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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Knowing the Difference Between CPO and Used Cars

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Certified pre-owned and used vehicles have many things in common. Both types of vehicles have been previously owned, are available in a variety of makes and models, and usually have affordable down payments. However, CPO and used vehicles are also very different. Knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make a more informed purchase decision when it's time to buy a new vehicle. Get to know what makes a vehicle Certified or Used, and learn the benefits of purchasing one today!

What Makes a CPO Vehicle Certified?

Certified Pre-Owned vehicles must pass a 172-point inspection before they're considered Ford Certified. Each CPO vehicle must belong to one of the current or preceding 5 model years and must have no more than 80,000 miles on its odometer. CPO vehicles also receive comprehensive limited warranties, covering over 1,000 components for 10,000 miles/1 year and a limited powertrain warranty for 100,000 miles/7 years. In order to receive their certification, CPO vehicles must also have a clean title and history report, without a history of accidents or costly repairs. Find out how vehicles become CPO certified to learn more about this process and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle features.

What Makes a Used Vehicle Different From a CPO?

While Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have a rigid set of rules and regulations, used vehicles carry much less restrictions on their vehicles. You can purchase a used version of just about any make and model on our lot, no matter how old or new. Plus, if you purchase a used vehicle from us at Velde Ford, any warranties still valid on your used vehicle will carry over to you so you won't have to worry about purchasing new warranties! With more options and affordability in mind, purchasing a used vehicle provides drivers with plenty of opportunity in finding a vehicle that's up to their standards. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find something today!

The Pros of Owning a CPO Vehicle

Owning a CPO vehicle comes with a lot of great perks that can benefit drivers! Take a look at our CPO program overview for more information on what this exclusive program entails. Some of the biggest pros to owning a CPO can include:

• Ownership of a newer vehicle
• Comprehensive limited warranties
• Limited powertrain warranty for 7 years
• Ford-certified service
• 172-point inspection
• Clean vehicle title and history report
• 24-hour roadside assistance

The Pros of Owning a Used Vehicle

However, owning a used vehicle comes with a lot of benefits as well! At Velde Ford, you can find used vehicles of just about every make and model available. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find out for yourself. These are the biggest benefits to owning a used vehicle:

• Wider range of vehicle options
• Much more affordable compared to CPO
• Avoid new vehicle fees
• Negotiable prices
• Affordable insurance rates
• Transferrable warranties
• Less paperwork and time at the dealership

While CPO and used vehicles can often be confused with one another, knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make your purchasing decision based off your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a specific make and model or prefer the security of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, we at Velde Ford have something for everyone! Shop around our used vehicle and CPO inventory to see what we have in stock, and let us know if we can help you find anything! If you're still on the fence about CPO vehicles, consider why you should buy a CPO with our handy guide.

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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Childproof Your Vehicle

PEKIN, Ill.,–– No one wants to drive around in a dirty vehicle. Crumb-filled, sticky vehicles are the nightmare of every parent's existence. What may start off as a small mess at first can quickly become a trash-filled disaster. Childproof your vehicle today to reduce the messiness of your vehicle and keep your children occupied through any drive. Whether you're planning on heading out on a vacation or going for a drive to the grocery store, these helpful tips can be the difference between a pristine vehicle and an unappealing one.

Fill Your Vehicle With Entertainment

Electronics, road games, coloring books, and more can keep your passengers occupied while you continue on your drive. This will reduce the buildup of messes and can entertain everyone in the vehicle. From the License Plate Game to 20 Questions, get everyone in the vehicle involved with fun road trip games! Before you leave for a vacation, commute, or errand with your passengers, make sure you have several forms of entertainment to reduce your distractions and prevent any messes.

Keep Your Vehicle's Entertainment Organized

Now that your vehicle is full of entertainment, you'll want to avoid creating more messes by keeping everything all in one place. IKEA hackers is a blog dedicated to repurposing old IKEA products into new uses. In their most recent endeavor, they repurposed a Flort, a remote organizer, into an entertainment organizer for their children. Keep everything in one place with a repurposed Flort to teach your kids the importance of organization!

Manage Backseat Messes With a Bath Rug

Yes, you read that correctly - a bath rug can make all the difference between a messy and clean vehicle! You can easily take it out of your vehicle and shake off any crumbs or residue that builds up on its surface and can place it back in with ease. It can protect the floor mats on your vehicle and can increase its resale value or prevent fines if you own a lease! View the quick and easy installation directions to create an efficient backseat cleaner!

Turn an Art Caddy into a Food Container

Another great way to minimize messes in your vehicle is by repurposing art caddies into food containers! They're relatively inexpensive and can help make a huge difference with the buildup of messes, as passengers can contain most of their debris within these caddies. While it may not prevent the spread of crumbs that end up everywhere, it will at least teach your children the value of organization, especially with food!

Use Shopping Bags to Clean Up Trash

Put your plastic shopping bags to good use by keeping one or two in your vehicle to clean up trash easily! Keep yourself and your passengers accountable by hanging them from the backs of your front seat's headrests. That way, everyone in the back can throw their trash in the grocery bags instead of scattering it throughout your vehicle. You can also use your shopping bags to carry emergency supplies, food, or other necessities, giving your passengers easy access should they need it.

Whether you're heading on a cross-country road trip or are visiting friends, make sure you childproof your vehicle to protect it from a potential backseat disaster. Traveling soon? Keep your kids occupied on road trips to reduce distractions, messes, and "are we there yet?"s. Before you know it, school will be starting up again. Grab everything your elementary schooler may need with our back to school shopping list to prepare them for the new year! 

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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The Ease of Buying from Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Purchasing a new, Certified Pre-Owned, or used vehicle is a fun, but time-consuming process. Whether you're purchasing online or in-store, this step-by-step process can oftentimes be complicated and confusing. With the ease of buying from Velde Ford, you'll be able to get behind the wheel of any vehicle in our lot with our quick and easy service! Our online and offline resources can make all the difference when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, and we're more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Take a look at how easy it is to purchase a vehicle at Velde Ford!

Specify Your Search

Sometimes, the sheer number of vehicles available can be overwhelming. At Velde Ford, we have specific filters to help you search and find the exact make, model, and style of vehicle you're looking for! Our new and used vehicle inventories allow you to refine your search to help ease your shopping process. Plus, our vehicles on the lot are organized so you'll be able to navigate through categories, prices, and styles with ease!

Find Exactly What You're Looking For

On the other hand, if you know exactly what you're looking for, you can track down the exact make, model, and color of vehicle you need! You'll be able to find any out-of-production, specific color, or specific trim levels of vehicles you're looking for. Locate new, used, certified pre-owned, or Special Edition vehicles on our Find Me This Vehicle form. We'll contact you as soon as we can find what you're looking for. You won't have to worry about having to shop around!

Multiple Price Plans

At Velde Ford Pekin, you can save big on a new or used vehicle with Plan Pricing! Depending on your family background or employment, you or your family could be eligible for A, X, Z, or D pricing plans. These Ford-approved discounts, coupled with our financing options, can help you find and purchase a new vehicle at an affordable rate! Take a look at our plan pricing page to find out if you are eligible for any of these exclusive Ford discounts.

Receive a Great Interest Rate

If you're interested in receiving an auto loan, you can apply online today to get pre-approved before you even walk through the doors of our Pekin dealership! Our educated and helpful Finance Team will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the best possible interest rate we can provide you. After you fill out your pre-approval loan, factors like your credit rating, length of your loan, and your vehicle purchase will all be put into consideration before you receive your great interest rate. Bring it in your pre-approval afterwards to save yourself time at the dealership!

Experience the Ford Owner Advantage

The Ford Owner Advantage is an exclusive program available to Ford vehicle owners to thank them for their business! Every driver in a Ford owner's household, regardless of the make or model of their vehicle, is eligible to receive rewards based on their driving. They can receive discounts on oil changes, exclusive rebates, 5% credit on all parts on services that can be applied at a later date, and much more! To learn about the benefits of the Ford Owner Advantage program, visit our Ford Owner Advantage page to find out the in's and out's of this exclusive program!

Purchasing a new or used vehicle from Velde Ford is an easy, fun, and enjoyable process! Experience the ease of buying from Velde Ford if you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle. Stop by our dealership in Pekin to test drive any vehicle of your choice! Take a look at our vast vehicle inventory to find the perfect car, SUV, truck, or crossover for your needs. You can view specifications, reviews, vehicle details, and much more on our model overview page, which lays out each and every one of Ford's newest models available to you 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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Back to School Checklist for Elementary Schoolers

PEKIN, Ill.,–– In no time, school will be starting up again! The thought of school starting up again can be exciting for some kids, while others will dread counting down the days till they have to wake up early again. No matter how they feel, however, they always enjoy picking out their school supplies for the upcoming year. It gives kids a chance to express themselves and choose a style that best fits them. We've put together a back to school checklist for elementary schoolers so your 1st-5th graders can come to school prepared and stylish every day! While individual teachers have different requirements for their classrooms, this list should serve as a helpful starting point so you can have a head start on back to school shopping!

1st Grade

Make sure you and your child check these items off your list. You'll need them, especially for their first day of elementary school!

• 1 Backpack
• 1 box of 24 crayons
• 2 Erasers
• 2-3 glue sticks
• 1 pair of rounded scissors
• 1 pencil case for organization
• 12 #2 pencils
• 1 3-ring binder
• 1 8oz bottle of hand sanitizer
• 1 pack of washable markers

2nd Grade

Similar to the 1st grade shopping list, 2nd grade shopping is a little easier but you'll need some different supplies.

• 1 backpack
• 1 package of Post-It notes
• 1 package of disinfectant wipes
• 2 notebooks
• 2 3-ring binders
• 2 highlighters
• 1 pencil box
• 12 sharpened or mechanical pencils
• 2 large erasers
• 5 2-pocket folders

3rd Grade

3rd grade is the beginning of multiplication and division tables. Help your child remain ahead of the curve by providing them with math flashcards, loose leaf paper to help them learn on their own, and other supplies to get ahead of the curve!

• 1 package of loose leaf paper
• 1 set of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction tables/flashcards
• 1 package of portable hand sanitizer 
• 2 composition notebooks
• 1 box of 12 colored pencils
• 5 pencils and 5 mechanical pencils w/erasers
• 1 package of portable wipes
• 1 yellow highlighter
• 2 erasers
• 1 12" ruler

4th Grade

Around the 4th grade, students begin to learn how to edit their own work and the work of others with red pens. Getting them started on organization with folders, notebooks, and binders will improve their editing and writing abilities.

• 2 3-pronged pocket folders
• 4 spiral notebooks
• 2 red pens
• 1 box of 12 colored pencils
• 1 pair of scissors
• 2 - 12 packs of #2 pencils
• 1 pair of PE shoes, shorts, shirt
• 1 package of scotch tape
• 1 stick/bottle of glue
• 1 school supply bag/pouch/pencil case

5th Grade

If your child's elementary school only goes to 5th grade, then this is the last year before they head into middle school. Help them pick out their supplies, but let them pick out anything they'd like to express themselves. These items should help your child remain prepared for their last year of elementary school:

• 2 3-subject notebooks
• 2 binders w/dividers
• 5 pocket folders w/prongs
• 1 package of black pens
• 1 package of looseleaf paper
• 1 set of dry erase markers
• 2 packages of Post-It notes
• 1 roll of clear tape
• 2 yellow highlighters
• 2 bottles of portable hand sanitizer

We hope this back to school checklist for elementary schoolers helps you and your child pick out supplies that will last the entire year! From 1st to 5th grade, our comprehensive list is full of options that allow your children to express themselves, from folders to backpacks to writing utensils. If you're looking for a great way to save some extra money for back to school shopping, refer to our coupons when you need routine maintenance or work done on your vehicle! Use some of our vehicle tips and tricks for additional ways to extend the life of your vehicle and save more money, too!

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 Raptor Named Most Extreme Vehicle

PEKIN, Ill.,–– According to Merriam-Webster, "extreme" means "reaching a high or the highest degree; very great." Words like powerful and efficient are typically used to describe pickup trucks, but rarely is the word extreme used without proper evidence to back that claim. This last week, Business Insider took the Ford Raptor out for a spin, naming it the most extreme vehicle of its kind. The Ford Raptor was named the most extreme vehicle due to its durability, powerful engine, and versatile on and off-road capabilities.

The Ford Raptor is equipped with a suite of standout features that supports its claim to fame as the most extreme vehicle of its kind. In 5.3 seconds, its powerful 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine can go from 0-60mph, barely breaking a sweat. Its 510 pound-feet of torque allows it to tow up to 8,000 lbs without much effort, and its large cabin allows you to fit up to five adults, with plenty of room for everyone. Big wheels, big shocks, and big emblems allow the Ford Raptor to stand out on the road. 

The truck was, surprisingly, a perfectly comfortable cruiser. Just looking at the massive, deeply treaded tires, you'd think that wouldn't be possible, but in fact, all that travel in the shocks give the Raptor a reasonably smooth ride, even thought that's 100% not what it wants to be doing. Throw in some pleasing tunes from both SiriusXM radio and the iPhone library, as well as a bit of streaming via Bluetooth and USB, and you have yourself a pleasant drive.

Obviously, with that powerful, torque-y motor, if you want to get on it a bit, the Raptor delivers. It's fun to pour on the power with a Ford Super Duty pickup, asking its huge diesel engine to give you the freight-train effect. With the Raptor, the experience is rather more like punching it in a Mustang, and no one is going to come away from a Raptor drive unimpressed by the Ford EcoBoost V6 turbo under the hood. The 10-speed transmission is snappy in manual mode and full auto alike.

You can take a Ford Raptor for a test drive at our dealership to get a firsthand look at what this remarkable pickup has to offer. The Ford F-150 has been the best selling vehicle in America for the past 40 years, and with a fully upgraded and souped up Raptor, you'll have all the benefits of an F-150 with a variety of unique and extreme features. View our Ford Raptor inventory to view vehicle details, pricing, and other features that make the Raptor so extreme. The Ford Raptor has been named the most extreme vehicle, and with it, comes many features you'll want to get your hands on. Take a look at our accessories to see what you can equip your Raptor or other Ford vehicle with, and schedule an appointment with us to get any features of your choosing installed!

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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