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Local drivers save over holiday weekend

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For Greene County News

DAYTON — Ohio made the top ten list for the least expensive average gas prices. Miami Valley area drivers are also enjoying substantial savings at the pump. The current average price for gas in the Dayton/Springfield area is $1.76 per gallon, down 41 cents from a month ago and 98 cents from a year ago.

Drivers this year paid the lowest gas prices for Thanksgiving since 2008, and the national average has now fallen for 24 straight days.

Today’s average price of $2.04 per gallon is within fractions of a penny of the multi-year low reached this January, and the national average remains poised to fall below the $2 per gallon benchmark by Christmas. Gas prices are down three cents per gallon for the week, 14 cents over the last month and 74 cents compared to a year ago.

Oversupply and a strengthening U.S. dollar continue to impact global oil markets, keeping downward pressure on the price of crude oil. Geopolitical tensions between Russia and Turkey have yet to lead to any sustained increases in prices, and early reports indicate that tensions between the two countries will have little impact on production in the Middle East. OPEC is scheduled to meet this Friday, and analysts expect that the cartel is unlikely to reduce production despite the relatively low price of crude oil.

Domestic crude oil inventories remain elevated compared to previous years, and talks are now shifting toward the potential impacts of a surplus in gasoline inventories. WTI opened this week’s formal trading posting gains after closing out Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX down $1.33, settling at $41.71 per barrel.

Busy holiday weekend on the roads

With low gas prices, it was a busy long holiday weekend on the roads. AAA came to the rescue of thousands of stranded motorists over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The AAA Roadside Rescue Team heard from more than 1,200 Miami Valley area drivers with the most common problems being dead batteries and flat tires. With the busy holiday season now officially underway, AAA reminds motorists that one-third of vehicle breakdowns can be prevented with basic vehicle maintenance.

Tires

For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, you lose one pound of tire pressure. Tire pressure on all tires should be checked monthly, including the spare tire. Proper pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker most often located on the driver-side door jamb.

Battery

Batteries loose cranking power when temperatures drop below freezing. The average life of a battery is three to five years. AAA encourages motorists to get their battery tested if it’s older than three years old.

Coolant

Be sure you have the proper amount of antifreeze in your vehicle. Antifreeze works to prevent engine block freezing. Also, be sure to check your entire cooling system, including hoses, belts and radiator to make sure it is functioning properly.

Story courtesy of AAA.