In Yakutia, winter car protection evolved from bare starts to portable garages
About a decade ago, winter driving in Yakutia became noticeably tougher as engines struggled to wake up in the frost. The days when a car would start on the first attempt were rare, and drivers often faced cold starts that slowed everyone down. Over time, a new solution emerged that changed this routine. Portable garages for cars, affectionately nicknamed Natashas, began to appear across the region. The name stuck with local drivers, even though the origin of the nickname is something of a mystery to most people.
Today, a compact shelter costs between 10,000 and 25,000 rubles and is built in several layers. The construction includes synthetic insulation, reflective or hemp-like fibers, a protective outer layer, a fabric membrane, bamboo fibers, and Oxford cloth—high-quality materials from notable manufacturers. Many models feature automatic covers with add-ons such as extra flaps for side mirrors and a lower skirt to seal the vehicle more tightly from drafts.
Even with this frost-resistant shield, a car still requires several ignition attempts during the night and again in the morning. The ritual of taking the shelter off and then donning it takes roughly ten minutes. Once removed, the structure is folded and transported in the trunk or carried on the roof where feasible, making the process practical for daily use.
A recurring challenge is security. There have been instances of Natashas being stolen, which has prompted local authorities to publish guidelines for owners. Practical advice includes marking the license plate with a durable paint for quick identification, parking within camera coverage, placing a card or owner item inside the fabric to aid recognition, and firmly pressing the shelter against the vehicle so the front wheels hold it in place when needed.
Vote – win a Lada!
Residents are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help identify the year’s leading car innovations. The effort is about recognizing progress and bringing attention to practical advances in everyday driving experiences.
Participants in the survey receive a thank-you for their time. The event runs through the late winter, offering everyone a fair chance to be part of the decision-making process. There is a chance for early entrants to win, with rewards distributed among the respondents who complete the questionnaire before the closing date.