Parts for your 2017 Toyota Prius-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2017 Toyota Prius: Function, Maintenance and Replacement Guide

When it comes to the 2017 Toyota Prius, understanding the role of gas struts can be a little confusing at first. To clear things up, it's important to know that gas struts are indeed fitted on this model, primarily used to hold open the rear hatch and sometimes the bonnet. These struts make it easier to access the boot or engine bay by providing a smooth, controlled lift and preventing sudden drops. While gas struts are often overlooked, they play a vital role in the overall convenience and safety of using your Prius.

Gas struts, often called lift supports or gas springs, are simple yet clever components filled with pressurised gas, usually nitrogen. Their job is to store energy when compressed and slowly release it to assist with lifting heavy panels like car boots, bonnets or tailgates. For the 2017 Prius, the rear hatch is the most common area where gas struts are installed. These help you open the hatch without struggling against its weight, and hold it securely open so you can load gear without having to hold the door yourself.

Because the 2017 Prius uses gas struts on the rear hatch, it is helpful to know a bit about how they work and how to keep them in good shape. Over time, gas struts can lose their pressure or experience wear in the seals and pistons inside, which means they won't hold the hatch open properly or may fail to lift it at all. Usually, if you notice the hatch is falling down unexpectedly or feels heavier to lift, it's a sign the gas struts need replacing.

Maintaining gas struts on the 2017 Prius is relatively straightforward. These parts do not require regular lubrication as they are sealed units, but it's a good idea to keep the struts clean from dust and grime. Simply wiping them down occasionally can prolong their life. Avoid leaning on the open hatch too hard or forcing it open beyond its designed range, since this can damage the gas struts prematurely.

If it's time to replace the gas struts, it's best to replace them in pairs to ensure balanced support and consistent pressure. The replacement process itself is paced for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, it involves gently prising off the retaining clips that hold the struts on at each end and snapping the old ones out before fitting the new struts. Of course, always take care to prop the hatch securely while doing this work to avoid injury.

Using the correct replacement gas struts designed for the 2017 Toyota Prius is essential. Aftermarket options are available, but choosing struts with the right pressure rating ensures the hatch opens smoothly and stays safely in position. Some sellers clearly specify fitment for the 2017 Prius, so it's wise to look out for this detail.

During servicing, mechanics often check the operation of the gas struts as part of a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle's moving bodywork. If you find that the gas struts are starting to feel sluggish or noisy, or if the tailgate isn't staying open properly, these are clear signs that replacement is overdue. Timely attention to gas struts prevents potential safety hazards, like the rear hatch slamming shut unexpectedly, and helps keep your Prius running smoothly and conveniently in day-to-day use.

To sum up, gas struts on the 2017 Toyota Prius are essential components usually fitted to assist with the rear hatch operation. They make opening and holding the hatch effortless, enhancing the user experience. While these parts are low-maintenance due to their sealed design, they will eventually wear out with repeated use and environmental exposure over time. Keeping an eye on their performance and replacing them when needed keeps your Prius practical and safe for all your drives.