Author Archives: penny

From Concerts to Construction, We’re Helping to Expand Winnipeg

Winnipeg is growing, and we at Dr. Hook Towing take pride in the role we have played in making it happen. It is a role we do not take for granted, and which we strive to earn with every service call, for every customer. No matter how big or small the job may be, our team of certified professionals is committed to handling each one with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Dr. Hook Towing has had the privilege of taking part in the hugely successful staging of the U2 360º World Tour concert in Winnipeg, and we continue to assist in the city’s expansion as we keep construction equipment moving where it’s needed.  Our fleet will keep yours moving, to and from the job site, safely and professionally.

By utilizing a state-of-the-art fleet of over 65 vehicles, and certified professional operators at the wheel, Dr. Hook has been picking up Winnipeg and delivering premier service since 1983. We look forward to many years of continued growth with our city and our neighbors, and are dedicated to both on our mission to provide you with the level of quality service you have come to expect from us.

Tilt Deck Equipment Towing

Chances are you’ve seen one of Dr. Hook’s tilt deck towing units on the road somewhere in Winnipeg, because Dr. Hook is moving construction equipment all over the city.  Along with our Trailer Division, the Tilt Deck Division is using its fleet of 19 tilt deck trucks to transport all types of equipment to and from job sites for construction companies throughout the area. We provide ground and dock loading of excavators, bobcats, backhoes, scissor lifts, forklifts, boom lifts, bulldozers and more. Our tilt deck trucks will haul equipment up to 25,000 lbs, and are all operated by certified and insured  lift truck professionals.

Dr. Hook is committed to safety first, for our team members as well as our customers. When you call upon us to transport your equipment, you can rest assured that you are placing it in the hands of highly trained and courteous personnel. So whether it’s a utility shed, building materials, or heavy equipment, you can count on Dr. Hook to keep your construction project moving along safely and efficiently.

Call us and speak with one of our customer service representatives about putting your construction equipment in the care of Winnipeg’s premier heavy equipment towing service provider today.

Dr Hook Contributes to Breast Cancer Awareness

We are proud to introduce our newly colored truck to our fleet of Winnipeg Tow Trucks.

As part of our contribution to bringing awareness to the battle against Breast Cancer, we have recently taken one of our brand new tow truck and wrapped in pink.

The Breast Cancer Awareness truck will be driving the streets of Winnipeg helping not only those who require Roadside Assistance, but those fighting breast cancer.

Stay tuned to find out more on the Dr. Hook Breast Cancer Awareness tow truck.

Our Business is Keeping Your Business Moving

Your business runs on wheels, and your customers rely on you to keep those wheels rolling. Late deliveries, missed appointments and lost man-hours cost money. When one of your rigs breaks down, you need to know that there’s prompt, professional help just a phone call away.  Getting the right equipment to the scene as quickly as possible is essential to your bottom line. You can’t afford  long waits, or hit-and-miss phone calls. You need to get your vehicle back in service as quickly as possible, and your driver out of harm’s way. You need one phone number you know you can dial to reach people who will get those wheels rolling for you again, safely and efficiently.

At Dr. Hook Towing, that’s not just our business, it’s our commitment to you. With over 600 years of combined experience, and more than 65 state-of-the-art vehicles available to handle any size job, our team of highly-trained professionals is dedicated to delivering courteous and efficient service to every customer, on every service call. Our business is helping people, and treating each person with dignity and respect. So when you make that call, know that you can rely on Dr. Hook Towing to dispatch the best-trained, best-equipped heavy equipment towing operators in Manitoba, to keep your business moving.

Do You Need Four-Wheel Drive?

While most of us are accustomed to having the option of upgrading a new automobile to four-wheel drive, recently, many makes and models are coming standard with four Wheel drive. Honda and Volkswagen are the first makers to bypass the idea of giving an option to customers and are only putting four-wheel drive on some models. Other makers are extending this traditionally SUV/truck option to their smaller, sedan models. Many still question whether this is actually a needed feature or just a way for car companies to make more money. There are many advantages and disadvantages to having four-wheel drive.

(1) Lack of crash tests studies
Although four-wheel drive increases traction, control and handling, it is a feature that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not fully tested. Although “all”-wheel drive is considered a safety feature in many publications, NHTSA has not officially named “four”-wheel drive as a safety feature.

(2) Most people DO NOT need it
With a price tag close to $2000, four-wheel drive is a feature that rarely pays for itself. Unless you live in extreme climates or environments such as mountains, you will likely never need this feature. Typically, automobiles with front wheel drive fare just as well as four-wheel drive in snow. Blizzards and ice storms may require four-wheel drive, but most people do not leave the comfort of their home (and aren’t recommended to leave) during these conditions.

Before you decide on a new model and its features, realistically consider the situations you will find yourself. If you happen to be a park ranger in a mountain community, then four-wheel drive is required. If you are a commuter in a northern environment, most often, you will require a simple front-wheel drive automobile.

Winter Vehicle Equipment and Supply Checkup

Canadian winters can be challenging for even the most seasoned driver. Weather and road conditions can be unpredictable, which makes advanced driving skill vital. Drivers must have the ability to maneuver quickly and adjust their speed promptly. In winter conditions, this can be difficult. Without the proper equipment and control, it can be impossible.

The first rule is to be aware. Always drive a bit slower in winter conditions. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and maintain control. This means maintaining control of your vehicle and your emotions.

To keep your car winter-ready, have your battery, belts, radiator, hoses, tire pressure, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater, wipers and ignition system checked. Do this BEFORE the first storm.

Maintain enough washer fluid to last you through the winter. Washer fluid should be able to withstand -40 degrees Celsius.

Before your start your journey for the day, remove the snow and ice from your car. Skipping this step will ensure that ice goes flying into the windshield of the person behind you, possibly causing an accident.

Keep your gas tank above a quarter tank.

Check the tread on your tires. Be sure to check your spare tire with every oil change.

All season tires may be suitable in some areas, but winter tires are required in the northern-most parts of Canada. They improve traction on snow, ice and slush.

Be sure your car is equipped with: an ice scraper, shovel, traction sand, jumper cables, road flares, flashlight with extra batteries, fire extinguisher, extra blanket, non-perishable food items, candle and tin can and matches. These items will be required if you are stopped for more than an hour.

With holidays, family vacations and the warmth of a roaring fire, winter can be the greatest time of year. Being stranded on the side of the road is certainly not what we envision for ourselves. Be sure this doesn’t happen to you and always be prepared.

Roadside Assistance Essentials when Faced with Cold Temperatures

Chances are, at some point in your life, you will experience a breakdown. Cars are extensive machines that occasionally, and for some models not so occasionally, malfunction. This leaves you stranded, hopefully, in optimal conditions. For some, you may have a breakdown in the dead of winter, in an isolated location. Fortunately, a roadside assistance company can fix most “break-downs” on the spot. The most important thing you can do to speed along the process of roadside assistance is “be prepared.”

The first thing to prepare is a kit that remains in your car at all times. Aside from winter essentials, there are assortments of tools that can help you get out of a bind, quickly. You will first need a manual for your car. These typically give step-by-step instructions on easy repairs, tire issues and mechanical troubleshooting. You will also want a small tool kit, including a wrench, hammer and screwdriver.

Always keep a first-aid kit and essentials kit on hand. Roadside assistance personnel can be magical with automobile issues, but they are not medical professionals, nor are they boy scouts responsible for keeping you fed and warm while fixing your car. Every car should have a days worth of water on board as well as food bars for long waits. Extreme weather conditions may require you to stock a warm blanket and/or extra clothing. Waiting in snowy conditions, in a car that will not start can get cold, quickly.

Be sure to have your own set of jumper cables. This one tool can prevent even having to call roadside assistance. Periodic checks of spare tires, jacks and other tools to change a flat can be your saving grace on a long, winter trip.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Extreme winter weather can mean dangerous automobile travel. The risk associated with driving in winter weather can decrease if you are aware of proper safety rules and techniques to follow when driving in ice or snow.

(1) Always avoid driving when you are fatigued, have been drinking, are disoriented, on medication, or in an emotional state.

(2) Use appropriate accessories and tires on your car. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what tires or chains are suitable for your automobile.

(3) When warming up your vehicle, never do it in a garage or enclosed area.

(4) Check your tires on a regular basis and maintain a minimum of a quarter tank of gas. This prevents the gas lines from freezing in extreme temperatures.

(5) Never use cruise control when it is raining, snowing or there is ice on the road.

When driving in the snow:

(1) Try not to make quick moves. Accelerate and brake slowly and never accelerate or brake when in a turn.

(2) Maintain a slow and predictable speed. Give yourself ample braking and stopping distance.

(3) The four-second rule is increased to eight-seconds in rain or snow.

(4) Avoid stopping on a hill and avoid powering up a hill. Try to get enough inertia before getting to the hill. When over a hill, reduce your speed and go down slowly, with as little brakes as possible.

(5) If you do not need to go out, don’t. Keep enough supplies in your home to prevent having to leave on bad weather days.

Roadside Assistance Program

We understand accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. That’s why our Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days of the year. Join our Roadside Assistance Program today to receive priority service. The program is free to join and has no monthly fees. Give yourself a peace of mind this winter season.

What to keep in Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

For those who live in areas with extreme weather conditions, you are probably aware of the risk of accidents and being stranded. Emergency kits should be prepared for carrying in the car year-round, but the winter months will require additional supplies.

Year-round Supplies
1. Roadside assistance phone number.
2. Battery powered portable radio with extra batteries.
3. Distress sign, or white towel to tie on your antenna.
4. A Compass
5. Emergency flares, and emergency warning triangles
6. Disposable camera for accident scene pictures
7. Jumper Cables
8. Extra Fuses
9. Empty Gas Can
10. Mini Fire Extinguisher
11. Flashlight with extra batteries
12. Jack with your spare tire
13. GPS (often available on cell phones)
14. Fix-a-flat
15. Bottled Water
16. Food Bars
17. Emergency $20 bill
18. First Aid Kit
19. Umbrella

Additional Supplies for Winter Months
1. Blanket
2. Chains or Snow tires
3. Sleeping bag in extreme climates
4. Matches and Survival Candles
5. Metal Cup
6. Snow Shovel
7. Windshield Scraper

Although many of these supplies may seem unnecessary or frivolous, temperature under freezing can quickly affect your family. If you are stranded and need to find help, you will need proper food and water. If you are not found within hours, you will need to be able to warm yourself and your family. The above supplies will ensure that you will have the required supplies to survive 24-48 hours in extreme conditions.