Tag Archives: Fleet Roadside Assistance

Emergency Preparedness: Keep Yourself Charged on the Road

There’s a classic scene that has been rendered somewhat cliche in Hollywood. A young couple is stranded on the highway with their hood up. The male is seated on a gas jug while the female stands with her thumb out hoping that a noble stranger will help them in their time of need.

This scenario was certainly the case for Manitobans just a couple decades ago, but thanks to cell phones, all it takes is a call to Dr. Hook, and the case for a happenstance handsome stranger to play the hero is obsolete.

Obsolete, that is, as long as you have your phone charged up and ready.

Let’s admit it to ourselves – as careful as we are with our smartphones, we can get caught up in our “other” activities like web browsing and gaming that drain our batteries and we’re at times left without being able to communicate; and whether you’re in the city or out on the highway, this is not an ideal situation.

With this in mind, it’s important that as part of your emergency preparedness, especially when you are embarking on a long highway travel, to have your phone fully charged and ready to go. Having a charger in your car and even a spare power source is a great way to ensure that you are good to go and are more than ready should an emergency happen with your car or truck.

Remember – your roadside assistance experts are always just one phone call away.

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.

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.