The AAA analyzes these holiday issues on a national level and released figures last week predicting that about 46 million people throughout the country plan to travel this season. That's an increase of more than 4 percent over last year. The best part, though, is that fuel prices will be about 46 cents lower per gallon than in 2013. We haven't seen these kind of prices since 2009.

The savings could be great enough that you could boost your Christmas spending for things including presents and parties, but some analysts believe higher retail prices could hamper that. Regardless, you can still drive more on your gas budget than you planned. If nothing else, that could take the stress off so you can see family and friends more easily.

If you're traveling at all, though, the mechanics at Christian Brothers in Rockwall, TX recommend performing a wintertime auto checkup soon. The more you drive, your risk of having to cope with ice and snow increases.

Stop by our shop in Rockwall and we can assist with the following advice by the Car Care Council:

• Check the battery and charging system
• Doublecheck the braking system
• Check for health-threatening CO2
• Make sure the heater and your car's engine thermostat are working properly
• Check your automobile's schedule for things such as spark plug replacement
• Kick those tires and check tread
• Get an oil change
• Check the headlamps for winter driving conditions
• Clean and flush the antifreeze and cooling

You should also do things such as stocking the car with food, warm clothes and scrapers. We also recommend that you never run on an empty tank to prevent frozen fuel lines.