Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2016 Subaru Impreza: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2016 Subaru Impreza, gas struts are indeed part of the vehicle's design, particularly used to support the rear hatch or boot lid. These handy little components make opening and holding the boot lid easy, providing a smooth, controlled lift and preventing it from slamming shut unexpectedly. If you've ever struggled with a heavy boot lid that crashes down or felt like it's just too much effort to lift, gas struts are the unsung heroes doing the hard work.

Gas struts, sometimes referred to as gas springs or gas shocks, are pressurised cylinders filled with nitrogen gas and oil. When you open the boot, the gas inside is compressed and pushes the strut outward, allowing the lid to lift without much effort. They also slow down the closing process to make sure the boot lid doesn't slam shut, preventing damage or injury. In the 2016 Subaru Impreza, these struts make accessing the boot a much smoother experience and help keep the hatch open safely while loading or unloading gear.

For drivers who own a 2016 Subaru Impreza, keeping these gas struts in good nick is an important part of general vehicle maintenance. Over time, gas struts can wear out or lose pressure, which means they won't hold the boot lid up properly anymore. Instead of staying open, the lid might slowly lower on its own or be difficult to lift. This can be annoying and also a safety hazard - you don't want the boot lid unexpectedly falling on you or your groceries.

Replacing gas struts is usually straightforward and doesn't require a trip to a dealer or mechanic for most people with a bit of DIY confidence. The key is to get the right replacement struts designed to fit the 2016 Subaru Impreza. Using parts that are too weak or too strong can cause problems, so it's best to match the original specifications. Usually, replacement gas struts come with a recommended torque or pressure rating so the boot lid opens and stays up correctly.

When servicing or replacing the gas struts, it's a good idea to check the following:

1. The gas strut's seals: Over time, seals can degrade and allow the gas to escape, reducing the strut's effectiveness.
2. The mount points: Check the ball joints or brackets that hold the struts in place to make sure they're not rusted, broken or loose.
3. Corrosion and dirt: Keeping these areas clean helps prevent wear and makes sure the struts operate smoothly.

Replacing the gas struts on a 2016 Subaru Impreza usually involves popping off the old ones from their ball joints using a flat screwdriver or a specialised tool, then snapping the new ones into place. It's a quick job but safety is important - always have the boot lid supported properly before removing the struts to avoid injury.

If a driver notices that the boot lid feels heavier or starts closing too quickly, it's probably time to swap out the gas struts. Most of the time, struts last several years under normal conditions but environmental factors like extreme heat, cold or exposure to moisture can shorten their lifespan. Regular checks during servicing help catch worn struts before they cause trouble.

Aside from the rear hatch, gas struts can also be found on the bonnet (hood) in some vehicles, but for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, the standard model typically uses a prop rod rather than gas struts for the bonnet. This means servicing those struts is focused solely on the boot area for this particular car.

In essence, gas struts on the 2016 Subaru Impreza serve the important role of easing access to the boot space, making life easier for everyday activities like grocery runs, lifting luggage, or any task involving the rear storage area. Keeping these components in good shape is simple but pays off in convenience and safety every time you open the hatch. For anyone looking to maintain their Subaru Impreza in top shape, a quick check and replacement of worn gas struts should be on their maintenance checklist.