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(WASHINGTON, August 24, 2015) Average U.S. gas prices today are at the lowest levels for this time of year since 2004 due to the steep decline in the cost of crude oil. Gas prices have dropped recently despite ongoing refinery problems, and prices should continue to fall this autumn due to declining demand and the switchover to winter-blend gasoline. Today’s national average price of gas is $2.59 per gallon, which is eight cents less than a week ago and 84 cents less than a year ago. Pump prices are now 21 cents per gallon below the 2015 peak price reached on June 15.

BP’s largest crude distillation unit at its Whiting, Indiana refinery remains out of commission, due to a malfunction reported on August 8 that triggered dramatically higher prices in the Great Lakes region. Repairs to the unit are reported to be ongoing, and the company has yet to release a date they expect the unit to return to production. However, BP has purchased additional fuel supply and met all of its contractual requirements to date. Although regional supply is still uncertain due to the outage, prices in the region have moved lower over the past week as speculation has built that supply issues might not be as dire as first worried.

Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach joins Fox & Friends with three amazing convertibles: the 2016 Jaguar F-Type, the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and the 2015 Ford Mustang GT. Check out these unbelievably beautiful vehicles side-by-side.

Back-to-school season is the ideal time to review your ABCs; the ABCs of car care, that is. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists brush up on their auto care knowledge to make sure their vehicle is operating at its most efficient level before the school year carpool crunch and the onset of fall and winter weather.

The ABCs of basic car care include:

    • A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule. 

    • B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.

    • C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

“Many people simply don’t take the time to care for their vehicle properly,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By following these three simple steps, motorists will not only protect their second largest investment, but they will be able to address minor repairs before they become more complicated, expensive repairs.”

Educators applaud the program’s influence in reducing injuries and fatalities among school children age 5 to 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 25, 2015) – Since 1920, the AAA School Safety Patrol Program has been instrumental in helping students get to and from school safely. As the program marks its 95th anniversary, Patrollers across North America and in 30 countries will take their post for another school year, wearing their familiar ‘Lectric Lime belt or vest.

“The AAA School Safety Patrol Program relies on student volunteers to assist their classmates at crossings, carpool areas and bus loading and unloading zones,” said AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy Project Manager Rhonda Shah. “Patrollers receive comprehensive training in the fundamentals of traffic safety, working, in many cases, with local law enforcement. They do not direct traffic, but they help students understand when it is safe to enter roadways,” Shah said.

Your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, can help you know if your vehicle is subject to a recall.

Do you wait too long to fill up your gas tank! It may cost you more money in the long run. Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach explains how running on empty can damage your car and lead to big costs.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds motorists of the importance of the three Ps of auto care to make sure their vehicle is ready for the unexpected.

• Preventative – Reduce the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble by following a vehicle service schedule and performing routine maintenance. The Car Care Council’s free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle.

• Proactive: If you find your vehicle needs repairs, be sure to address them in a timely manner to avoid more extensive work down the road. Before traveling longer distances, perform a pre-trip inspection before your journey begins so you have an opportunity to have any repairs made by a trusted technician before hitting the road.

• Prepared: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case an unexpected situation arises. The kit should include jumper cables, a road atlas, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food and blankets. Be sure your cell phone is fully charged and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Guide for your glove box.

(WASHINGTON, August 31, 2105)- Pump prices continue to drop and most drivers should pay the lowest gas prices for Labor Day weekend since 2004. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has fallen for 14 consecutive days for a total of 20 cents per gallon. Today’s average price of $2.47 per gallon marks a savings of 12 cents per gallon compared to one week ago and 18 cents per gallon versus one month ago. Drivers nationwide continue to benefit from the relatively low price of crude oil with today’s average about 96 cents per gallon less than a year ago.

With heavy rain pounding many parts of the country, there’s a good chance that you’ll drive through high water that could damage your vehicle. Even though your vehicle may not have been flooded or completely covered in water, the Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow these guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination:

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach discusses new cars and auto sales numbers in the US, energy prices and the impact on hybrids, and the latest technology and safety advances hitting the automotive industry today and in the near future.