A: What do I need to do before buying a stock?

    B: Ask your broker or financial adviser about a company, call and visit it, and do general investigative research. These are all examples of kicking the tires.

    Note: In the early 20th century, tires on automobiles were made of thin rubber and were sometimes of poor quality. Before people started their vehicle, many back in the day would kick the four wheels to see if the tires are inflated and in workable condition. It is from this practice that the expression “kicking the tires” made its way into mainstream American language — meaning doing the normal and necessary checkups before any endeavor. If someone is kicking the tires on something (or someone), they’re evaluating the situation before taking further action. In investment, it means “doing the grassroots research of a prospective investment.”