Principally, what's wrong with kicking tyres?

[B@Th*nG]

Hi Guys,

I'm sure I'll get shot down in flames, but what's principally wrong with kicking tyres? Is it because it's basically a waste of time? I always assumed it was so people could somehow gauge whether the tyre pressures are correct, is that right?

B@

 

[Howard]

That, and checking there isn't an inch of play in all the suspension/drive components I guess

 

[Engram]

You can't accurately check tyre pressure by kicking a tyre. And even if you could, it wouldn't tell you very much about a car.

 

[Saytan]

the term "tyre kicker" isnt really literal

it's someone who is wasting a seller's time.

similar to a test pilot, who just fancies taking it for a drive.

 

[Janesy B]

If someone actually kicked my car whilst looking at it, I'd kick them in the shins.

 

[Matt82]

when my little red mk2 was on ebay, someone came round to see it, passed themself off as knowledgable, got in the car and started to rev it hard from stone cold. i had to have a go at them, asking why they were so completely stupid

and then tried to tell me it was pouring out blue smoke on idle, whilst holding a blue tinged led torch to the exhaust

didnt kick any tyres though

 

[iaind]

It's the automotive equivalent of a doctor taking your blood pressure by punching you in the gut

 

[B@Th*nG]

the term "tyre kicker" isnt really literal

it's someone who is wasting a seller's time.

similar to a test pilot, who just fancies taking it for a drive.

ahh, there we go

B@

 

[BigglesPiP]

That, and checking there isn't an inch of play in all the suspension/drive components I guess

That's when you get on your knees and writhe at it with both hands.

And you can't detect play in bottom ball joints with the car on the ground.

 

[NathanE]

To answer the OP: It's just a figure of speech. A tyre kicker just does a lot of air sucking, finds minor faults and just generally wastes time.

That, and checking there isn't an inch of play in all the suspension/drive components I guess

lol

 

[Jonny69]

Back in the day you could see how much play was in the kingpins. Maybe I'll kick mine and video it so you can see, since they are a bit worn and need doing at some point.

Today: refers to time wasters.

 

[EvilDreams]

Is there a derogatory term for the type of person who swoops in at the last minute and wins your auction, then you never hear from them again?

 

[iaind]

Is there a derogatory term for the type of person who swoops in at the last minute and wins your auction, then you never hear from them again?

****

 

[Janesy B]

Is there a derogatory term for the type of person who swoops in at the last minute and wins your auction, then you never hear from them again?

a wanchor?

 

[BigglesPiP]

Is there a derogatory term for the type of person who swoops in at the last minute and wins your auction, then you never hear from them again?

e-tyre iKicker?


Speaking of play, I returned from Scotland in the punto once to find a good 5 inches of play in the off side rear wheel.

I knew the rear trailing-arm bearing was absolutely way past it's last legs when I set off, but when I got back of the rollers had departed from the bearing.

 

[Fr0dders]

Is there a derogatory term for the type of person who swoops in at the last minute and wins your auction, then you never hear from them again?

yes its called sniping.

 

[Howard]

lol

I didn't say it was a very revealing or technical method but can't you detect excess play in certain joints by trying to roll the wheels backwards and forwards with your hands or feet?

 

[EvilDreams]

yes its called sniping.

Nah, you can have a sniper on an auction who actually turns up and pays/collects.

Then of course you have the type who wins your auction, turns up, and starts haggling.

Are there no convenient one-word nasty things to call this type of annoying buyer on the car selling circuit?

 

[[TW]Fox]

yes its called sniping.

No, it isn't.

 

[Howard]

Oh boy these new sigs are confusing