kick the tires

Meanings

1. To inspect something to ensure it meets expected standards or has favored characteristics, typically before committing to purchasing or otherwise selecting it.
2. To make a superficial assessment of, or a show of interaction with, an item for sale, without any real intent to purchase.
3. To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.

Etymology

Early 20th century. Tires on early automobiles were made of thin rubber and were sometimes of poor quality, hence a prospective buyer might kick them to see how thick they were or if they would deflate.