What is going on?
The biggest challenges in getting the right parts for a car come for people who rely on an official dealer. They usually have one channel for parts that is approved by the manufacturer and its local office. Even if a brand keeps its operation in the country, supply chains have collapsed for many. Stock is shrinking and delivery times are unpredictable.
Independent services handle things differently. They are not tied to a single supplier network. If a quick repair is needed, a good shop will locate the part by calling multiple stores, just like any regular buyer would do.
In late April, GM announced it would leave Russia. The supply of vehicles and parts stopped, and the local office closed. For Cadillac and Chevrolet owners, including recent Tahoe and Escalade models, this may mean a loss of warranty support and branded service. It is an unusual situation where a manufacturer exits a market and withdraws from mandated customer support.
The new reality includes some services stopping the sale of takeaway items. Installations are required on many purchases. Official gas stations were among the first to adopt this policy. For most drivers, this change is not a barrier, but it can still be inconvenient for many.
Traditional car dealers have not yet introduced new tricks. The process remains simple: visit or order, pay, collect. Yet prices have risen sharply. Over the last two months the local currency fell by as much as 50 to 60 percent against the dollar and euro. New car dealers increased prices by roughly the same amount, while spare parts surged two to four times. When the ruble recovered, part prices did not drop accordingly.
There is rational thinking behind the price movements. The current favorable exchange rate is often temporary. The future is uncertain, with potential further currency declines and higher delivery costs. It is unclear whether it will be possible to import spare parts from certain brands. A bargain today could mean a tighter budget tomorrow.
Even sellers of used parts have adjusted. The reality can feel almost absurd. A search for a mirror for a specific model in a dismantling yard might reveal prices quoted in dollars or euros for parts of damaged vehicles.
Where to look for parts?
For those who trusted authorized dealers, it is not time to abandon that path. In past years their prices were higher, but now the market is mixed. Sometimes the dealer price may be more reasonable, especially when installation is included and a warranty is offered. Official service still carries the promise of quality and standards, even if the price is higher.
Promotions and free services are scarce. For example, some dealers no longer provide free engine oil changes for older cars, which used to be a strong selling point for official service. Even parts for older models that were readily available may now be hard to find at a favorable price.
Unofficial gas stations and independent shops still offer a broad range. Over two months, the supply has been stretched and prices rose. The bounce back of the currency has not restored old prices, and delivery times have become longer to unpredictable. Consumers should expect fluctuations rather than a fixed pattern.
Recent checks across a range of models show no obvious shortage of spare parts and consumables yet. If a part is not in stock and only available with a long delivery window, it was probably difficult to source earlier as well. The main change is the longer wait time, not a complete absence of supply.
Disassembly services help those in urgent need and with immediate stock. The selection at stake remains, and this type of business may grow as owners consider repairs instead of waiting without a part. In the near future, الناس may see more repair activity as owners seek practical solutions rather than wait for replacement components that may not arrive soon.
Looking ahead, cheaper options may emerge. The internet makes it easy to search without visiting stores or making endless phone calls. A quick search in an online catalog can reveal prices from multiple retailers. Many people have grown used to selecting a single seller and ordering from them for ease.
To avoid bankruptcy, a different approach is needed. The simplest method is to compare prices across several stores at the same time. One appealing option is automotive aggregators that combine listings from many stores and suppliers.
The best known is an aggregator called Zzap. It used to offer advantages from large and popular sites in some markets. Sometimes the same part can be found for a fraction of the price. It is not guaranteed, but the chance exists.
Example: minimum prices for some spare parts, in rubles
| Website | Autodoc | Exist | Zzap |
| Engine oil Lada Ultra 5W-40 (4 l) | 2298 | 2406 | 1845 |
| VW Air Filter (JZW81953B) | 8592 | 4320 | 1500 |
| Headlight Mazda CX-5 (KB8N51030) | 205759 | 210456 | 102600 |
| Rear bumper Ford Focus (1356469) | no offers | 69219 | 19943 |
Prices for spare parts and consumables at old levels are no longer available. There is a chance that a mid-sized player might offer obsolete stock at old prices, but it requires serious digging. Consumables stay in high demand and are not easy to find cheaply. Patience in searching is rewarded, but careful shopping saves more time in the long run.
- It is possible to identify which parallel-import parts are not worth the trouble yet.
- One can source spare parts and consumables for a car from the how-to guide titled Under the Wheel for in-vehicle parts.
- The guide can also be read in messaging apps.