Fortune is favoring you if you're going to drive as part of your holiday celebrations! Petroleum prices have dropped due to the low cost of crude, and the savings are likely to continue through the holidays.

The AAA analyzes these holiday traveling plans and released information last week predicting that about 46 million people in the country plan to travel this season. That's an increase of more than 4 percent over 2013. The take-home message, though, is that gas costs will be an average of 46 cents less per gallon than in 2013. We haven't seen these kind of prices since 2009.

The savings could be high enough that you could crank up your holiday spending budget for things like gifts and celebrations, but finance experts think that higher retail prices could offset any spending gains. Nevertheless, you will have the option to travel more on your fuel budget than you might have thought. If nothing else, that could take the stress off so you can see loved ones more easily.

If you're traveling at all, however, the specialists at Christian Brothers in Round Rock, TX recommend getting a seasonal auto checkup first. With more traveling, your likelihood of dealing with ice and snow goes up, making this extra important.

Stop by our shop in Round Rock and we would be happy to assist with the following:

• Check the battery and alternator
• Test the braking system
• Test for health-threatening carbon monoxide
• Test the thermostat and heater
• Check your automobile's recommended schedule for things such as spark plug replacement
• Check the tires
• Get an oil change
• Check the headlamps for winter driving conditions
• Clean and flush the engine cooling and antifreeze systems

There are also steps for safety that you can perform on your own, including stocking the car with emergency food, clothing and tools. one more tip: never run on an empty tank to keep the fuel lines from freezing and cracking.