Gas Strut (Gas Spring)
A gas strut is a pressurised cylinder that helps lift and holds open the boot lid, tailgate or bonnet.
What is Gas Strut (Gas Spring)?
It contains nitrogen gas and a little oil. Some tailgates use electric struts with built-in motors instead. Struts lose pressure over time. Cold weather lowers the gas pressure, so weak struts often show up first in winter. When replacing, the correct length and force rating must be used; struts that are too strong can bend thin lids, while weak ones will not hold the lid open. Always support the lid while replacing a strut.
How it works
Pressurised gas pushes the piston out and supports the weight of the lid.
Why it matters for your car
Weak struts can let a lid fall and cause injury. Struts are usually replaced in pairs.
Other terms
- A/C Recharge (Air Conditioning Service)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Approach Angle
- Cylinder Liner (Sleeve)
- Depreciation (Value Loss)
- Flooded Engine
- Hill Descent Control
- Low Range (Reduction Gear)
- Mud-Terrain Tyre (M/T)
- Radiator Cap (Pressure Cap)
- RTV Silicone Sealant (Gasket Maker)
- Series Hybrid
- Shift Solenoid
- Top Tether Anchor
- Twin-turbo (Biturbo)
- Tyre Pressure
- Washer Fluid (Screenwash)
- Wasted Spark Ignition
- Wheel Hub
- Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Air-fuel Ratio Sensor)