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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Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

PEKIN, Ill.,–– The best way to keep your vehicle running well for as long as possible is through consistent care and effort. We at Velde Ford Pekin have compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep your car in good condition from the experts themselves! Using these pro tips will keep your vehicle in good condition and can help you keep track of anything your vehicle may need. You'll be a pro in vehicle care in no time! 

Keep a Vehicle Service Log

This is an excellent way to keep track of any repairs or maintenance done on your vehicle. Using a log will allow you to keep track of when you'll need oil changes, tire rotations, and more. You can also use your service log to schedule future appointments with brake examinations and other inspections to keep your vehicle running smoothly! Some maintenance, like oil changes, should be done every 3,000-5,000 miles, while others, like fuel filter replacements, need to be done at longer timeframes. Check your owner's manual for more information!

Buy the Right Kind of Fuel for Your Vehicle

If your vehicle owner's manual says that you should fill your car with regular fuel, fill your car with regular fuel! Using higher octane fuel on a car that only requires regular fuel won't make much of a difference with your car and cause you to spend money you could use somewhere else. However, if your car requires higher octane fuel, make sure you fill it accordingly, because if you don't, you can cause serious damage to your engine. Read your owner's manual for any questions you may have!

Keep Your Vehicle Clean

Make sure that both the interior and exterior of your vehicle are cleaned regularly! Exterior dirtiness can cause rust to build up on your vehicle and can reduce its value and potentially damage necessary parts. Waiting for the next rainstorm to "clean" you car doesn't cut it! Your vehicle's interior is just as important, as a dirty interior can cause dust and dirt to accumulate. If this happens, your chance of getting sick in your vehicle goes up significantly, so make sure you keep all parts of your vehicle clean and healthy!

Fuel Economy Tips

The best way to improve your fuel economy is by keeping a close eye on your tire pressure. If you have adequate tire pressure by keeping your tires regularly filled and cared for, your tire life will be greatly extended and you'll get better gas mileage! Closing your windows or sunroof will help as well, as it will reduce wind resistance on your vehicle. If you accelerate smoothly when you drive, you'll be able to make the most of any trip you make, big or small!

Go Easy on a New Vehicle

If you just purchased a new vehicle, you probably want to take it out as much as you can. Negative habits like speeding and excessive towing can take a toll on a new vehicle. If you go slow and keep the towing to a minimum for at least the first 1,000-1,500 miles, you can ensure a much longer life for your vehicle. Avoiding bad driving habits like these can make your driving experience painless and enjoyable, especially with that brand new set of wheels!

We at Velde Ford want to make sure you're enjoying your vehicle experience for as long as possible. Making the most of your investment is the best way to enjoy a stress-free time on and off the road. Our list of tips and tricks to keep your vehicle in good condition should help you achieve this! If you have other questions or would like some more tips, feel free to check out our Tips & Tricks page or contact us!

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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Refreshing Salad Recipes

PEKIN, Ill., – Since it feels like spring has sprung, we decided to gather some of our favorite refreshing salad recipes for you to try! As well as being refreshing for these strangely balmy days, salads are good for you and can help boost your immune system this time of year. Using fresh fruits and veggies with lots of antioxidants will help keep you out of the doctor's office.

Kale Caesar Salad

Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing

Mexican Corn Quinoa Salad

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Cucumber Caprese Salad

Crunchy Asian Rice Salad

Whether you're looking for a side dish to go with dinner, or a light meal for these unseasonably warm days, we hope you enjoy our favorite refreshing salad recipes! We made sure to share recipes that don't require any seasonal fruits or veggies so you should easily be able to find all of the necessary ingredients at the grocery store! For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Pinterest page where we regularly share our favorite meals, desserts, and more!

Even though it may not feel like winter, you should still be aware of your vehicles maintenance needs! With the temperatures so high, it's the perfect time to get a car wash to avoid corrosion from salt on the roads! Take a look at our helpful maintenance pages to give you an idea of what warning signs to look out for signs of wear!

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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Fall Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin

PEKIN, Ill., – Fall is creeping up on us and that means chillier temperatures are just around the corner! We want you to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you by keeping up with your vehicle maintenance. We've compiled a few webpages for Fall Car Care at Velde Ford Pekin and included the maintenance services that we suggest you take care of before the weather gets cold. We included things such as belt and hose vehicle maintenance, windshield care, vehicle heating and ventilation system service, weather strip replacement, and how to create an emergency vehicle kit! We want to make sure you're always staying safe out on the road! Arrive safely to your destination by checking out all of our Fall Car Care pages:

Belts & Hoses: On this page we discuss the different types of belts and hoses that can be found inside your vehicle. We talk about what each one does to keep your car running and how often they need to be serviced. We also mention signs that your belts or hoses need to be replaced such as squeaking noises and visible fluid leaks. We want to keep your car running efficiently so be sure to follow our tips for belt and hose vehicle maintenance for Fall Car Care.

Windshield Care: Here we talk about ways your windshield can become damaged and how to avoid chips and cracks in your glass. We discuss why your windshield is important to the structural integrity of your vehicle and why it's necessary to fix damages in your vehicle's glass as soon as you can. Specifically, how cracks and chips can become larger during cooler seasons and why you should have them fixed during your Fall Car Care!

Vehicle Heating & Ventilation: On the vehicle heating and ventilation page, we mention the reasons your heating and ventilation system is important to your vehicle. We talk about the different components of the system and how you can tell if you might have a problem. Your heating and ventilation system is important to take care of during Fall Car Care because it keeps you warm in your vehicle, but it also helps your engine run properly!

Vehicle Weather Strips: On the weather strip replacement page, we tell you all about the different weather strips and seals on you vehicle and where they're located. Vehicle Weather strips do more than seal out the elements, they secure vehicle components in place while you're driving! Read this page for help deciding if your weather strips need to be replaced or repaired for Fall Car Care!

Emergency Vehicle Kit: An emergency vehicle kit is great to have in all types of weather! On this page we have compiled a list of items to have in your car at all times, like jumper cables and a flashlight. We also included a list of cold weather items that you might need if you find yourself stranded in the snow! Check out our emergency vehicle kit page to get prepared during Fall Car Care!

Once you read through all of our Fall Car Care pages at Velde Ford Pekin, we think you'll see the importance of readying your vehicle for the cooler temperatures ahead! We'd love to help you with any maintenance service you may need for your belts and hoses, windshield care, heating and ventilation system, or weather strips, and we'd be happy to answer any questions about creating your own emergency car kit! Let us know if we can help by calling (888) 221-2804, or you can schedule an appointment on our website! You can also refer to our service FAQ page if you have any additional questions!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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6 Canning Recipes to Help Savor Summer

PEKIN, Ill., – As the growing season nears its end, fresh fruits and vegetables are jumping off their vines and plants! It’s the perfect time to preserve some of those fresh flavors. Whether you grow your own produce, or find it at a farmers market, we think these 6 canning recipes will help savor summer, so you can enjoy delicious fruits and veggies all year long!

1. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are great for making soups and sauces! This recipe has instructions for the entire process, to help you preserve freshness and infuse flavors.

2. Zucchini Relish

This recipe is an interesting way to use up those fresh zucchinis that pop up in farmers markets and produce stands this time of year! Try this as an alternative to regular pickle relish on your next hot dog or hamburger!

3. Bread and Butter Pickles

August is a wonderful time for cucumbers! Take advantage of the fresh veggies and try your hand at making pickles! These bread and butter pickles are sweet and delicious and go great with any sandwich!

4. Dilly Beans

Another bountiful veggie this time of year is green beans! Follow this recipe to create your own pickled green beans.

5. Frozen Sweet Corn

Although this recipe doesn’t call for any cans, freezing corn is great way to preserve its flavor. Follow the instructions for blanching and bagging!

6. Peach Preserves

Don’t forget about fresh, juicy, peaches! This recipe is simple, and very different than classic peach jam or jelly.

Whether you grow your own produce, or visit the farmers market often, we think it’s the perfect time to preserve some of summer’s fresh flavors. The 6 canning recipes will help savor summer until it comes around again! While you’re preparing to preserve your favorite fruits and veggies, don’t forget to keep up on your vehicle maintenance by scheduling a service appointment at Velde Ford Pekin.

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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2017 Ford Fusion Earns A Top Safety Pick+ Award

PEKIN, Ill., – The 2017 Ford Fusion earns a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) by earning good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests. Each test targets a different area of the vehicle and how it will hold up in the case of a crash.

These five tests include moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints, and front crash prevention. To earn a Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must receive good ratings in all categories, as well as have a front crash prevention system with an advanced or superior rating. The 2017 Ford Fusion received superior marks in the front crash prevention category.

The 2017 Fusion was designed with a new modified front-end structure, which helped it get a good rating in the overlap front test. As well as this addition, the new Fusion offers an optional active braking system to help drivers avoid collisions. This improvement helped it receive its superior rating in the front crash prevention category.

As well as the new safety features, the Ford Fusion’s other features include a pedestrian detection system, hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability, lane-keeping assist, and Blind Spot Information system with cross-traffic alert.

We’re happy to announce that the 2017 Ford Fusion earns a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS. If you’d like to test drive the 2016 Ford Fusion, come down to Velde Ford Pekin, or schedule an appointment online! If you need any help with your routine maintenance this summer, be sure to check our new Summer Car Care pages for tons of helpful information about your cooling and A/C system, exterior lights, fuel system, cosmetic repairs, and sun protection!

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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Windshield Wiper Blades Tips & Tricks

PEKIN, Illi. – Are your windshield wiper blades cracked, streaking, or squeaking? It's the worst when you need to clear your windshield and your wipers do a less desirable job. But it's more than just annoying. It's also unsafe. Your windshield wipers are crucial to your visibility when you're behind the wheel and if they aren't performing like they should, odds are they need to be replaced!

Over time your windshield wiper blades wear out. The sun can cause them to dry out and crack while ice can tear the blades. So no matter what season it is, it's always important to know that your wiper blades are ready to perform. Press play to find out what you need to know about your windshield wiper blades!

If your vehicle needs new wiper blades or routine maintenance, schedule an appointment at our Ford Dealership Serving Peoria, IL! We can take care of all your automotive needs!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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