I am fascinated by the new world of hybrids and electromotive vehicles. Recently I wrote a blog post on the Honda CR-Z, the sport hybrid coupe. Today I’m talking about the Nissan Leaf–the 100% electric car that’s available right now in certain markets in the US.

First, here is the Nissan website for the Leaf, and here is the Wikipedia article on the Leaf. Apparently the car was launched on schedule a couple weeks ago, and it’s currently available in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee.

This car is the real deal, folks. There’s no gas tank, no tailpipe. You plug it in, and that’s that! The driving experience is apparently quite similar to that of a regular car. (And yes, it does have special sound effects to warn pedestrians that you’re approaching.)

But here’s the catch: The Leaf can only drive 100 miles on one charge (somewhat more or less depending on the driving conditions). That’s fine if you use it as your daily commuter and don’t intend to drive long distances.

But if, say, you had to drive it across the US–2,777 miles–you’d have to charge it about 28 times! And each charge would take 8 hours with a 240 V power supply–and 20 hours with regular 120 V outlet power!

But fear not! Nationwide Auto Transport is here to help! Nationwide can express ship your Nissan Leaf to any destination in the 48 contiguous states. For example, Nationwide can ship your car to Memphis from anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. And Nationwide is your best choice for shipping your car to or from anywhere in Tennessee!

To learn more about shipping your electric car, please talk with one of our EV Transport Specialists!

Chip Shipt
The Nationwide Auto Transport Blog Team

Photo by Tom Rafferty.

Not too long ago I wrote a post on how shipping your car with Nationwide saves you from putting a lot of miles on your car, thereby putting a bit of distance between your car and its next oil change.

The point being, why drive your car across this great land of ours when you don’t really feel like it or don’t have the time? Furthermore, why put wear and tear on your car when it’s not necessary? That’s just money out of your pocket!

What is a timing belt? Wikipedia says…

A timing belt, or cam belt (informal usage), is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine’s valves.

Timing belts must be replaced at the manufacturer’s recommended distance and/or time periods. Failure to replace the belt can result in complete breakdown or catastrophic engine failure. The owner’s manual maintenance schedule is the source of timing belt replacement intervals, typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

The usual failure modes of timing belts are either stripped teeth (which leaves a smooth section of belt where the drive cog will slip) or delamination and unraveling of the fiber cores. Outright snapping of the belt, because of the nature of the high tensile fibers, is very uncommon. Correct belt tension is critical – too loose and the belt will whip, too tight and it will whine and put excess strain on the bearings of the cogs. In either case belt life will be drastically shortened. Aside from the belt itself, also common is a failure of the tensioner, and/or the various gear and idler bearings, causing the belt to derail.

Sounds bad! So, we have two takeaways from this:

• Replace your timing belt.
• Ship your car with Nationwide Auto Transport whenever you don’t feel like driving!

Need help right now? We’re ready! Please talk to one of our Car Shipping Experts!

Chip Shipt
The Nationwide Auto Transport Blog Team

Photo by RB30DE.

Recently we received a testimonial that warmed our hearts just like sweet California sunshine:

I got the runaround from two other companies before I found you guys. They were supposed to have shipped my car three weeks ago. I called you guys and it was picked up two days later. I will recommend you to everyone I know needing their car moved.

Addie
Riverside, California

Wow! To us, a satisfied customer is the greatest compliment. But we also like regular compliments, too. By the way, the photo is of the glorious Riverside skyline. Love that mountain!

Far from giving you the runaround, we at Nationwide think it’s fair to say our express vehicle shipping service is the best in the business. Did you know that Nationwide will pick up your vehicle within 48 hours? We absolutely will! Just as we did for Addie.

When you want the best shipping to and from Riverside, Nationwide is your choice. Also, it’s smart to use Nationwide to ship your car to or from anyplace in California!

To learn more about express shipping or any of our other many shipping options, please contact one of our Auto Transport Specialists today!

Chip Shipt
The Nationwide Auto Transport Blog Team

Photo by Qwerty510.