Americans live in the golden age of choice. Consumers have an almost infinite catalog of wares from which to browse, with the world being interconnected by the technological marvel that is the internet. Millions, if not billions, of storefronts are available at the touch of a button or at the click of a mouse, allowing shoppers to choose exactly what they need. 

Yet, for a large segment of the tool-buying population, that freedom is either ignored or cast as a complete waste of money and time. These working men and women are under the spell of the Tool Truck, and many accrue vast amounts of debt at the word of silken-tongue salesmen. Tool trucks, once bastions of quality and serviceable tooling, have become increasingly predatory as time wears away their image to the general public. 

Despite this, however, their customer base continues to hold. Appeased by promises of warranty service and huge lines of credit, mechanics, and craftsmen continue to flock to the likes of Matco, Mac, Cornwell, and Snap-On, blindingly proclaiming that their products are the highest form of excellence. As discussed before, so many excellent alternatives are bound to exist, and yet they are not fully explored or utilized. 

It is a shame how the American working man (and woman) has been treated by these companies, and there is one simple solution. The dominance of the tool truck has to come to an end, and it is only through education on these alternatives that these blue-collar souls can be free from their debtor’s prisons. To achieve this noble goal, we must realize that the benefits of tool trucks, namely warranty service, credit lines, and quality tooling, can be easily accessed via other, cheaper avenues or are now obsolete due to market changes. 

To understand the gravity of this issue, one must understand its origins. The beginning of the tool truck era coincides with the emergence of the premier American tool manufacturer, Snap-On Tools. The perennial favorite among the majority of tool truck enthusiasts and the single most recognizable tool seller on the planet, Snap-On Tools was founded in 1920 by Joseph Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Snap-On). Seeing the rising need for dedicated automobile tooling, he teamed up with a coworker to produce socket sets designed specifically for the needs of modern automobile repairmen (Snap-On). Using methods all too familiar, such as consistent marketing and direct sales, the company generated enough sales to justify the purchase of a 2,500-square-foot facility in Milwaukee to house future production (Snap-On). The company’s first patent, filed for a primitive ratchet designed to work with the original system of handles, was filed in 1923 (Snap-On). That same year, their first catalog began to be distributed in the Great Lakes region, all the while the network of independent salesmen expanded (Snap-On). Sales continued to grow, and the company expanded to a new facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin (Snap-On). 

Once the 1930s hit and the Great Depression began to take its toll, Snap-On’s single greatest key to success emerged: Time Payment Plans (Snap-On). These lines of credit allowed struggling mechanics to continue to purchase the tooling that they needed to stay up-to-date with recent technological developments. This program has continued to be the backbone of Snap-On’s continued success, as it allows technicians to fund fully supplied toolboxes on meager salaries. Armed with this new development, Snap-On continued to expand, spreading its tendrils internationally and continuing to increase sales and dividends (Snap-On). 

The next few decades were not without challenges, but the company continued to expand steadily and eventually adopted the innovation of the tool truck. Tool trucks are large industrial vans that patrol certain routes laden with tools and repair parts. These vehicles deliver tooling to individual businesses and provide warranty services. Run by franchisee salesmen, they use the same predatory tactics to push working Americans deep into debt. These franchisees are pressured to make the bottom line, as they are deeply indebted to the companies they serve. A Snap-On franchise can cost its owner close to half a million dollars in startup costs, forcing these salesmen to race to catch their debts before they drown in interest (Investment Information).  

Despite this, in the modern tool market exists a myriad of options that are underutilized by many consumers. As for alternatives, many industry competitors offer services that these tool trucks have become known for. Take, for example, Harbor Freight Tools. As a direct result of Sears and Craftsman Tools ending their partnership, in addition to the removal of US-made Craftsman tools from store shelves, the company has begun to expand into the mid to high-range tool market. Recent offerings include the Icon series of wrenches, which are produced with a modern blend of steel and an excellent finish quality that rivals the tool truck brands (Harbor Freight). These tools have been tested against rival brands, such as the infamous Snap-On series of wrenches. 

Even among competitors that are exponentially more expensive, these Icon wrenches hold their own. Popular YouTuber Torque Test Channel has a long history of testing industrial tooling using sophisticated methods such as specially calibrated torque testing machinery and hydraulic presses. From his findings, the Harbor Freight Icon wrenches provide almost identical loosening torque on fasteners as the Snap-On wrenches, which are over three times their price (TTC). 

In addition, Harbor Freight’s warranty service is excellent, and their customer service, depending on the employees present, is often just as impressive. Any broken tool can be returned directly to the store from which it was purchased with a receipt, and with no questions asked, a new tool will be placed into the customer’s hand, ready to work once again (Harbor Freight). This was once a service exclusive to the tool trucks and the derelict Sears stores, but once again, the American working man (or woman) has this wonderful opportunity. 

As if the argument that affordable tools could not keep up with their tool truck counterparts wasn’t already dispelled, Ko-Ken Tools is another excellent example of an affordable manufacturer that has proven that it can outperform tool truck brands at a fraction of the cost. Ko-Ken Tools is a Japanese manufacturer of sockets, founded in 1946 (Ko-Ken USA). Their main product is an excellent series of ratchets that are slowly beginning to proliferate in the US market. 

These ratchets are similar in construction to the offerings presented by the tool trucks, but are presented at a much lower cost. Comparing the standard-length high tooth ⅜ ratchet options available on Amazon.com from both companies, Koken’s offering is fifty dollars cheaper ($92 vs $141) and includes an upgraded handle to boot (Sealed Head). Industry professionals have already expressed favor for the ratchets, with Cam, a heavy equipment maintenance specialist of Canada’s BluTech Equipment, speaking highly of Ko-Ken tooling. When asked about his opinions, Cam replied, “My favorite parts about the new Ko-Ken ratchet, it’s really smooth, it’s way lower backdrag than this (Snap-On)... I bet the Ko-Ken will come out ahead” (Tekamo). 

In addition to this high praise, Ko-Ken also has a comparable warranty process to the large tool truck brands. Ko-Ken states that it will warranty any tool that can no longer be used for its intended purpose under normal circumstances and will repair or replace any parts covered by this warranty free of charge (Ko-Ken USA). All of these benefits are offered by Ko-Ken’s direct competitors, but this company provides them to the American market at a hugely reduced cost. 

As for lines of credit, Snap-On no longer holds a monopoly on this lucrative business. A vast array of lenders now offer personal lines of credit to consumers. According to Investopedia, a personal line of credit is a flexible loan that operates under similar terms to a credit card (Simpson). These loans offer consumers the opportunity to shop for differing interest rates instead of settling for the incredibly inflated rates that Snap-On's in-house financing offers. 

Further still, due to the heavily reduced tooling costs that options provided by other companies offer, these options may be entirely obsolete. As stated before, staples such as wrenches can be purchased from the likes of Harbor Freight for a third of what tool truck brands charge while offering the exact same performance (TTC). With this reduction in costs, the consumer can be freed from the debt burden entirely.

As you can see, there is hope for the blue-collar American. Companies have listened, and new opportunities for quality tooling at a reasonable price continue to be brought to the forefront of the market. Warranty service continues to be a focus, and new, lower-interest lines of credit continue to emerge from alternate sources. The debtor’s shackles that the tool truck has used to entrap the American working man (and woman) are beginning to break, and soon the rule of these tyrants will end.

The start of June marks the end of my beginning. The most formative years of my life are over, and as I look back upon the ashes of my childhood and adolescence, I have started to appreciate the man I have become. I am hardened not only by time but by countless failures, countless missed opportunities, countless rejections, countless doubts, and countless regrets that I will never be able to purge from my mind. Yet, here I stand before the trial that is the rest of my life. I have fallen more times than I can count, yet here I am, still moving forward, still marching on toward the next great challenge that I shall face. 

Throughout my life, the challenges that I have faced and have conquered have taught me much less than those that have gotten the best of me. I have learned that failure is the greatest teacher in this world and that holding that loss and realizing how you failed is the only way to improve. Continued success leads to stagnation and complacency. A knife that is stored wet with blood will rust and become useless. You cannot wallow in failure, yet you cannot sit atop your throne of victory unless you want to be toppled from it. This lesson was taught to me through the years, but the sooner that one learns it, the sooner they can begin to use it to their advantage.

Yet another lesson I have picked up from life is that confidence is the key to success. An air of confidence coupled with the determination to uphold it will guide you through most every situation. Having the backbone to stand up and shout from the rooftops what you want and how you plan on getting it is a skill that many wish to have and few actually possess. Force yourself into new, uncomfortable social situations like speaking to crowds or authority figures, and build your handle on your nervousness and fear. Show the world that you can and will not be the nail that is hammered down and that you will not be toppled by the raging winds of change that sweep this world. 

Those very winds of change are another fact that I have learned to live with. They whip against the Earth without end until you blink and your entire world is unrecognizable. Those people and things that survive that heavy hand of Father Time are those that you should value the most. Those tools your grandfather kept his family clothed and sheltered with and that friend who has always dealt with your emotional instability are some of the most valuable things in your life.  Reliability is a virtue that few things have and it should be cherished whenever it is found. 

I have also learned that nothing that is alive and well in this world stays complacent and stops moving forward. Stagnation is death, and it must be avoided at all costs. Always seek improvement, but also stop to recognize that in others. Surround yourself with people who see that change in you and appreciate it for what it is: progress. You are going to change, you are going to grow, and people are going to leave. But that’s part of human existence. Stagnation is death, people drift apart, and a small part of your past self dies with every passing day. Do not forget the lessons you have learned, but do not cling to the past and fight against the progress of your life.

Despite all of these lessons, there is one that is more impactful than all the others. Let yourself be loved. Let yourself be vulnerable, and when someone wants to walk down the roads of life with you, find the strength within yourself to let that person in. Human connection is the one thing in this world that makes the slog that is human existence worthwhile. Don’t convince yourself that you’re not worthy of it or that it’s not worth the risk that you make up in the back of your mind. Throw caution to the wind. Look at that fear of rejection, that fear of abandonment, and that “what if” that keeps repeating itself in the back of your mind in the eyes and stop them from killing the most beautiful part of life. Will you get hurt once or twice? Yes. Will you hurt someone you truly care about at some point? More than likely. You cannot let these thoughts discourage you from finding actual happiness. I am one of the few people in this world who have had a second and third chance in this life. I’ve learned lessons that I would never wish upon my worst enemy and I’ve dealt with more self-inflicted pain than I’d like to admit, yet I wouldn’t trade it for the world because it makes my story that much more rich and the connection that I’ve finally allowed myself to make that much more beautiful. I am a product of my mistakes, and I thank everyone who will listen for the chances I’ve been given to correct them. Without them, I would be a shell of the man I am today. 

There is one constant in this life, and that is that it has a beginning and an end. Make the most of every moment. Take the lessons as they come. Make the memories and keep them close. As I leave this place, I am thankful for every trial that I have been through and every test I’ve passed. I can only hope that the future holds just as much promise.

Precision measurement tools are fundamental to any machinist’s arsenal. There is a bewildering array of these instruments, however. From height gages to dial test indicators, the dizzying array of devices confuses any newcomer. Despite this, there is one tool people will reach for more often than all others: a pair of calipers. For all measurements that do not require precision down to the tens of thousands of an inch, calipers will be your best friend. However, there are some considerations you must take into account when purchasing your first pair.

Size

Size is an important factor in choosing a pair of calipers. Consider your use case before deciding on a size.. Are you frequently measuring objects over 12 inches long? Are you trying to fit into tight spaces? Will you be carrying the pair in your pocket, or do you have a toolbox to leave them in? As a general rule, a six or eight-inch pair will be the sweet spot for most people. The author recommends leaning towards the eight-inch size as it is more versatile. However, a four-inch pair is ideal for pocket carry. This size often comes with a compact hard case that slips into a pocket easily. They also fit into very tight areas, such as inside machinery. For especially large objects, sets that are 36 inches and beyond exist, but are bulky and quite expensive. 

Type

There are three main types of calipers: vernier, dial, and digital. Each type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. Vernier calipers are simple, with the fewest moving parts, available in larger sizes, and are also the least expensive. However, they are the most difficult to read, and the markings can be obscured easily by corrosion or dust. Dial calipers are very easy to read, widely available, and can be found in a wide variety of scales in both metric and imperial. However, they are vulnerable to damage, and the dials can be scratched easily. Digital calipers are even easier to read, are very user-friendly, and often switch between metric and imperial scales with the press of a button. Despite this, the addition of a battery adds the risk of corroding the contacts and needs to be replaced often. In addition, they cannot be repaired easily, and quality ones will be expensive. For the majority of users, the author recommends dial calipers. They offer a great compromise between readability and reliability, and batteries will not be a worry. Vernier calipers are for those who need to measure large objects, and digital calipers are best for those who switch between metric and imperial scales often. Despite their simplicity, each type does require you to learn how to use it. Some useful links to pages that will help you to understand how to read metrology equipment, such as calipers, will be posted below. 

Brands 

As is true with almost everything, not every pair of calipers is created equal. Large amounts of cheap, poorly-made metrology equipment exist on the open market. Stick to proven, reliable brands and be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on them. Brands you should look out for include Starrett, Mitutoyo, Brown and Sharpe, Fowler, Tesa, and Asimeto. Some older manufacturers to also look out for are Lufkin and Penncraft. Make sure you purchase from a reputable retailer. If purchasing used, ensure that the calipers are either certified or check them yourself with a gage block or standard. 

Conclusion 

Carefully consider each one of these considerations when purchasing your first pair of calipers. They will be one of the most important measuring tools you own, so take care to select something that suits your needs. Remember, quality tools last a lifetime, and nothing is better than owning something that you can pass to the next generation.

Basics of Fishing 

Fishing is one of humanity’s oldest pastimes. Because of this, it has grown into an all-encompassing world that can drown any newcomer in the sheer amount of knowledge and tradition that it contains. There is so much variety in the species that can be targeted and the tackle that can be used that jumping into the world of fishing can seem daunting. However, strip away layers of mysticism and superstition, and the sport becomes surprisingly simple. 

Fishing can be broken down into three fundamental pillars: location, species, and tackle.

Location

The location you choose to fish is a key factor in how enjoyable your trip will be. For a beginner, fishing from either a pier or the bank is ideal. There, you have fewer variables to worry about, allowing you to focus on catching fish. To maximize your chances, however, you can’t just pick any location that meets these criteria. Ensure that the spot you choose has some sort of natural feature that attracts fish. Two features that are excellent indicators of fish-catching potential are cover and food. Cover is any feature that fish can use to hide from predators. Look for overhangs, sunken brush piles, pier supports, and waterlogged trees. What each fish considers food varies wildly. Fish feed on everything from grasshoppers falling into the water to minnows darting around. Look for activity and water disturbances that would indicate active and feeding fish.

Species

Each species of fish has unique habits that dictate how they interact with their environment. These habits also dictate how you, the angler, will have to fish for them. Study your targeted species and learn about the nuances related to it. In the midwestern United States, some of the primary sport fish species are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, yellow perch, trout, and salmon. Some of these species are limited to very specific habitats, so do your research so that you can identify them. Each of these species also has a specific preference for certain types of prey. Bluegill, for example, enjoy small aquatic insects. Crappie, while looking very similar to bluegill, prefer small minnows. These small differences can make the difference between a full stringer and coming home empty-handed. Use resources such as other anglers, online magazines like In-Fisherman or Field and Stream, or your local DNR office. Knowledge is power, and this logic still applies to fishing. 

Tackle

Tackle is key to your success on the water. The first and most critical part of your equipment is your rod and reel. While you will develop preferences as you advance as an angler, the author recommends freshwater beginners to start with a seven-foot, medium-action, medium-power spinning rod with a reel spooled with 12 lb test monofilament line. While this may sound like a foreign language, it is all describing a middle-of-the-road rod that will be suitable for almost every type of freshwater fishing. Each rod has its basic specifications listed on it above its grips, so be sure to check when purchasing. Reels usually list general line capacity by weight on their spool. Great deals can be found at garage sales, pawn shops, and during yearly sale events at tackle supply retailers such as Bass Pro Shops. 

Once you have your combo, now it is time to select what you'll actually be tying onto your line. Fishing tackle can be divided into two categories: bait and lures. Bait is anything that is actually edible to the fish, while lures are artificial imitations of bait or something that the fish perceive as edible. Consult the resources listed in the Species section and use them as a guide as to what to purchase. Shop around for the best deals, and consult local tackle shops for more advice and assistance. Any good bait shop owner will be happy to help. 

Fishing is an incredible pastime. Armed with the knowledge in this article, you will be more than prepared to begin your journey into the depths of the angling world. Just remember to be courteous to your fellow anglers, to the fish you’re chasing, and to the water you have the privilege to use. If we all do our part, future generations of anglers can enjoy the same pastime that we do now. Now, get out there and get fishing!

LaPorte High School has an excellent collection of academic competition teams. Despite the overall success of these teams, one group has recently achieved an incredible feat. The LaPorte Varsity Envirothon team dubbed the “Bison” has defended their title as regional champions for the fourth consecutive year. By doing so, they have consolidated their dominance on the local level and qualified yet again for the State competition. This team had to overcome great challenges, such as losing a team member, a new competition schedule, and decreased class time to prepare.  The team consisted of the veterans Shane Berry, Lyndsey Osborne, Cooper Scroggin, and Micheal St. Arnaud. They were joined by a newcomer, Desiree Vowels, who stepped up to the plate when an original member dropped out due to personal issues on the eve of the competition. 

Each of the five team members performed admirably and conquered the challenges presented by the Envirothon. During a competition, members are quizzed on five topics: forestry, soils, aquatics, wildlife, and current event. Each member specializes in a certain area and performs research on their topic to prepare for the exam. Each topic is given a unique test that is 20 questions long and contains a wide variety of questions relating to the topic. 

Once the tests are received, a one-hour clock is started. Each member of the team first completes an individual test and checks it themselves. After, competitors on the same team are allowed to check their teammates’ tests. This is where the strengths of the LPHS team truly shine through. All members have knowledge that spans simple categories, and by looking at each other’s work, they can fill in gaps. 

Utilizing this strategy, LaPorte has had continued success. With the latest win, the advancement of the LaPorte Bison team into the next round of competition is secured. The team now moves on to state competition, which has a different ruleset.

The team will likely do well, as last year’s competitors secured a first-place title in the written test. Despite this, there is still some uncertainty, as competition is stiff this year.1No matter how well the Bison do at the State competition, their success is already remarkable. Their continued ability to perform has filled a trophy case for LaPorte and developed a reputation of excellence for the science programs. However, time will tell if the success will last beyond the current graduating class. The majority of the team is graduating, leaving members such as Shane Berry to carry the torch and continue the reign of the Bison at the top of the competition circuit.

As with most consumer products, the price of tools has skyrocketed in recent years. Trusted tool makers such as Snap-On and Mac have been steadily raising prices over the last couple of decades, but as of late, the price hikes have become unbearable. Their quality control has begun to decline and their warranty policy has also begun to suffer. Americans are in desperate need of a source of low-cost, high-quality tooling. However, conventional retailers are not the place to find them. Use one of these five sources to find gently used or even brand-new tools for a fraction of their retail price. 

Antique Stores

Antique stores are excellent sources of older yet still completely serviceable tools. In addition, many modern tools wind up on their shelves simply because they are dirty. For example, quality Rigid pipe wrenches are commonly found in antique shops. These wrenches can retail for hundreds of dollars if they are one of the larger models. Yet, most antique sellers mark them for fractions of that figure. Antique stores also present an opportunity to purchase tools that aren’t commonly sold in the present market, such as woodworking and furniture-making hand tools. 

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops stock a varying selection of tools. If you are looking for power tools, pawn shops are an excellent place to search. Many of these tools are modern and come with batteries and other accessories. However, buyers must be careful not to purchase any tools with unscrupulous origins. Thoroughly vet each pawn shop and ensure that they either let buyers try out and handle the tools or offer returns for defective items. Never trust the salesman’s word and always perform function checks. 

Estate Sales

Estate sales are similar to garage sales, yet provide even more opportunities. Every item in an estate sale must be sold, and the owners of those items have unfortunately passed away. Their families often package items in large bundles and sell them off to help pay for expenses related to debts, funerals, or medical bills. Just remember that it is in poor taste to haggle with the grieving family and to be courteous at all times. 

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for tool buying. People often sell huge lots of tools for discount prices all because they either need them gone or have upgraded. In addition, many have no idea of the value of their tools and list them for much less than they should. Buyers can also haggle with users on Facebook, further driving down prices. Despite all these benefits, buyers are still interacting with strangers online and meeting in person, so exercise caution. 

Garage Sales

Garage sales are also excellent opportunities. Each seller is incredibly motivated, as the sole purpose of a garage sale is to clear out excess ‘junk’ from one’s home. Buyers should use this to their advantage. Garage sales give buyers opportunities to inspect every item, ensuring that they are all in working order. Those with sharp eyes can also spot items that aren’t directly listed for sale and give offers for those, granting them access to deals that otherwise would not be available.

Reinventing the wheel is a task that many attempt, yet few see success. However, with the magic of German engineering, the Rhineland industrial giant Knipex has continued to innovate on the most fundamental tool in a mechanic’s arsenal. Its pliers wrench combines the ease of use and quick adjustability of a pair of slip-joint pliers with the grip of a traditional adjustable wrench. 

The pliers wrench was first introduced in 1994, yet they have just begun to proliferate the American market. Large retailers such as Menards and Amazon now carry the entire Knipex range, and tool trucks sell them with their excellent warranty coverage. Knipex has made great strides in marketing and social media outreach as well, introducing many to its excellent line of tools.

Offered in two different finishes, three different grip options, and a whole range of sizes, this tool is an excellent example of the quality that is a hallmark of the Knipex brand. The review model purchased by the author is a 7 ¼ inch model in black phosphate finish with non-insulated comfort grips. The fit and machining quality is excellent, and the finish is incredibly tough. It was not easily scratched with a file, and the jaws of the pliers are hardened. The spring return is responsive and all moving parts are tensioned properly. 

What makes the pliers wrench unique is its parallel jaws and “ratchet principle.” The jaws are machined flat and run parallel to each other. With the adjustment button, users can widen or narrow the jaws to match the size of the fastener. Included on the side of the tool is a graduated scale in both SAE and metric for reference. Once a size is selected, the “ratchet principle” allows users to loosen the grip of the jaws just enough to advance on a fastener without completely removing the tool, unlike an adjustable wrench. This greatly improves the speed at which someone can work and reduces time wasted fiddling with tooling. 

Overall, this is an excellent buy that is recommended for almost every type of mechanic. Knipex offers a model that suits almost every need if one is willing to pay the premium that comes with some of the larger models. While the Knipex pliers wrench won’t entirely replace a traditional adjustable wrench set, it will revolutionize your toolbox. They are easier to use, require less of a learning curve, and take up less space. For tasks that do not require incredible amounts of torque or leverage, the Knipex pliers wrench is the perfect tool.

As the winter drags on, the importance of winter safety items is becoming increasingly apparent. Winter weather increases the risk of breakdowns and accidents, making emergency kits in cars all that more important. However, with many students taking to the roads for the first time this winter, education of what students need to include in these kits is incredibly important. The following 15 items are all gear that a prepared motorist would never leave home without. 

Blanket of some type

During this sub-zero weather, any insulation helps. A blanket provides much-needed warmth in the frigid winter months and can be worn directly over winter layers. It can also be used as a towel in an emergency. **Water and snacks **Food and water are critical components of any prepared motorist’s stockpile of supplies. Keep a few water bottles and some non-perishable, individually wrapped snacks for moments where access to these goods is limited. 

Winter layers

During the winter months, low temperatures can kill. Car heaters can fail and don’t function without fuel, so keep a spare set of winter layers in the vehicle at all times. A spare jacket can mean the difference between life and death. 

Change of clothes

A change of clothes can mean the difference between a ruined day and a small bump in the road. Keep a full spare set in the car to minimize the effect spills, stains, tears, and other damage have on a productive day. **Jumper Cables/Pack **Car batteries are notoriously unreliable and prone to failure at the most inconvenient of times. Protect against this by keeping a jump pack or jumper cables in the vehicle. Keep a printed set of instructions for whichever device you select as well, so that others without knowledge of the system can assist in an emergency situation. 

Snowbrush

A snowbrush is the primary weapon against the mountains of snow and ice that smother the landscape throughout the winter. Sometimes even the most powerful defroster struggles against the freezing weather, and a quality snowbrush can help break this deadlock. Purchase a model with a longer reach and a quality scraper, and leave it in an easily accessible location. 

Towels/Rags 

Spills and accidents happen often. A sturdy towel or a couple of clean rags are a lifesaver, especially when far from home. By cleaning spills quickly, staining and other damage can be minimized. These rags can also be used to clean mirrors if they become dirty or caked in snow. 

Spare fluids (if necessary)

High school students often operate on a tight budget. The cars they can afford are not often in perfect mechanical condition, and it is better to be safe than sorry. A spare bottle of antifreeze or coolant can often be the difference between a costly towing bill and making it home on time. 

Rain gear 

Northwest Indiana weather is unpredictable, and rain often appears suddenly and without warning. Raingear is essential, as it keeps you dry and comfortable when the heavens open up. Freezing rain can also cause hypothermia quickly, especially when temperatures drop when the sun goes down. 

First aid kit 

Cuts and scrapes are not an uncommon occurrence, so it is in the best interest of a prepared motorist to keep a well-stocked first aid kit. Remember that a first aid kit is not only useful for its owner but also for good samaritans who may respond to an accident before emergency medical services arrive. 

Flashlight  

As the days become increasingly long, night still remains the most dangerous time to be on the roadways. Keep a flashlight to illuminate the engine bay, check underneath seats, and to navigate outside the vehicle after dark. Make sure to include a spare set of batteries. 

Road flares or triangles 

One of the leading causes of death for stranded motorists is being hit after exiting their vehicle. To improve visibility, keep flares or reflective triangles in an emergency kit. These devices allow other motorists to see that there is an emergency and create a buffer zone for the stranded vehicle. 

Phone charger

A cell phone is a key lifeline. It must be kept charged at all times, so a phone charger is necessary. It is also wise to keep spare chargers for different types of connectors so that you can charge different types of devices. 

Insurance and registration in waterproof container 

Insurance and registration are both key documents a driver must be able to produce at any given time. Keep them both in a waterproof container in the glove box of the vehicle. It is also wise to keep service records and other vital information in this container.  

$20 in cash

Even though the world is moving towards an all-digital payment system, cash is still king. Keep at least $20 in your glove box to purchase gas or to stop and buy another necessity.