Parts for your 2020 Toyota Prius-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2020 Toyota Prius: What You Need to Know

When looking under the hood or checking the rear hatch of a 2020 Toyota Prius, it's a fair question to ask whether gas struts play a role in the vehicle's design. Gas struts, sometimes called gas springs or lift supports, are common components used in many modern cars to assist with lifting and holding open hoods, tailgates, and sometimes even trunk lids. Their job is to make those heavy panels easier to lift and keep them securely open without the need for a prop rod.

For the 2020 Toyota Prius, gas struts are definitely in the picture, but mainly for the rear hatch. Toyota uses gas struts to support the rear tailgate, making it smoother and safer to open and close. Since the Prius has a hatchback design, the tailgate is a large, heavy panel that benefits from gas struts to stop it from slamming shut and to keep it open while you're loading up groceries or gear.

However, when it comes to the front bonnet (or hood), the 2020 Prius doesn't typically use gas struts. Instead, it relies on a traditional fold-out prop rod to hold the bonnet open. This design choice could be attributed to several factors. First, the petrol-electric hybrid engine compartment is relatively compact and light compared to conventional engines, meaning the bonnet is not excessively heavy. Second, opting out of gas struts for the bonnet reduces cost and complexity in manufacture and servicing. Lastly, it can simplify repairs and maintenance since prop rods are straightforward and less likely to fail unexpectedly compared to gas struts that can leak or lose pressure over time.

Since the rear hatch does use gas struts, it's important for Prius owners and technicians to understand their purpose, maintenance needs and how to replace them when needed.

Gas struts essentially act like shock absorbers for the hatch. Inside the metal tube is a sealed cylinder filled with pressurised nitrogen gas paired with a small amount of hydraulic fluid. When you lift the hatch, the gas strut extends and pushes outward, providing an assistive lifting force that makes opening the hatch effortless. Once open, the gas struts hold the hatch firmly in place so it does not fall shut abruptly, which could cause injury or damage.

Over time, gas struts can lose their effectiveness. This happens because the seals inside the strut can degrade, letting gas leak out. When that happens, the strut won't provide enough support anymore. You might notice the hatch feels heavier to lift or that it drops quickly once opened. This is a pretty common wear item, especially on frequently used vehicles like a family hatchback Prius.

Maintaining gas struts is usually simple. While there isn't much you can do to tune up gas struts like engine parts, keeping the strut shaft clean and free of corrosion or dirt helps prolong its life. Applying a small amount of silicone spray can help prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Also, being mindful not to slam the hatch shut forcefully can protect the integrity of the struts.

When it comes time to replace gas struts on your 2020 Toyota Prius, it's a task most DIYers can handle with some basic tools. Replacement kits are available online or through Toyota dealerships, and generally involve unclipping or unscrewing the old strut and fitting the new one in its place. It's important to get the exact match for the Prius rear hatch to ensure proper fit and pressure. Installing a strut with incorrect pressure will either provide insufficient lift or could put excess stress on the mounting points.

Swapping out gas struts should ideally be done in pairs to keep the lifting force balanced and even on both sides. Uneven support can cause strain on the hatch components and result in premature wear.

Overall, gas struts are a small but significant part of the 2020 Toyota Prius' functionality, especially when it comes to the rear hatch. They improve safety, convenience and ease of use. Paying attention to their condition as part of regular servicing or in your own vehicle maintenance routine will pay off in the long run by keeping your hatch working smoothly and reliably.