Spare parts in USSR

Dear friends, we are continuing to tell you about the specifics of being a Soviet motoris. Hope you enjoy our stories. Here's the next part.

The problem of buying spare parts was relevant to all Soviet motorists: the Soviet automotive industry produced them in insufficient quantities (deficit as well), being more focused on the implementation of the plan of manufacturing of new car.

On the "black market" spare parts were offered at a price ten times higher than official price and they were still hard to find! It was also a nightmare being a motorist without mechanic skills. In the mid 70's in Moscow for 250 000 vehicles there were only 16 service stations. Most car owners had to repair their cars all by themselves – that's why every Soviet car was equipped with a full set of tools=)

At the same time, the authorities vigilantly monitored the cleanliness of vehicles: a dirty car meant an immediate fine for its onwer.