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Hydraulic fluid spilled on a tire

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 7 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.R3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONHydraulic fluid has come in contact with an aircraft tire during maintenance. What treatment is recommended?

  1. AWash the tire with denatured alcohol, then soap and water
  2. BLeave the fluid to evaporate and inspect at the next check
  3. CWipe the tire with a dry rag and return it to service
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Wash the tire with denatured alcohol, then soap and water

  • A — correct When volatile fluids contact a tire, the handbook says it is best to wash the tire or the affected area with denatured alcohol followed by soap and water.
  • B — incorrect Hydrocarbons soften and contaminate the rubber the longer they stay, and a tire that becomes soft and spongy must be removed from service.
  • C — incorrect A dry wipe does not remove the fluid that has already worked into the rubber surface.

BACKGROUND

Oil, hydraulic fluid, solvents, and other hydrocarbon substances contaminate tire rubber, soften it, and make it spongy, and a contaminated tire must be removed from service. If a volatile fluid contacts a tire, the recommended treatment is to wash the tire or the affected area with denatured alcohol followed by soap and water. The best practice is prevention: tires should be covered to protect them from harmful fluids during maintenance in the landing gear area. The same concern applies in storage, where fuels, oils, and solvents must be kept away from tires, spills on the shop floor must not be rolled through, and any contaminated tire must be cleaned immediately and stored dry.

STUDY TIP

Remember the two-step wash, alcohol then soap and water, and remember that prevention by covering tires is the preferred answer when it is offered.

KEY POINTS

  • Hydrocarbons soften tire rubber and make it spongy.
  • Wash affected tires with denatured alcohol followed by soap and water.
  • Cover tires during landing gear maintenance and keep spills away from them.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Tread Damage"
  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Tire Storage"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.