As a DIY grease monkey who loves working on my own car, I’m always looking for tools that make the job easier. During a recent oil change my mechanic buddy casually mentioned using a turkey baster to top off the oil. At first I thought he was pulling my leg – a kitchen tool for my Honda Civic? But it turns out a humble turkey baster has tons of handy uses under the hood!
In this article, I’ll share how the precision nozzle and squeezable bulb of a turkey baster can benefit automotive tasks. From adding fluids to cleaning tight crevices, this inexpensive kitchen staple is poised to become your new favorite garage gadget. Read on to learn the method behind this madness!
Why Take a Turkey Baster to Your Car?
Using a tool meant for basting poultry on your precious vehicle may seem bizarre But hear me out on the unique benefits of the turkey baster
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Precision. That long thin nozzle reaches tight spots other tools can’t access. No more dripping everywhere!
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Control. The squeeze bulb allows you to dispense exact amounts of liquids easily.
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Affordability. At around $3-$5, it’s a no-brainer add-on to your tool kit.
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Convenience. No need to run to the auto parts store when you’ve got one in your kitchen!
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Cleanliness. It keeps hands and surfaces neater than makeshift funnels.
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Compact Size. It tucks neatly away and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
With credentials like these, the turkey baster is poised to become your new automotive MVP!
Top Uses for a Turkey Baster in Auto Repair
Here are some of the most ingenious ways you can use a turkey baster for car DIY projects:
Adding Fluids
The precision nozzle is perfect for cleanly adding motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and more. Slowly squeeze the bulb to top off reservoirs and avoid any drips or spills.
Draining Fluids
Stick the tip into a reservoir, squeeze the bulb, and effortlessly suck out old oil, brake fluid, and other liquids for responsible disposal.
Cleaning Crevices
Fill the baster with cleaning solution and blast away grime in hard-to-reach engine parts and tight crevices. The concentrated stream gets into nooks a rag can’t reach.
Detailing
Detailing experts use turkey basters to perfectly apply detailing products like tire shine. The fine-point control ensures you get coverage just where you want it.
Priming Fuel Lines
After replacing a fuel filter, use a baster filled with fresh gas to prime the line and eliminate air pockets before reconnecting everything.
Applying Lubricant
Lube up sticky mechanisms and tight spots with a baster filled with the lubricant of your choice. Grease fittings and sliding parts become much easier to access.
Removing Excess Adhesives
Accidentally use too much adhesive? A baster filled with the proper solvent allows you to dissolve and suck up the excess before it dries.
As you can see, this humble kitchen tool pulls serious weight in automotive applications!
Handy Tips for Using a Turkey Baster on Your Car
To take full advantage of the turkey baster for auto repair, keep these tips in mind:
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Label separate basters for oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. to prevent cross-contamination.
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Thoroughly clean basters after each use with hot water and dish soap. Don’t risk grease or chemicals mixing.
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Store basters used for car repairs separately from kitchen ones. Designate “garage only” basters.
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Apply a small amount of lubricant to the bulb occasionally so it slides smoothly.
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Dispose of used automotive liquids properly. Don’t just dump them down the sink!
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Remember to insert the baster slowly and carefully into fill holes to prevent damage.
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Ensure the baster is securely attached if using it as an improvised funnel.
With proper care and handling, a turkey baster will provide years of service as an automotive assistant.
Don’t Underestimate the Turkey Baster!
As a car repair DIYer, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. And it turns out the humble turkey baster is an invaluable addition to any garage.
Its precision nozzle and easy squeeze bulb allow you to perform a variety of automotive tasks quickly, cleanly, and without frustration. From adding fluids to cleaning cracks, this handy kitchen gadget belongs next to the wrenches and sockets.
The next time you’re tackling a car repair, grab a turkey baster and see what it can do! With this cheap and versatile tool by your side, you’ll breeze through automotive jobs while keeping your hands and surfaces spotless. Who knew the secret was sitting in your kitchen drawer the whole time?
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how to change brake fluid with a turkey baster
FAQ
What can you use instead of a turkey baster?
How do you make a shift turkey baster?
What can you use a turkey baster for?
How do you remove brake fluid from a turkey baster?
Use the turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Brake fluid can damage the baster’s rubber bulb, so don’t suck the fluid all the way into it. Don’t fully empty the reservoir or you will introduce air into the brake hydraulic system. Squirt the old fluid into the recycling bottle.
Can you put brake fluid in a Baster?
Brake fluid can damage the baster’s rubber bulb, so don’t suck the fluid all the way into it. Don’t fully empty the reservoir or you will introduce air into the brake hydraulic system. Squirt the old fluid into the recycling bottle. Refill the reservoir to the “full” mark with new brake fluid from a sealed container.
Can you use a metal baster to cook a Turkey?
However, the cleaning brush that it comes with greatly helps in that area. This metal baster also comes with an injector tip, so you can prep your turkey by injecting it with flavorful liquids, spice infusions, melted butter, or other flavorings prior to cooking. Just remove the injector tip to use it as a standard baster.
Does a Turkey need to be basted?
While basters are traditional, there are many turkey recipes that don’t require basting. However, if basting is desired, it’s possible to use a spoon to collect the liquid and pour it over the food in a roasting pan. How often should you baste a turkey?
Does basting a roasted turkey really work?
In testing, it worked well basting our roasted turkey, but it did soak up a lot of the liquid. Wringing it out was a bit messy. This one features an extra-long, 16-inch handle, so you don’t have to get too close to the flames and can stay farther from the hot roasting pan in the oven.
Are turkey basters BPA free?
BPA Free, Pro Grade Turkey Baster 1 Pack. Extra Large 11 Inch Bulb Basters with Measuring Lines Perfect for Cooking Juicy, Tender Meat. Best Plastic Suction Basting Syringe, Kitchen Tools and Supplies Only 13 left in stock – order soon. Only 10 left in stock – order soon. Need help? Woot!