliminates the embarrassment associated with struggling to get in an out too. According to Runner's World, the average person should be able to step up 35 centimeters, or 14 inches, with ease. People with shorter legs may find this a challenge. Likewise, children may find it difficult to step up quite so high. Retractable steps make it easy for them to get in and out without the risks of falling and don't thwart their growing sense of independence. This also helps your little ones master important life skills and build self confidence.

#2 People with Limited Mobility: People who have limited mobility due to age, illness or disease face many challenges. Getting in and out of the vehicle shouldn't be one of them. For the elderly who suffer from joint pain and inflammation, or have lost the range of motion in their limbs, retractable steps help them maintain a sense of independence. Likewise, other medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, obesity, and weakness or fatigue from illness or other health conditions may restrict the ability to take large steps. Lowering the steps may be all that is needed to allow them to enter or exit the vehicle with ease. Retractable steps may make it possible for those with limited mobility to maintain a normal lifestyle longer and won't draw attention to their physical limitations.

#3 People with Balance Problems: People with health conditions that interfere with their balance must exercise caution and ensure they have solid footing. Conditions like vertigo can contribute to difficulty with high steps. Likewise people with diabetes, who suffer from chronic ear infections, or who take certain medications, such as blood pressure medication, may be more prone to suffering from episodes of dizziness and lightheadedness, which can throw off their balance. Getting into or exiting a vehicle can pose a challenge, particularly if the steps are too high. Retractable steps allow them to gain control and maintain balance when getting in and out of the vehicle. Not only does this make life more comfortable, it reduces the risks of falls due to loss of balance, too.

#4 Visually Impaired People: Those with visual impairments, including those who wear multifocal corrective lenses, may find stepping up and down difficult. While the problem is more prevalent when walking downstairs or stepping down from a vehicle, it can occur both entering and exiting the vehicle. Placing the steps in a position that is easier to feel with the foot and doesn't require stretching often gives the person with a visual impairment a sense of confidence and may prevent slips and falls. 

In addition to making life easier for those who struggle with high steps, retractable steps are a common courtesy for family vehicles. While the primary driver may not need the steps, they will reduce the risk of falling and make your vehicle accessible to everyone in the family. Contact a company that sells retractable steps and pickup bed extenders for more information.