How to Decorate Your Home This Fall

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Now that the fall season is here to stay, it's time to decorate! Give your home maximum curb appeal from the inside out with our handy guide on fall decorating. You'll learn how to decorate your home this fall in no time with these easy and affordable decorating tips. Give your home a cozy, warm feel to match the changing temperatures. Decorate with pumpkins, mums, string lights, and more this autumn!

DIY Pumpkin Vase

Need a centerpiece for your table? This DIY pumpkin vase is perfect for both the Halloween and Thanksgiving season. Using a faux pumpkin and a little bit of creativity, you can turn a pumpkin of any shape, size, and color into a beautiful vase for your fall flowers!

Happy Fall Wreath

Greet your guests with a stylish, vibrant, and creative wreath this year. With twigs from your own yard and a personalized greeting, you'll have a "happy fall" wreath in no time!

Fall Leaf Art

Want to give your home a warm and cozy fall feel? This fall leaf art project only takes a few minutes and can be put together with the leaves in your backyard. It's the perfect touch to any home this fall!

Maple Leaf Mason Jars

For a natural and warm look this season, try out these maple leaf mason jars! These lights are perfect for fall evenings spent by a bonfire or even cozied up on the couch.

Flannel Coasters

Another quick and easy DIY project, these flannel coasters will add a cozy touch to any home. They only take a couple of minutes to make and will be perfect for both the fall and winter seasons!

Pumpkin Pie Garland

For something sweet, try making this pumpkin pie garland! It doesn't require much time and gives a unique appeal rather than traditional fall decorations.

Mason Jar Scone

Give your old mason jars a new home with this easy mason jar scone DIY project! Paint them white and pair them with vibrant flowers to make them really stand out. This decoration is perfect for dining rooms and fall festivities!

Patterned Pumpkins

Want an easy project for you and your entire family? Instead of carving your pumpkins this year, try a new look by painting them with fun designs! Using tape and a foam brush, the possibilities are endless!

Whether you love bonfires, apple cider, or hayrides, giving your home a festive and fall look will make it feel cozy, warm, and welcoming! Now that you know how to decorate your home this fall, let the festivities begin. If you're looking for more fall inspiration, follow our Pinterest page for recipes, DIY projects, and much more! Are you in the market to purchase a new vehicle? Find out the benefits of owning a CPO vehicle, whether or not it's right for you, and browse our Certified Pre-Owned inventory today!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Ford's Ambitious CEO Focused on the Future

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Near the end of May, Ford replaced then-CEO Mark Fields with Jim Hackett, a former CEO of Steelcase, a Michigan-based company with a design-centric background. This summer, he began a 100-day review of the company, and in a recent interview, promised that he has "some things that are going to be coming out in the fall". With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, Ford vehicle owners stand to benefit from these dynamic changes as Ford continues to develop innovations for all of their vehicles and vehicle technology.

Hackett's biggest plans revolve around revolutionizing vehicle technology and benefits other than the popular internal-combustion engines Ford vehicles are known for. His goal is to produce modern and efficient electric and self-driving vehicles, while also offering micro-transit services like Chariot to customers looking to catch a quick and easy ride across the city. After his 100-day review of Ford's business operations, he mentioned that he wants to improve and speed up the decision-making process in the corporate end to provide Ford's customers with new and modern technology at a quicker rate.

His biggest addition to Ford, however, has been the introduction of his three precepts that helped him achieve success when he ran Steelcase. These innovation-oriented precepts are as follows:

"1. Change isn’t so much good as inevitable.

Hackett played football for famed Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, and he’s fond of quoting Bo, who believed, “we would either get better at what we do, or we would get worse. We would not stay the same.”

2. Focus on users, and products will follow.

Ford sponsors Motivate’s bike-sharing service in San Francisco, and despite being in the car business, it has searched for insights, with design consultant IDEO, on self-propelled locomotion.

3. Be open-minded.

Hackett says Ford needs to think beyond cars.
For example, he’s studying urban congestion woes, including parking, for opportunities: “If you fix parking you might change the way people actually move themselves around.”" - Fortune

With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, innovative and new products are set to hit the market in the near future. Make sure to check in on our new vehicle inventory to see our selection of new vehicles Ford has to offer this year. You can view features, technology, and more on our Model Overview page to find a vehicle perfect for your needs. Interested in purchasing a used vehicle? Consider the benefits of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle as you browse our used vehicle inventory. You'll discover the process in which a vehicle becomes CPO-certified.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Family-Friendly Fall Activities

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Fall is finally here! Now's the time to enjoy bonfires, warm cider, changing colors, apple-picking, and more fall fun. While the fall season is known for hayrides and cider mills, there's plenty of fun to be had all around Pekin! Try our list of family-friendly fall activities for unforgettable memories this season. From caramel apples to the farmer's market, the Pekin area is full of fun for everyone this autumn.

Grab a treat at Maurie's

Every fall, Maurie's in Pekin makes homemade caramel apples for everyone to enjoy. For the past 75 years, these amazing apples have been a must for Pekin residents in the fall season. Make sure you call ahead or stop in early because these tasty treats go fast and are only available from August-November. If you're in the mood for other fall necessities, you can get your hands on candy, caramel popcorn, hot chocolate, cider, and other goodies! 

Enjoy a Day at Rader Farms

Rader Family Farms, located in Normal, Illinois, is full of adventure and activities for anyone of any age! Challenge your friends to an apple shooting competition with Apple Blasters, make your way through a corn maze, explore over six acres of U-Pick pumpkins, and much more! Hungry? Rader Farms has five food and drink locations. Grab a bite to eat at Pumpkin Blossom Cafe or sip on a cup of coffee at the Harvest Brew Coffee Shop. You'll want to have a full stomach when you're ready to take on the 10-acre corn maze!

Explore the Spoon River Scenic Drive

The first two weekends of October are full of color at the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive! Make your way through this beautiful route and discover this breathtaking corner of Fulton County. Enjoy the vibrant fall colors, explore the 50th Annual Fall Festival, and find the perfect place to camp or stay for the night! There are countless sights to see and places to go on the Spoon River Scenic Drive. Don't miss out on the annual fall festival this October!

Enjoy Fall Fun at Tanners Orchard

Tanners Orchard, located in Speer, Illinois, is celebrating over 70 years of service this fall. Get lost in the corn maze, pick your own apples in the orchard, or play a game of Tug O' War! Feeling hungry? Snack on a doughnut, grab a glass of warm apple cider and hitch a ride on a hayride as the sun sets. For an unforgettable orchard experience, look no further than Tanners Orchard!

Stop by the Heritage Farmer's Market

From September to July, the Heritage Farmer's Market provides the Pekin area with locally sourced ingredients and foods that help local families year round! Get to know the people who grow the food for your family, enjoy arts and crafts with your kids, and learn new recipes every Saturday from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Check in with the farmer's market schedule to find out about special events and fun for the whole family!

This fall, support your local businesses and enjoy some family-friendly fall activities! You can make great memories, help the community around you, and appreciate the fall season. Did you know that owners of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles receive 24/7 roadside assistance? Owning a Ford CPO vehicle comes with a lot of unique perks that can benefit drivers, including extended warranties, a clean vehicle title, and much more. If you're interested in purchasing a CPO vehicle, take a look at our CPO inventory to browse our wide selection of vehicles and get a great deal. A CPO Ford would be the perfect vehicle to take on all your fall adventures!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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2018 Ford F-150 Receives Improvements

PEKIN, Ill.,–– For the past 40 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling pickup truck in the United States. This year, the F-150 hopes to retain that title with improved engine power and transmission, as well as a higher fuel economy. This year, the 2018 Ford F-150 receives improvements, including upgraded trim levels and better towing. Discover the F-150's innovative improvements and find out how this powerful pickup is now stronger than ever before.

The new 2018 F-150 has been redesigned with customization in mind. With five engine choices, three cabin sizes, up to five trim levels, and two drive types, you'll be able to find an F-150 that matches your needs. Automatic start-stop engine technology is standard on every new F-150 model, a segment-first in its vehicle class. This heavy-duty pickup matches its new and improved features with a fresh makeover, too. The 2018 F-150 is equipped with a new front grille and headlights, 18-22 inch wheels, and a wide variety of different styles for every trim level.

Improving on previous models, the new Ford F-150 also receives significant upticks in performance, gas mileage, and horsepower. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost F-150 can achieve up to 13,200 lbs of towing capacity and up to 26 MPG highway. The new engine also produces 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, an increase of 8 horsepower and 12 lb-ft. of torque from last year's model. The F-150 achieves the best in-class towing, payload, class-exclusive Smart Towing, and a high-strength military-grade aluminum-alloy body, weighing up to 700 lbs less than last year's model with no loss to its impressive power.

The new 2018 Ford F-150 receives improvements on its performance, mileage, and customization options. Choose from a variety of customizable features to add a personal touch to your new F-150 and hit the road in style with this award-winning pickup's versatility. No matter your vehicle needs, the F-150's various model options allow you to find the perfect pickup for your lifestyle! If you want to get behind the wheel of one of these incredibly powerful pickups, schedule a test drive with us today! Take a look at our F-150 inventory to see what we currently have in stock. You can find reviews, pricing, features, and more on each vehicle's individual page.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Getting Your Oil Changed

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Owning a vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to pay for gas, keep an eye on your mileage, and keep up on routine maintenance to ensure your vehicle is able to take on the road ahead. While it may not seem important at first, routine maintenance is the number one way to extend the life of your vehicle, no matter how old or new it may be. That's why getting your oil changed regularly can make a huge difference in the life of your vehicle. Find out why oil is such an important component in your vehicle, how to check your oil, when you should get it changed, the benefits of regular oil changes, and other ways to extend the life of your oil and filter below!

Why Oil Changes Are Important

It takes a lot to keep an engine running. Your engine requires a lot of moving parts, pistons, valves, and other components to run at high speeds in your vehicle. After a while, these components start to heat up and can cause friction, which can wear your engine down and cause severe damage to important parts. Your engine's oil helps to keep your engine lubricated, cooling down your engine's components and preventing it from overheating. Without frequent oil changes, your engine has an increased chance of wearing down vital parts and can lead to expensive repairs or maintenance.

When Do I Need An Oil Change?

Depending on your vehicle's make, model, and year, it is recommended that you get an oil change anywhere between 3,000-5,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. If you aren't sure when you got your last oil change or if you need an oil change, stop by our Service Center and we'll help you out right away! 

How to Check Your Vehicle's Oil

Checking your oil only takes a few minutes and it's super easy! After turning off your vehicle and waiting a few minutes for your engine to cool off, pop the hood and grab a washcloth. Locate your engine's dipstick (it should look similar to the image above) and pull it out of your engine. Wipe it off with your washcloth, then reinsert the dipstick, removing it again. The dipstick should have "full" and "empty" labels on its side. If your vehicle's oil is below the "empty" threshold, make sure you take it in to have your oil changed right away!

The Benefits of Regular Oil Changes

Frequently changing your oil yields a lot of benefits for your vehicle. Not only do frequent oil changes keep your engine lubricated and cool, but the oil also removes dirt particles and sludge that can cause corrosion to your engine's components! Keeping up with routine maintenance can improve your gas mileage by up to 1-2%. While this may not seem like much, it leads to a lot of long term savings! Frequently changing your vehicle's oil can also increase the resale value of your vehicle over time and can show potential buyers that you put extensive time and care into your vehicle ownership.

How to Extend the Life of Your Oil

Like your engine, a lot goes into the life of your vehicle's oil. Getting your fuel filter changed every 20,000-40,000 miles or whenever your owner's manual tells you to do so will allow your fuel to be transferred to your engine without any additional debris. Keeping up on your coolant prevents your oil from decomposing at a fast rate. Lastly, maintaining a relatively even temperature with your engine will reduce its chances of overheating or poor fuel dilution. 

While getting your oil changed may seem like a tedious task after the first few times, keeping up on your oil can make a huge difference in your vehicle's life! If you need routine maintenance performed soon and want to save some money on your service, print out some of our service coupons and schedule your service with us for an affordable oil change! Are you in the market to purchase a vehicle soon? Take a look at our Certified Pre-Owned program and find out how owning a CPO vehicle can provide a lot of benefits with routine maintenance, extended warranties, and much more.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Great Grilling Recipes

PEKIN, Ill.,–– The summer isn't over yet! The next few weeks will still be full of bright and sunny weather, which means there's still time for at least one last end-of-the-summer get-together. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious food by using a few of these great grilling recipes. From cheesy pizza to fruit skewers, we've got you covered for your last backyard barbecue!

Grilled Pizza Bread

Yes, you read that correctly. Pizza can be made on the grill! This simple recipe serves plenty of people, and it only takes a few minutes to cook on the grill. Before you know it, you and your family will be enjoying pizza in a totally different (but just as delicious) way!

Spiral Hot Dogs

Try a new way to grill your hotdogs with one easy step. Take a knife and cut along an angle across the hot dogs, creating a "spiral" effect. You can cook them at a much quicker rate and fit more toppings on the finished product! You'll be surprised at how tasty this twisted dish will be.

Bang Bang Corn

Give your taste buds a kick by adding "bang bang sauce" to your grilled corn! Combining chili sauce, butter, Sriracha sauce, garlic, and lime juice with salt and pepper seasoning, these ingredients will pack a serious punch. Turn up the heat on your corn with Bang Bang sauce this year!

Campfire Potatoes

You don't need a campfire to enjoy campfire potatoes! Whether you like cheese, butter, cilantro, crushed red pepper, or other toppings, these baked potatoes are super easy to make. Give them a try at your next cookout!

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Hungry for wings? Want to avoid the messiness? Satisfy your buffalo wing cravings with grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches! The recipe also comes with a blue cheese-apple slaw that you can enjoy alongside your buffalo chicken sandwich. Cool down with blue cheese-apple slaw, and bring the heat with grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches!

S'mores Roll Ups

Avoid the messiness of cooking s'mores on the fire by cooking them on the grill instead. Fill a tortilla with crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate, then wrap it in aluminum foil and toss it on the grill. After a few minutes, you'll enjoy this classic dessert in a unique way!

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Looking for a healthier dessert option? Grilled fruit skewers are your answer! You can grill peaches, strawberries, pineapples and peaches for an unbelievably delicious dessert dish. Drizzle some honey and a pinch of salt to help the fruits caramelize for a mouth-watering bite!

Bring the heat to the end of the summer with these great grilling recipes! You and your whole family will enjoy appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and desserts with ease. Before the cooler weather starts to hit, bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. Check up on our service coupons next time you need to schedule an appointment for service so that you don't miss any extra discounts. While you're at it, get your vehicle ready to go for the fall season with our fall car care and routine maintenance tips!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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