The AAA analyzes these holiday issues on a national level and released figures last week predicting that about 46 million people plan to travel this season. That's an increase of more than 4 percent over the 2013 holiday season. The take-home message, though, is that fuel costs will be an average of 46 cents less per gallon than in 2013. Prices haven't been so low since 2009.

The savings could be high enough that you could crank up your Christmas spending for things like gifts and celebrations, but economists believe higher retail costs could offset any spending gains. Regardless, you can still travel more on your fuel budget than you planned.

If you're traveling at all, though, the mechanics at Christian Brothers in Monument, CO recommend performing a holiday driving auto checkup soon. The more you drive, your chances of dealing with things such as snowy conditions goes up.

Come by, and we can help with the following:

• Check the battery and alternator
• Doublecheck the braking system
• Check for dangerous carbon monoxide
• Test the thermostat and heater
• Make sure you're on schedule for spark plugs
• Kick those tires and check tread
• Switch to “winter weight” oil and do an oil change
• Do a headlight check for winter driving
• Clean and flush the engine cooling and antifreeze systems

You should also do things such as stocking the car with food, warm clothes and scrapers. Finally, our techs say you should never let your fuel get too low to keep the fuel lines from freezing and cracking.