Ford’s New Windshield Wiper De-Icer

PEKIN, Ill. – Winter is coming to a close, but we’re already looking forward to next year with Ford’s new windshield wiper de-icer.

People of central Illinois, and anywhere else that deals with harsh winters, can rejoice! You will never have to scrape the ice and snow off your windshield again thanks to Ford’s new windshield de-icer. Ford customers will be able to enjoy the new de-icer in the 2017 Escape; coming standard in the Titanium models and optional in the SE models. This is all part of a Cold Weather Package that Ford is offering to only 2017 Escape customers.

Other features coming in the Escape Cold Weather Package:

• Heated Seats
• Floor mats that are all-weather
• Supplemental powertrain conditioning heater
• Heated side mirrors

Excited to offer this new feature to Ford customers, Ford Engineer Jennifer Gauthier says, “The windshield wiper de-icer is a great solution to one of the more nagging problems of winter. Escape drivers in the U.S. are going to wonder how they ever got along without it.”

The de-icer is built much like your rear-window defrosters. The bottom of the windshield will have a heating mechanism that will melt the ice and snow. This heating element will also help keep your wipers from freezing and sticking to the windshield. Overall, the snow cleaning process will be made much easier for Ford Escape drivers.

An added bonus is that the new windshield de-icer can be used with SYNC Connect. SYNC Connect and FordPass make your smartphone and vehicle compatible with each other, so as long as you have the FordPass app on your phone, you can switch on the de-icer from your smartphone with just the push of a button. If your daily routine is generally the same, you can even schedule a time for it to start up so you can get on the road as soon as you’re ready! The 2017 Ford will be coming to dealerships this spring. You can also look forward to Ford putting the windshield de-icer in other Ford vehicles down the road. 

It’s time to gear up for spring at Velde Ford. Head on over to our service FAQ page to learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs. If you’re overdue for a service, schedule an appointment with our service experts online or call (888) 221-2804.

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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20 Ways to Enjoy Winter

PEKIN, Ill. – Winter is blasting us with snow and freezing temperatures, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on having fun. We may not be able to do as much as we can in the summer, but try out these 20 ways to enjoy winter, and you’ll have a great season ahead of you.

20 Ways to Enjoy Winter

1. Take a painting class
2. Start a new workout
3. Plan a summer vacation
4. Go sledding down a huge hill
5. Try snowboarding or skiing
6. Test out different cocoa recipes
7. Read an entire book series
8. Cozy up by the fire
9. Build a snowman like Olaf
10. Make an awesome snow fort
11. Start an epic snowball fight
12. Start crafting
13. Make a knitted hat or scarf
14. Go snowmobiling
15. Try snowshoeing
16. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
17. See your favorite hockey team
18. Try a new hobby
19. Make snow angels
20. Go ice skating

Whether you like to stay inside or venture outside, enjoy your winter season with this list of activities. Don’t forget to take care of your vehicle this winter too. The cold weather can be harsh on your car, but with the proper maintenance it’ll run better and longer. Schedule any auto service at Velde Ford online or over the phone. 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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7 Delicious Soups That You Will Go Crazy For

PEKIN, Ill. – Although winter has been here for a while, we’re just now feeling its full effect with the large amounts of snow and bone-chilling temperatures. There’s no better way to warm up than with some delicious, hot soup. This season, you have to try these 7 delicious soups that you will go crazy for!

7 Delicious Soups That You Will Go Crazy For

30-Minute Chicken Noodle

Bean & Bacon Soup

 

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup

 

Stuffed Pepper Soup

 

French Onion Soup

 

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Lentil Spinach Soup

 

We hope you stay warm and enjoy winter with these delicious soup recipes! You can also stay warm this winter in a brand new Ford! Stop by Velde Ford today to find your next vehicle. 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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Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready?

PEKIN, Illi. - Alright, so we technically haven't had our "first day of winter" just yet. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't prepare ourselves AND our vehicles, right? We have had a taste of the snow and the cold already, but before we completely dive into the brutal months that lie ahead, we have to ensure that our vehicles are primped, packed, and ready to go!

Now we have to ask, is your vehicle winter ready? If not, don't stress! We have a great checklist for you to use to prepare for anything that Old Man Winter may have in store ––

• Purchase new windshield wiper blades and refill your washer fluid. Your windshield is prone to ice, snow, and slush during this time of the year. Keep your vehicle at its best and you'll have a crystal clear view!

• Line the floor of your vehicle with rubber mats. Not only will they keep moisture out of your carpet, but they help to prevent those terrible white salt stains. 

• Check those lights. Alright, so this may seem like common sense, but many times this tends to slip people's minds. Since our days are getting shorter (and darker), ensure that all of your lights are in prime condition and working properly.

• Really, we are not trying to be pessimistic, but this time of the year we all need to look at the tank as half empty. Below zero temperatures and a low fuel tank are not a good mix and can cause your gas tank to freeze up! No one wants to run out of fuel in the dead of winter, do they?

• So if you do happen to forget our previous tip and you end up stranded out in the cold, we suggest that you keep a Winter Safety Kit in your vehicle at all times. This should include things like a first-aid kit, a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable snacks like granola bars, booster cables, and a windshield scraper.

• You can also keep your vehicle winter ready by taking it in for regular routine maintenance at the Velde Ford or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC Service Center. With the help of our technicians, your vehicle will continue to run at its best all winter long! 

At Velde Autos, 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 located 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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