Noob question

You can always just spray some paint or undercoat in the holes. It will seal it up and stop rust for a while. As long as it’s not to thick you can reuse the holes again without needed to retap or chase the holes. A lot of manufactures use tape over the holes. This works better then the plastic caps. Most of the plastic caps are usually loose or don’t thread in. Moisture still gets in and the holes rust.

 

That’s why mine are still on. Plus runty wife.

 

I am now thinking about keep them on.

First, my wife and kid like them.

Second, toward what u/toyotatacomaTRD said, they have now protected my door twice from other drivers in parking lots.

On the other hand, I found the plastic fasteners. Whoever installed the side step left them in one of the back under seat storage areas.

 

^^^^^^ This! You may think you don't need it, but when you get your first major door ding from some asshat not paying attention, you'll wish you had those nerf bars back on. That's why these are one of the first things going on mine when I get it.