Grinding gears is difficult with a properly functioning synchromesh transmission as the synchro rings tend to match the speed of the gears before they engage, but if you are rolling backwards and try to engage reverse you may be successful. The "grinding" is actually the tips of the gear teeth bouncing off each other and is to be avoided.
First gear is the big deal as you have to work the clutch and the accelerator in harmony to produce a smooth take off. Forgetting to use the clutch when coming to a stop is another classic neophyte error. After a while it becomes as natural as walking or riding a bike. Once you get in to driving manual, driving automatic is like eating canned spagetti. Manual is only a pain in major stop and go traffic.
As manuals go the Insight is really sweet. In the unlikely case that the Insight has not been driven for several months, starting off in first gear will be more difficult than normal as you will not have much low rev power for the first 15 minutes or so, until the 144 volt battery charges up. Try to practice in some old beater in the next couple of days.
All the best on your first solo flight. :wink:
First gear is the big deal as you have to work the clutch and the accelerator in harmony to produce a smooth take off. Forgetting to use the clutch when coming to a stop is another classic neophyte error. After a while it becomes as natural as walking or riding a bike. Once you get in to driving manual, driving automatic is like eating canned spagetti. Manual is only a pain in major stop and go traffic.
As manuals go the Insight is really sweet. In the unlikely case that the Insight has not been driven for several months, starting off in first gear will be more difficult than normal as you will not have much low rev power for the first 15 minutes or so, until the 144 volt battery charges up. Try to practice in some old beater in the next couple of days.
All the best on your first solo flight. :wink:
