meaning of "kicking the tires"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello,

Could you explain for me the meaning of “kicking the tires”.

Many thanks.

2

Hi Ann

The expression ‘kick the tires’ suggests a superficial method of checking a car’s quality and/or condition.
It is sometimes used in a more figurative sense to simply mean (more generally) superficially check of the quality of something.

For some background information on this expression, look here.
.

3

Thank Amy, you’re so helpful.

Ann^^