Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle’s Lift Supports

Gas struts play an integral role in supporting your trunk, hood, or liftgate so maintenance can be done while your vehicle’s panels stay securely open. For this reason, seasonal maintenance for your car’s lift supports is important as it can save you time, effort, and unnecessary expenses in the long term. 

Various aspects such as changing weather conditions from one season to the next can cause your lift supports to lose output force over time. Fortunately, you can maintain the functionality of your gas springs and increase their lifespan by taking a proactive approach. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for maintaining your lift supports so they function well year-round.

Lift Support Maintenance During Summer 

The hot weather in summer can affect the performance and longevity of lift supports because heat impacts the gases inside these parts. Lift supports have compressed nitrogen to provide output force and this gas can expand if exposed to high temperatures. High temperatures increase internal pressure which can damage the seals if the pressure exceeds the design limits and this can cause the gas spring to feel more difficult to lift.

We recommend checking your lift supports for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check for gas leaks around the piston or seals as early detection is one of the best gas strut maintenance tips to prevent lift supports from losing their functionality. If you notice any leaks while doing maintenance checks, clean your lift supports with a soft cloth and wipe away any leaked fluid. If there is a leak, the safest choice is to buy new lift supports that match the specifications of your car.

Lift Supports During the Fall

The fall is often associated with cold temperatures which can cause the gas inside lift supports to contract, resulting in them losing their holding power. Lift supports rely on compressed gas to give them force and when temperatures become cold, the gas molecules contract at a slower rate, reducing the pressure inside the lift support. This results in a weak lifting force and difficulty holding heavy objects like your trunk or hood in place.

An effective maintenance tip is to prepare your lift supports before cold temperatures during the fall to ensure they’re in good condition. Start by tightening any loose screws or brackets and remove dirt from the piston rods. Apart from preventing wear and tear, this will also prevent frost accumulation on the seals, allowing your lift supports to function properly during the fall.

Winter Maintenance

Cold temperatures can affect the performance of lift supports so gas strut maintenance is particularly important during winter. In cold conditions, hydraulic fluids become thicker and this reduces the movement of fluids within the gas strut, resulting in sluggish and less stable lift supports. 

An effective maintenance tip for keeping your lift supports functioning well during winter is to prevent them from freezing by using a de-icer spray. This type of spray can melt ice around the hinges and mounting points, keeping them stable and functioning well. If they are frozen, avoid forcing them open as this can damage the internal components of your lift supports.

Maintaining Gas Struts During Spring

After winter, moisture and road salt can cause rust or corrosion to develop on lift supports so it’s important to clean any dirt or debris with a mild cleaner or cloth. At Lift Supports Depot, our gas springs are manufactured with nitride-coated steel shafts that offer superior corrosion resistance, making lift support maintenance less problematic. Nevertheless, to ensure smooth movement, it’s often best to apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges and mounting points for smooth operation during spring.

Year-Round Safety and Reliability

By inspecting your lift supports each season, you can extend the lifespan of these auto parts and improve their reliability and safety, making gas strut maintenance worthwhile. Lift supports hold the weight of your hood, trunk, or liftgate, making common tasks much safer and easier. 

If you find any issues with your lift supports during maintenance checks, you can easily order the exact right gas springs for the particular make and model of your car. Our basic installation instructions show you how to fit them yourself so you can enjoy cost savings and convenience. Order now and we’ll send you the exact products you need without any hassles.