Parts for your 2021 Suzuki Splash-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2021 Suzuki Splash: What You Need to Know

The 2021 Suzuki Splash is a compact city car designed with practicality and efficiency in mind. When it comes to gas struts, which are commonly used in many vehicles to support and assist the opening of hoods, boot lids, or tailgates, the 2021 Suzuki Splash does not typically come equipped with them. Technical references and parts catalogues for this specific model confirm that gas struts are not part of the factory-fitted components for either the bonnet or the boot of the vehicle.

So why is this the case? For starters, the Suzuki Splash is a small car with relatively lightweight panels on both the bonnet and rear hatch. Instead of gas struts, Suzuki engineers have opted to use conventional mechanical props or hinges that are lighter and simpler. The bonnet is usually held up with a manual prop rod, which works just fine in a smaller, lighter vehicle. The boot or hatchback lid also relies on spring-loaded hinges or tension-assisted components that do not require the extra support gas struts offer in larger or heavier vehicles.

This simpler setup keeps manufacturing and maintenance costs down, and it also means fewer parts to worry about as a vehicle owner. While it may seem modern or convenient to have gas struts for everything, the Splash's design reflects a balance between cost, weight, and function. In smaller vehicles, the added complexity and cost of fitting gas struts often aren't justified because the weight of the moving panels can be easily supported without them.

Drivers and owners of the 2021 Suzuki Splash will notice this when performing routine checks or servicing. The absence of gas struts means that servicing primarily focuses on maintaining the hinges, locks, and seals of the bonnet and boot area. Gas struts can wear out over time in other cars, requiring replacement to ensure smooth and safe operation, but with the Splash, this is not a concern.

However, for those who are driving other Suzuki models or vehicles where gas struts are fitted, knowing how they work and when to replace them is important. Gas struts are basically small pneumatic cylinders filled with pressurised gas. They help carry the weight of heavy panels like boots or bonnets, making it easier to open and hold those panels in place safely and without strain. Properly functioning gas struts improve convenience and safety, preventing panels from slamming shut or falling unexpectedly.

Replacing gas struts is not particularly difficult, but it should be done correctly to avoid damage or injury. Usually, gas struts can be replaced by unclipping the old strut and clipping the new one into position. It's always a good idea to invest in OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts for the best performance and fitment. Gas struts are rated for a certain number of cycles, so if a boot or bonnet starts to feel heavy or doesn't stay up anymore, it's time to swap them out.

Regular inspection and light maintenance like cleaning the strut shafts and checking for leaks or damage can extend their life. If a gas strut shows signs of oil leakage, loss of pressure, or corrosion, it should be replaced sooner rather than later. Ignoring worn gas struts can lead to panels closing unexpectedly, which is dangerous and inconvenient.

Even though the 2021 Suzuki Splash doesn't use gas struts, appreciating their role in other vehicles helps understand why some parts are chosen over others. For smaller cars, simplicity often wins, while larger vehicles benefit from the extra assistance and safety gas struts provide. If a Splash owner ever considers aftermarket modifications, fitting gas struts could theoretically be done but is generally unnecessary and not recommended by Suzuki.