Gas Station, Republic of Karelia, Russia
Gasoline is fairly cheap but gas stations are few and far between and often don’t have fuel. Gas is generally of lower quality than what Western cars are used to and unleaded used to be hard to get. If your purchase gas, make sure to get the highest octane possible and make sure diesel fuel isn’t put in your car.
At gas stations you generally pay first and pump. If a pump nozzle is lying in the ground that generally means the pump is empty. If you can’t find an open gas station you can often buy gasoline in bottles or plastic tanks from roadside vendors.
Traffic is generally not a problem outside the cities. On the main roads, with the exception of those around Moscow, the traffic is generally pretty light. Trucks are generally smaller and less threatening than their American counterparts. Roads and vehicles are often poorly maintained.
Inclement weather and a lack of routine maintenance of both roads and vehicles make road conditions highly variable. Make sure your car has a spare tire, jack, spare battery water, an extra fan belt and an emergency triangle. There are not so many mechanics, service stations and gas stations on the roads in Siberia.
Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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