Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – According to the Jordanian Meteorological Department (JMD), the winter this year has been harsher than it was in 2007-2008. The heaviest rainfall 50 millimetres was registered in Irbid Governorate's Qura District. The area witnessed power cuts and several streets were waterlogged, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
In areas with heavy rainfall or high altitude of 1000 meters, the driving conditions can get very challenging, especially at night.
With this in mind the independent thinking car brand Saab has decided to export a few lessons learned in its native Sweden with the aim of keeping Jordanian drivers safe, confident and comfortable this winter.
Saab’s top tips:
• Get organised – Allow extra time to prepare and check your car but also make sure to leave more time for the journey so you’re not rushing to make up ‘lost time.’
• Check your tires – Get your tires professionally checked before you embark on any winter driving
• Fill up the liquids – Anti-freeze and windshields washer are essential during the winter months
• Clean your lights – Because more driving takes place in the dark in the wintertime, make sure your lights are clear of dirt and grime before every journey.
• Clear your windows of snow and ice – Put cardboard on the windscreens overnight or use a good ice scraper. Don’t run the engine to clear the windshields because this adds CO2 to the environment.
• Reappraise the roads – The roads you know well in other seasons may have changed; beware of black ice, especially in sun-sheltered spots and corners. Remember some minor roads may not have been gritted or plowed.
• Double your braking distances – Although many cars these days have ABS, braking distances on compacted snow and ice will increase so leave enough room to compensate.
• Emergency kit – Pack a few items in the trunk that may well get you out of a jam this winter. (We recommend: Ice scraper, lightweight shovel, snow chains, warning triangle, sleeping bag, torch, thermos flask, cleaning rag, anti-freeze and windscreen wash.)
Johnny Amiouni, Marketing Manager of Saab in the Middle East says: ‘The overall message is to be organised and safe this winter. Take care of your car, pay attention to the changing road conditions and assemble a winter driving kit – if you do all this you will be set for an enjoyable and safe time on the roads this winter.’
