What action prevents rapid deterioration when oil or grease contaminates a tire?

• A. Wipe the tire with a dry cloth followed by a washdown and rinse with soap and water
• B. Soak the tire in solvent
• C. Wipe with water only
• D. Let it air dry and ignore

Answer: (A)

Oil or grease on a tire can soften the rubber and lead to rapid deterioration, so the best action is to remove the contamination completely by wiping with a dry cloth to lift off as much oil as possible, then washing with soap and water to emulsify and rinse away any remaining residue. This cleans the surface without exposing the rubber to harsh solvents that can swell or degrade it. Using a solvent would risk damaging the rubber, wiping with water alone leaves oil behind, and ignoring the contamination would let the deterioration continue unchecked.