# kick some tires

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/kick-some-tires
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To shop for a vehicle or other item to purchase or in which to invest.

## Examples

- I am going to the dealership to kick some tires today.
- Before we commit to buying a new company van, we should visit a few lots to kick some tires.
- The investors decided to kick some tires on the startup's financial projections before they agreed to provide any significant capital.

## Origin

From the practice of inspecting a vehicle or aircraft by striking the tires with one's foot to test for appropriate pressure or structural integrity. The phrase persists as a metaphor for preliminary investigation.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.