Owning a UAZ means more than just driving — it means taking care of a legend. Whether it’s a Bukhanka roaring through mud or a Hunter crawling up a mountain trail, good maintenance is what keeps these machines alive. This guide gives you the practical, no-nonsense checklist real UAZ owners follow — from oil changes to Russian field hacks that keep engines running in places where Wi-Fi and spare parts don’t exist.
Why Maintenance Matters
The UAZ is built for adventure, but like any machine, it needs love — and grease. Regular oil and filter changes prevent damage long before it starts. Cracked seals, dried hoses, or coolant blockages can turn a weekend trip into a roadside camp. By sticking to a simple, consistent maintenance rhythm, you’ll spend less time wrenching and more time exploring.
Factory intervals were written for military convoys, not for 40-year-old vans crossing Europe. Experienced UAZ owners — especially in Russia — know it’s smarter to service earlier, not later. Gearbox oil after 10,000 km? Always worth it. Trust the veterans who’ve crossed Siberia with nothing but duct tape and an extra spark plug.
Maintenance Checklist by Mileage
| Interval | Key Tasks | Technical Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Every 10,000 km Basic Service |
|
Oil drain plug: 28 Nm |
|
Every 30,000 km Extended Service |
|
Spark plug torque: 25 Nm |
Field-Proven Russian Tips
🇷🇺 Keep a spare spark plug in your pocket. Many Siberian drivers still do this — not superstition, just experience. If the engine misfires in –30 °C, swapping one plug can get you home.
🧊 Use brake fluid as emergency de-icer. When locks freeze or linkages seize, a drop of DOT-3 will free them instantly (just wipe it off paint after).
🔥 Pre-heat your oil pan with a camp stove. Out in the steppe, drivers warm the sump gently before starting to prevent cold-start wear. Works every time — just don’t set your Bukhanka on fire.
🔩 Re-torque everything after your first off-road trip. Russian mechanics call it the “second tightening.” The UAZ vibrates like a tank — bolts loosen, especially on leaf spring brackets and exhaust clamps.
🛢️ Save your old oil for bush repairs. It’s perfect for greasing leaf springs or coating exposed metal when rust starts biting in salty roads or river crossings.
Final Advice
A UAZ rewards the owner who listens. A new vibration, a whine, a smell — all are signals. Regular checks, a grease gun, and a bit of Soviet patience will keep your Bukhanka or Hunter running long after modern SUVs have given up. Keep it simple, keep it mechanical, and remember: as the Russians say, “если не ломается — всё равно проверь” (“if it’s not broken, check it anyway”).