Maybe you've seen it in a movie, or you've witnessed some old-timer kick a tire with a furrowed brow. Then, when you’re trying to appear as though you know a lot about cars, you will squint intently at the tread, kick the tire, and move on, not really sure as to why you just did that. Yep, it's a tire.
There was a time when kicking a tire actually served a purpose. Cars weren’t always made with quality in mind. Clunkers, junkers, jalopies, whatever you want to call them, cars were often made to make it as far as the lot and then you were on your own. Tires were no different. Many were often made of thin and poor quality rubber, that might deflate if you sneezed too hard while driving.
Smart car buyers would thoroughly inspect a car before making a purchase, so as not to buy a bucket of bolts on a set of crummy wheels. Kicking a tire would test the quality and the thickness of the rubber used to make the wheel, and make sure that the wheel would hold air.
Today, kicking a tire doesn’t tell you as much. You’re more likely to stub your toe than get some insight as to the quality of the vehicle. Though you might not need to kick tires anymore, it's still a good idea to inspect your vehicle.
Examine your vehicle before you go on long trips and when you get back. Make sure fluid levels are where they are supposed to be, and that your tires are in good condition.
If you don't go on long trips, thoroughly examine your car every few months to make sure that nothing is wrong or in need of repair. Better yet, bring it in to the shop to be checked out by professionals!
Of course, you want to get your oil changed regularly. If your car uses synthetic oil, you should get your oil changed at least every 7,500 miles. However, if you drive a turbo, you should change your oil more often.
That oil change is a good time to get your tires rotated and have your car thoroughly examined. In other words, it's a good time to kick the tires.
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