What Does ‘Kicking the Tires’ Mean?

If you just entered the job market, chances are good you’ve been hearing a lot of unfamiliar phrases. One of these phrases is “kick the tires.” It’s often used in a business or office setting, but what does it actually mean?

At its most literal level, “kicking the tires” is an analogy to inspecting a car before you purchase it. You want to kick the tires to make sure there are no issues or problems that might give you a problem after you purchase the car. The same can be said in a business setting. When you “kick the tires,” you’re taking a look around and examining something before you commit to anything.

Simply put, you’re not jumping into something without first examining the situation. It might mean you’re doing research before you commit to a decision. Or you might want to do a test run or a trial – like trying out a new software before you invest in it or trying out a new employee before offering them the job.

At the end of the day, “kicking the tires” is all about being mindful and thoughtful about a decision before you dive in. Try to ask questions and learn as much as you can about the situation, do the necessary research, and talk to colleagues and experts who have experience in the field. Doing so will help you make an informed, educated decision.