Ford Motor Company Global Caring Month

PEKIN, Ill., – This September, Ford Motor Company will participate in Global Caring Month. As a part of the month’s community service projects, the Thailand Clean Water Community Project will be put into action as the winner of the Bill Ford Better World Challenge for a $200,000 grant.

Chanthaburi, a town that maintains a school and serves 3,300 residents, will have its water system rebuilt by a group of Ford volunteers. They plan to repair water storage tanks and install purifiers to give the people of the town access to fresh clean water. They will also install new sinks and restroom fixtures and the new water system will help irrigate crops and gardens.

In addition to the Thailand Clean Water Community Project, 20,000 Ford volunteers will complete hundreds of projects all over the world. Some of these projects include:

Renovating a school in Angola
Repairing a nursery, daycare, and library for children in Brazil
Assisting a food bank in Columbia
Improving and modernizing a mental health facility in the United Kingdom
Renovating a home for senior citizens in India

These are just few of the many global projects that will be completed this month. They will continue to contribute to the more than 1 million hours of community service that has been performed by Ford Volunteer Corps since 2005 when the program began. As well as service projects, Ford Fund will also be increasing its financial contributions during Global Caring Month.

Ford Motor Company Global Caring Month provides necessary relief to those in need all over the world. For more information about Ford Volunteer Corps and ways to get involved, visit www.volunteer.ford.com. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape from Velde Ford Pekin! As part of our 60th Anniversary Celebration, we want to do something fun for our community! You can enter online!

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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5 Locations to Visit on Labor Day Weekend

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s almost time to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. For most, Labor Day represents the coming of fall weather, the start of school, and one last chance to hang out at the lake. This Labor Day, take advantage of the nice weather and your last chance for a summer getaway and try planning a short trip to one of these 5 locations to visit on Labor Day weekend.

Starved Rock State Park

Just about 70 miles northeast of Pekin, is Starved Rock State Park. Packed with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, this park is the perfect weekend destination. You can rent paddle boats on the Illinois River and take guided hikes along the park trails.

Evanston, Illinois

If you’re up for a little further excursion and you’d like to get your feet wet in Lake Michigan, make the 180-mile trek just north of Chicago. In Evanston you’ll find beaches, lighthouses, and B&Bs for a leisurely weekend getaway.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

About a 3-hour drive north of Pekin you’ll find Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Spend the weekend lounging on the beach or shopping and eating in town. You can take a boat tour or walk along the Geneva Lake Shore Path!

Apple River Canyon, Illinois

This state park lies just 7 miles outside of the better-known town of Galena. It offers beautiful hiking trails and tons of wildlife. If you like to fish, this is the place to visit! This quiet refuge will provide some R&R this Labor Day weekend.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Go for a bike ride or a hike through the 29,000 acres of open prairie in Midewin. If you’re interested in gardening or flowers you can visit the Seed Nursery. This unique location is a fun Labor Day destination, just 120 miles northeast of Pekin.

If you’re wondering what to do with your day off this holiday, take a trip to one of these 5 locations to visit on Labor Day weekend! If you're looking for more Illinois travel ideas, check out our Pinterest! We have tons of travel destinations on our Illinois and Travel boards! When you get home, be sure to enter to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape during Velde’s 60th Anniversary Celebration! Take all the adventures you can imagine in Ford’s compact crossover!

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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Hold on to Summer a Little Longer with Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill.,– Unfortunately, summer is on its last leg here in Pekin. We’re disappointed to see the warm weather fading away, but we want to help you hold on to summer a little longer with this list from Velde Ford. Take advantage of the warm temperatures while they’re still around and savor every bit of free time you have left!

Have a cook out

You don’t have to throw a party, just use the weather to your advantage and cook on the grill before it’s too cold outside! Cook hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and whatever other summery food you can think of before they go out of season!

Go swimming

Get one last swim in before Labor Day rolls around! Head to the beach or a friend’s pool while the weather still permits and soak up as much sun as possible! You could even combine your cook out with a pool party to kill two birds with one stone.

Eat ice cream

The weather is no excuse not to eat ice cream, but what is better than a huge ice cream cone in the August heat? Use the end of the summer as an excuse to indulge in your favorite flavor!

Go to lunch and sit outside

When fall starts to bring cooler temperatures, your favorite restaurant will shut down the patio! Go sit outside and enjoy your favorite meal while the weather is still permitting!

Read a book

We all have that bucket list book we never got to! You meant to pick it up all summer and somehow it’s still just sitting on your nightstand, unopened. Use what little free time is left, relax, and read all day long!

We don’t mean to be a bummer, but the warm weather is on its way out, and fall will soon replace it. Hold on to summer a little longer with Velde Ford by doing a few more summery activities before it’s time to pull out your sweaters. Keep in mind, our 60th Anniversary Celebration is quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance to win a 2 year lease on a 2017 Ford Escape! Enter online!

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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Ford GT in Production for Two More Years

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford has announced that the new Ford GT will be in production for two more years! This is exciting news for fans and applicants, as it gives more potential customers the chance to purchase Ford’s carbon fiber supercar.

The third production year will support applicants who were wait listed. Deferred applicants and others who may have missed the application window will be able to renew or submit their applications in production year four. By continuing GT production, Ford hopes to satisfy their “most loyal Ford ambassadors.”

The Ford GT boasts many performance features that make it desirable to collectors and super-fans. Features include:

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine
• 600+ horsepower
• Carbon-fiber, lightweight body
• Rear Wing to enhance airflow
• Buttress to reduce drag
• Carbon-ceramic brakes

The exciting news that the Ford GT will be in production for two more years, comes in time to support the decision made by Ford Performance to continue using the Ford GT in IMSA and World Endurance Championship series races. Are you a sports car super-fan? You can learn more about the Ford GT online, or schedule a test drive of a Ford Mustang 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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Great Used Back to School Buys for College Students

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s almost time to go back to school. If you’re a parent with older children, this might mean it’s back to preparing for college. While school supplies and textbooks are an important part of back to school preparations, have you considered how your student will be returning to campus this fall? At Velde Ford we want you and your family to stay safe all the time. For college students, a reliable car with plenty of space, at an affordable price is the best way to go. We’ve highlighted 3 great used back to school buys for college students to help you get ready for fall!

2011 Ford Focus Sedan

Our used 2011 Ford Focus is a steal for your college student at $5,997! It gets great gas mileage at 25 city/34 hwy mpg, for those drives between home and campus. With 107,950 miles it still has plenty of life ahead of it! It also features an auxiliary audio output so your student can play their favorite music through the speakers! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 221-2804 to check out this used Ford Focus!

2011 Ford Taurus

Our 2011 Ford Taurus is a great, reliable vehicle for your college student! With the low mileage of only 80,290 priced at $12,993, it will last them throughout college and beyond! It gets 18 city/27 hwy mpg and features tons of Ford safety features to keep them safe on their drives from home to school! Check it our on our website or stop by to see it for yourself!

2015 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

Our used 2015 Ford Fiesta only has 19,000 miles and is priced to move at $11,942! Its awesome gas mileage of 27 city/ 37 hwy means fewer fill ups for your student! A hatchback is a great option for college students with a bit of cargo room to get their belongings back and forth from school! Check it out at the dealership or online!

This fall, check out all of our great used back to school buys for college students by browsing our used car inventory online! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, be sure to give us a call at (888) 221-2804 or stop by the dealership so we can assist you in your search!

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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Go Back to School with 5 Creative Lunchbox Ideas

PEKIN, Ill., – It’s time to start thinking about getting the kids back to school! In the midst of all your school supply and clothing shopping, you may have forgotten about packing lunches! Go back to school with 5 creative lunchbox ideas, so you can nix the boring sandwiches!

1. Breakfast for Lunch 

Breakfast is the best meal of the day, so why not have it twice? This link has a breakfast lunch box idea with a list to follow, or you can create your own breakfast lunchbox. Try dry cereal, yogurt, berries or other fruit, leftover pancakes, English muffins, etc.

2. Make Your Own Lunchable 

Kids always love Lunchables, but they aren’t the healthiest or the most cost effective. Make your own with this list, or make it up! Try including crackers, fruit, cookies, cheese, lunchmeat, carrots, etc.

3. Snack Packs 

Who doesn’t love bite-sized food? Small food items are easier for kids to eat, and you can give them lots of variety. Try this list of items to include in their lunches or go with things you know they like. Try grapes, carrots, cheese cubes, lunchmeat, cucumbers, applesauce, or anything else you can think of!

4. Wraps 

Wraps are a great alternative to regular sandwiches. This list has a few good ideas, but we especially like the almond butter strawberry wrap. Sounds more like dessert than lunch! You can always use peanut butter if you have picky eater on your hands.

5. Bagel with Cream Cheese 

A bagel is also a good alternative to a sandwich. You can use peanut butter and jelly instead of cream cheese, and include some other small snacks like crackers and veggies.

Send your kids back to school with these 5 creative lunchbox ideas! They’ll be happy not to be having a boring sandwich every day, and you can feel good about knowing exactly what they’re eating! No matter what you pack your kids in their school lunches, they’re sure to get excited about back to school shopping! Do some back to school shopping for yourself and check out our selection of great Ford vehicles! You can start shopping online at Velde Ford 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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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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August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month

PEKIN, Ill., – August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month! At Velde Ford, your safety is our top priority! We’ve created this list of signs your brakes are in need of service so that you can always be safe on the road! It’s recommended that you have your brakes inspected at least once a year, so be sure to schedule your service appointment at Velde Ford Pekin Service Center! Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Brake Pedal Vibration
If your brake pedal vibrates under your foot when you press on the brakes, this could be a sign of warped rotors. You’ll want to schedule an appointment to have your brakes checked at Velde Ford Service Center.

2. Pulling
You may notice your steering wheel wants to pull to the left or the right when you step on the brakes. This is a sign of multiple brake system issues, so you’ll want to have your brakes checked as soon as possible.

3. Your Dashboard Brake Light Illuminates
Your brake light is the most obvious sign of a brake system issue. It could just mean your emergency brake is engaged, so be sure to check if that’s the case. If not, you’ll want to schedule a service appointment at Velde Ford Service Center.

4. Grinding Noise

If you hear a grinding noise when you engage your brakes, this is probably the sound of the metal disc rubbing against a caliper. This noise probably indicates that you’ve damaged your rotors and could potentially be a costly repair. Be sure to schedule a service appointment right away.

5. High Pitched Screeching Noise
A high pitched screeching noise that occurs when you press on the brakes is a tell tale sign that your brake pads need to be replaced. This noise is from the wear indicator on the brake pad warning you that it’s time to have your brakes checked.

Since August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to have your brakes checked at the Velde Ford Service Center! If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, be sure to have your vehicle inspected right away. We want to make sure you’re staying safe on the road, so be sure to stay up to date on all of your vehicle’s routine maintenance!

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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Dashboard Light Guide from Velde Ford Pekin

PEKIN, Ill., – At Velde Ford in Pekin, we know understanding cars can be complicated. We want to make your vehicle experience as simple as possible! Don’t be confused by the lights and symbols that pop up on your dashboard. Use our Dashboard Light Guide from Velde Ford Pekin page to understand what your car is trying to tell you!

Vehicle Performance Lights on Your Dashboard
These lights could mean that there is a problem with a component of your vehicle that is responsible for its performance. Don’t wait to have a professional evaluate the issue.

• Service Engine Light
• Battery Light
• Check Engine Light
• Oil Warning Light
• Brake Warning Lights
• Engine Coolant Temperature

Dashboard Lights - Optional Features
These lights will only appear on your dashboard if your Ford vehicle is equipped with the respective features. Sometimes they indicate a problem, but often they are just to notify you that a feature is in use or shutting off.

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Powertrain Fault
• Stability Control
• Electric Park Brake
• Auto Start-Stop

Standard Notifications on Your Dashboard
These lights can be found on most vehicles. They are to inform you when a standard vehicle feature is being used or to give you a reminder or notification.

• Turn Signals
• Cruise Control
• Door Ajar
• Trunk Ajar
• Hood Ajar
• Seat Belt
• Airbag Malfunction
• Fuel Level
• Low Tire Pressure

After you’ve read our Dashboard Light Guide from Velde Ford Pekin page, if you still have questions or are unsure of what symbol on your dashboard means, be sure to reach one of our service professionals. They can assist you in diagnosing any problems your vehicle may be having. If you suspect there is a serious problem with your vehicle, make an appointment on our website or give us a call.

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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August is National Family Fun Month

PEKIN, Ill., – Did you know that August is National Family Fun Month? Spending time with your family is always a great idea, but take advantage of this excuse to force your children/siblings, etc., to hang out with you! We came up with this list of things to do with your family that will keep everyone entertained!

1. Cook a Family Meal

What’s better than time spent in the kitchen with people you love? Kids always like to be involved with cooking and baking, give everyone a job to do! Or you could try something like personal pizzas, so everyone can have exactly what they like!

2. Family Game Night

Let everyone pick a board or interactive game and take turns playing everyone’s choice. If there are too many people in your family, take a vote to decide which games will be played!

 3. Make a Craft Together

Hop on Pinterest and find a craft or project that everyone can create together! This list has some great ideas. We especially like the DIY Mason jar aquarium. It would be perfect for any age group!

4. Go to the Movies

If you want an activity to get everyone out of the house, head to the movie theatre! Going to the movies can be pretty pricey with all those snacks, so depending on the size of your family you may want to opt for number 5 instead.

5. Family Movie Night

Turn your living room into the movie theatre! Picking a movie might be a tough decision, but the popcorn and pajamas will be a crowd-pleaser!

Since August is National Family Fun Month, we hope you find a way to celebrate wit your family! Hopefully our list gives you some good ideas or inspires you to come up with more ways to spend time with your family. At Velde Ford, we want to keep you and your family safe all year round. Be sure to check our routine maintenance page for tips on keeping your car in great shape. Don’t forget to check the latest fluids and filters pages for helpful info about your vehicle’s fluid and filter maintenance.

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 adds 8 Ford Flex utility vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network

PEKIN, Ill., – Ford Motor Company has been involved with helping military personnel since the time of Model Ts. Since 1974, Ford has donated close to $9.8 million to organizations that benefit US military. Through their partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Ford has provided 199 vehicles to allow transportation for disabled vets to access health care appointments. This week Ford adds 8 Ford Flex utility vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network, for a total 207 vehicles over the past 20 years.

Without the help of the DAV volunteers and the Ford provided vehicles, many disabled veterans around the country would be unable to receive health care. Since Ford partnered with DAV in 1987, since then 17.3 million veterans have been able to reach their healthcare appointments and treatments.

As well as their partnership with DAV, Ford Fund, the philanthropic program of Ford Motor Company, supports the DAV’s Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship. This program provides grant money for youth who have volunteered with disabled veterans in their communities.

Ford Motor Company is a proud supporter of DAV and of all veterans across America. We are happy to announce the addition of 8 Ford Flex utility vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network. For more information about the DAV and how you can help disable veterans in your area, visit their website: https://www.dav.org/ You can make donations in the form of monetary payment, or you can donate a car! To keep your own car up to speed, be sure to check out our filters and fluids pages at Velde Ford Pekin for tips on when to change your vehicle’s filters and fluids.

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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