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Dr. Hook in the Community – Granting a Wish

When a call comes from the Winnipeg community, Dr. Hook Towing answers with enthusiasm. We consider it an honour to help organizations throughout our city with their charitable projects that help others. Over course of the next few blogs, we’ll be sharing with you the stories of organizations who we’re happy to support in Manitoba.

As you’ve seen from our blogs and videos, Dr. Hook has towed and transported items of a variety of sizes, primarily cars, trucks and other vehicles in Winnipeg.

On occasion, we’ll be asked to help move a more unique item, say, for example, an airplane.

One of these requests came recently via Qualico Home Developments, and we were more than happy to participate.

Qualico, another fantastic Winnipeg company, had recently built a custom playhouse for a family through the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. The Foundation, as noted on their website, “Children’s Wish is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling a favourite wish for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since its inception, Children’s Wish has granted more than 18,000 wishes for children and their families and fulfills approximately 1000 wishes annually — granting nearly three wishes everyday.”

Dr. Hook Towing was more than happy to load the playhouse onto our special pink truck and deliver it to the family. It was truly a heartwarming moment, one that we were proud to be part of.

Dr. Hook in the Community – Breast Cancer Awareness

Answering the call of duty is more than just an opportunity to help a Winnipegger in need of a tow – it also gives us the chance to give back to our community and loved ones.

Such an opportunity exists for us this month.

As you may already be aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer currently ranks #2 in leading causes of death amongst women in Canada, accounting for 5,100 passings in 2012 alone. It is also the number one incedence rank. (All statistics courtesy the Canadian Cancer Society.)

Dr. Hook is proud to be part of the fight against this deadly disease. In October, we will have our special pink Dr. Hook trucks on the road. Each time a Dr. Hook pink truck is sent out to assist someone in Winnipeg, a portion of its revenue will be donated to breast cancer research.

So be sure to look out for our special pink Dr. Hook trucks – each time you see it, know that our work is for a good cause.

Dr. Hook Part of Convoy That Helps Special Olympics

The Manitoba Trucking Association has become known for being a true brotherhood in our province, and the kinship is never more visible in Winnipeg than at the annual World’s Largest Truck Convoy.

Taking place every September, the convoy brings together Manitoba companies in a site that is really something to behold.

Dr. Hook was proud to be part of this year’s convoy, which took place on Saturday, September 15. It was one of five concurrent convoys that took place across Canada, including events in Winnipeg, Halifax, Saskatoon, Paris, ON and Moncton, NB.

Across all cities, 351 trucks took part in the convoy and raised almost $200,000 for various charities. The Manitoba convoy alone saw 141 trucks, with more than $65,000 raised for Special Olympics.

Dr. Hook in the Community – Red River College

There’s no question – education comes at a price.

As we’ve seen recently, the rising costs for post-secondary education are not going to slow down, so the opportunity to help students out is one we couldn’t pass up.

That’s why, this past February, Dr. Hook was a sponsor for Red River College’s entry into a skills Canada Manitoba competition, which saw students in skilled trades and technology to build a modified 1933 Ford car.

The car would go on to provide valuable experience for the participating students, while also serving as a fundraiser – lottery tickets were distributed for the opportunity to own the revamped ’33 model. The work by the students was also on display at World of Wheels and at several events over the summer.

“Our motto at Skills Canada Manitoba is supporting career development through education and technology, and we’re really excited that the students are going to be able use their education and skills working on this project,” said Maria Pacella, executive director of Skills Canada Manitoba, in an interview with Red River College.

To learn more about Skills Canada Manitoba, click here.

What to do if the “Check Engine” Light Comes On

Today’s automobiles are sophisticated machines. The engine might provide the power, but at the heart of the vehicle is a computer monitoring numerous systems, making compensations for everything from engine temperature to exhaust temperature to the habits of the driver.

When the computer detects a condition that it cannot correct, it will inform the driver, usually by displaying the “Check Engine” light.

Many people don’t notice this indicator on their dashboards, or worse, they ignore it. “Check Engine” could be displayed for anything from a loose gas cap to failure of a critical engine component that could, if not addressed, destroy the engine.

If your car displays this warning, find out why! Check any other gauges or warning lights that your car has for other signs of trouble, especially concerning temperature or oil pressure. Drive the car to a safe location and check to make sure there’s no smoke, steam, leaking liquid, or other signs of trouble. If you’re comfortable doing so, check the oil level. Be careful, components under the hood can be extremely hot, especially if there’s been a malfunction.

If you don’t find any signs of immediate problems, it’s likely okay to drive the car (preferably to a mechanic for service). If you’ve found any of the above problems, or anything else that suggests that something’s not right with your car (noises, smells, etc.) then don’t risk damage – call the experts at Dr. Hook Towing and Recovery for roadside assistance. A uniformed, trained professional will be dispatched to your location, and will be able to help diagnose the problem further. If possible, you can continue your journey. Should your vehicle require towing, Dr. Hook can arrange for speedy and safe transport for your vehicle to wherever you choose. To reach Dr. Hook, Call 956-HOOK (4665) or Toll Free 1-800-561-4665. To enroll in the Guaranteed Roadside Assistance Program, which assures speedy service even peak usage times, visit this link.

Is Your Car Ready For the Summer Heat?

When winter sets in, people are generally very concerned about their vehicle’s readiness. They check their antifreeze, and make sure they have everything they need to deal with snow and ice.

People are more carefree when it comes to preparing for the summer. Unfortunately, more car problems occur in warmer months, because we tend to drive a lot more when the weather is nicer. Here are some tips that can help you ensure that your summer travels are as trouble-free as possible:

1. Coolant level. Make sure that your radiator is full, and that your car’s cooling system is working properly. Nothing is harder on an engine than overheating.

2. Tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and maintained. Tire pressures will rise in the heat, which can turn a slow leak into a sudden problem.

3. Windshield Cleaning Fluid and Wipers. Dirt and insects can build up very quickly on a windshield, reducing visibility (especially in the sun). Make sure you can clean them away effectively.

4. Lights. Make sure your headlights are working, and that the lenses are clean and free of “chalking”. Makes sure signal, brake, and taillights operate properly. You want to be certain that you can see and be seen out on the road.

Despite your best efforts the unforeseen can occur, and breakdowns can happen. Take your phone with you, and enroll in Dr. Hook Towing and Recovery’s Guaranteed Roadside Assistance program. You’ll know that no matter what time of day or night, an experienced professional will be dispatched to help you get on your way. Dr. Hook offers program members accurate information about timelines and guaranteed access to service. Your call will always be answered. For more information visit this link.

Air Cushion Recovery – Protect Your Investment

When accidents occur, time is of the essence, and response time needs to be quick. Dr. Hook Towing makes provisions for speedy response to any type of incident by maintaining the right equipment for the job, and a professional staff of operators to get it done.

For jobs where standard towing equipment isn’t enough, we provide air cushion recovery. Using a self-contained trailer that can be deployed on a moment’s notice, our Air Cushion Recovery Unit and response team are equipped for all manner of vehicle and equipment recovery. Whether it’s up-righting an overturned tractor-trailer, RV, motor coach, sunken airplane, or even a small building, Dr. Hook has what it takes to recover your assets.

Our air cushion recovery unit allows us to perform the recovery safely, which reduces cargo loss; avoids further damage to vehicle and property, and expedites lane clearing by keeping site debris to a minimum. Air cushion recovery also permits us to operate at recovery sites that aren’t accessible to heavy equipment, and to do so in many cases without first having to unload cargo. For trucks or containers loaded with shock-sensitive cargo, air cushion recovery insures that your valuables aren’t jolted by more traditional recovery methods.

Dr. Hook air cushion recovery equipment is insured, and our operators are certified, to insure you that your investment is protected, by the professionals. Contact us today, and ask about our Roadside Assistance Corporate Program.

A Simplified Solution For Fleet Recoveries

Operating a fleet has enough challenges of its own without having to deal with stalled or disabled vehicles. When the unexpected comes your way, that’s when Dr. Hook can save the day. We understand that time is a commodity that you can’t afford to waste, and you need to get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. At Dr. Hook Towing, we respect your time by guaranteeing rapid response to all of your calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

With our Roadside Assistance Corporate Program, you can rest assured that your drivers have just one phone number to call when they need help. A trained customer service representative will be there to take that call and dispatch a uniformed, certified operator, to get them out of their predicament and back on the road. Whether your drivers get a flat tire, a dead battery, or stuck in a ditch, Dr. Hook’s Roadside Assistance Corporate Program will guarantee them priority service, a GPS-dispatched response unit with a specific ETA, and the peace of mind from knowing that your fleet will keep moving with minimal delays.

Dr. Hook Heavy Duty Recovery & Towing

Let Dr. Hook do all your heavy lifting. Heavy Duty Vehicles require special handling. That is why we have equipped our heavy duty towing and recovery division accordingly to handle the different needs and situations that may arise. We are equipped to handle semi-trucks, trailers, RV’s, motor coaches, vans and buses. We offer emergency roadside assistance as well as scheduled service.

With Commercial Construction On The Rise, Dr. Hook Is On The Move

As Winnipeg continues to grow with new commercial construction, so does the need for movingvehicles and equipment. That’s where Dr. Hook come in. We see to it that the equipment used to build our great city gets to and from wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s delivering your heavy equipment to the construction site, hauling it back to storage, or moving storage bins for your work crews, you can count on Dr. Hook to keep things moving.

Our Trailer Division professionals will load or unload shipping containers, loaders, backhoes; lifts, job shacks, farm equipment, or motor coaches. You name it, we’ll pick it up and deliver it wherever you need it. Our fleet of nine trailers can haul your equipment, up to 50 tons at a time, safely and efficiently to your destination.

Dr. Hook has been keeping construction moving in Winnipeg since 1983. We are proud of the role we have been privileged to play in our city’s development, and are dedicated to helping all of our customers get where they need to go, in a courteous and professional manner. Call us today, and speak with one of our trained customer service agents about partnering with the premier towing service provider in Winnipeg.