Ford Designed a Drugged Driving Suit to Teach Drivers a Lesson

PEKIN, Ill. – National data has shown that drugged driving is on the rise with 18% of all motor vehicle deaths involving drugs. Ford Motor Company has a plan to change that, though. Ford designed a Drugged Driving Suit to teach drivers a lesson on what it feels like to drive under the influence of drugs and scare them away from it. 

The suit was developed with scientists from Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany. Ford designed this Drugged Driving Suit to teach drivers a lesson about the effects drugs have while you’re driving. The suit simulates many different drugs effects like cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and Ecstasy.

Those who wear the suit will experience slower reaction time, distorted vision, hand tremors, and poor coordination. Each part of the suit will help with these effects making it feel just like you would if you were under the influence. 

The plan is to incorporate this suit into Ford’s Driving Skills For Life program. Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts established this program in 2003 to teach newly licensed drivers and parents important skills that reach beyond what your normal drivers education would.

The Drunk Driving Suit was incorporated last year into the Ford Driving Skills For Life program and those who wear the suit say it’s an eye-opening experience. Ford hopes that the Drugged Driving Suit will have the same impact.

The program is offered in all 50 states and 30 different countries. Ford plans to train more than 150,000 drivers globally by the end of 2015. If you have a newly licensed driver in your household, head on over to www.drivingskillsforlife.com to learn more. If you’re looking for a great car for your new driver come into our used car dealership near Morton, IL. We have plenty of great vehicles for low prices.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Prepare for the Cold With These Winter Car Tips

VELDE, Ill. –– Illinois winters can be tough with the freezing cold and large amounts of snow. But while winter is hard on us, it can be hard on your car, too. We’re going to help you prepare for the cold with these winter car tips. Getting stuck on the side of the road when it’s 20 degrees does not sound like a good time, so make sure you follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable season.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car. An emergency kit is probably the most important thing to have in your vehicle. Items that should be in this kit include a flashlight, flares, engine oil, and jumper cables to name a few. Here’s a full list from the DMV: http://bit.ly/1hsqZgT.

• Check your belts and hoses. Your car’s belts and hoses should be checked when you get a tune-up, but check them again when the weather starts getting cold. Low temperatures can crack and weaken belts and hoses, and if those break you’re not going anywhere.

• Replace windshield wipers. Wipers should be replaced every six months from wear and tear anyways. Without good wipers, you’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk when it’s snowing.

• Fill your car with antifreeze. Antifreeze will keep your engine from freezing in the cold weather. It should always be mixed with water at a 50/50 ratio. Fortunately, most places sell antifreeze already mixed with the water so you don’t have to measure it out.

• Check your battery. Batteries last around three to five years. During the winter months your battery works much harder. So if your batter life is getting close to the end you should replace it before the cold gets too bad.

• Invest in snow tires. Snow tires help with traction, braking, and driver control, which are all great when you’re driving in a snowstorm. You’ll be much safer driving with proper tires during the winter.

Prepare for the cold with these winter car tips and you’ll stay safe and warm with your vehicle all season long. If you need any auto service done before the snow hits visit our Peoria Heights area Ford dealer. We’ll take care of anything you need.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Get X-Plan Pricing at Velde Ford During Our Friends and Neighbors Event

PEKIN, Ill. – We’re giving you the best present this holiday season! Through January 4^th you’re able to get X plan pricing at Velde Ford during our Friends & Neighbors event!

Celebrate the season of giving with us! When you purchase or lease a new Ford vehicle we’re giving you X plan pricing at Velde Ford during our Friends and Neighbors event. There’s no catch, we promise. You save on any new Ford vehicle through November 30th.

Take a look at what Tim Saurs has to say!

Make your visit to Velde soon! While the discount is going on until January, you want to make sure you get the perfect vehicle for you, and vehicles will go fast! Get the new Ford F-150 you’ve always dreamed of, or spoil yourself with a sporty Mustang. If you’re looking for a family car you can check out the Escape or the Fiesta. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll find a car that matches your needs.

Come into your Bellevue area Ford dealer today and start saving! Velde wishes you and your family a very happy holiday season!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Rumors of a Faster Focus RS

PEKIN, Ill. – The 2016 Focus RS is getting ready to launch for its launch in spring of 2016 and there’s rumors of a faster Focus RS already! How much faster do you ask? Well let’s just say that the 0-62mph isn’t quite cutting it anymore.

The rumors of a faster Focus RS have been flying around this week with company insiders have confirmed that if they get the go ahead this version of the RS will be all about losing weight and powertrain improvements. This better model is aiming to beat its record speed by 0.7seconds. That means 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds.

Ford is going to have to do a lot of readjusting on the Focus RS if they plan on making it work, but we think they can do it. First, the engine would need an upgrade from the original 2.3L EcoBoost that produces 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Next, some weight needs to be dropped off – around 220lbs. Ford plans on trimming the weight by making the body panels carbon fiber reinforced plastic, adding polycarbonate windows, removing noise insulation, and stripping the cabin of any accessories that are not really needed.

The powertrain upgrades would include a better gearbox, since the one they have now works with engines that have a peak torque of 332lb-ft. The new Focus RS will also be more maneuverable with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the front axel, which will pair well with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There’s no say as to when this fast Focus RS will launch, considering the 2016 model hasn’t even made it to dealers yet, but we’re excited to hear more and we’ll keep you updated.

While you’re anticipating the 2016 Focus RS, you can come into our East Peoria Ford dealer for any auto service your current vehicle might need to get ready for the winter. Stay safe on the roads with new winter tires or new brakes.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Must-Try Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dishes

PEKIN, Illi. - It's almost time to gobble until you wobble! With Thanksgiving on the brain, we thought it was time we turn to Pinterest for some scrumptious recipes to add to our holiday menu. Since our screen was just flooded with dozens of delicious dishes, we decided to narrow it down to a list of recipes that we believe are the best of the best!  

From tasty twists on some of our holiday favorites to a few new mouth-watering combinations, we are sure this list contains a side dish suggestion that will satisfy any one of your guest's taste buds. Now it's time to decide which of these Must-Try Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dishes will round out your turkey day feast ––

Rosemary Roasted Carrots

 Rosemary Garlic Fingerling Potatoes 

Roasted Vegetables

Cranberry Brie Bites

Green Bean Casserole

Asparagus and Tater Toss

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Loaded Sweet Potato Skins

Remember you can find these Must-Try Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dishes plus everything from holiday decorating tips to gift ideas on our Pinterest page!

We have a great idea for a stocking stuffer! How about the keys to a beautiful new vehicle from Velde Ford? Come by your East Peoria Ford dealer and take any of our cars or trucks for a test-drive. We're happy to help you with anything you need this winter. 

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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2016 Ford Mustang Voted Hottest Car at SEMA for 2015 Show

PEKIN, Ill. –– Although there are plenty of great vehicles Ford had on display throughout the SEMA 2015 in Las Vegas, there was one valiant victor of a vehicle that stood out among the rest.

The 2016 Ford Mustang was voted the Hottest Car at SEMA for the 2015 show, giving the Mustang the ultimate award for creativity and customization for the fourth year in a row. Photos of the Mustang sporting a variety of special edition designs show exactly why Ford's original pony car is still the king.

 2016 Ford Mustang

To reach a conclusion that the 2016 Ford Mustang was the Hottest Car at SEMA for the 2015 show, judges counted the showcased vehicles per exhibitor booth and determined the most popular. Only vehicles within the current model year, either from independent manufacturers or OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), were eligible.

Alongside the Mustang, two other Ford vehicles won Hottest Cars at SEMA. The judges awarded the F-150 pickup with Hottest Truck, and the Focus sedan and hatchback with Hottest Sport Compact Category.

2016 Ford F-150

2016 Ford Focus Hatchback

When you visit our Peoria Heights Ford dealer you won't find 2016 Ford Mustangs like those at SEMA, but we do have a great selection of new vehicles and used vehicles available for you to test-drive. At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram