Why does cold air make your tire pressure go low?

EL PASO, Texas -- As the weather goes from hot to cold, the air molecules begin to slow and move closer together in cold weather.

Cold air is denser; it takes up less space in objects like a car tire.

For every 10-degree drop in air temperature, the pressure in a car tire will fall by about 1 to 2 PSI.

You can check your tire pressure by finding the recommended pressure in the owner's manual or by finding the sticker in the door jam. To check your tire pressure, use a tire gauge, which you can find at most service stations or auto part stores.

Press the tire gauge against the open valve stem for a second or two. It's normal to hear a hiss of air. Then simply read the tire gauge, and you will know how your tire pressure is.