AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Unit VI
Motor Vehicle Act, Road Safety & Garage Practices
(Marks 10)
Content:
6.1 Introduction and Objectives of Motor Vehicle Act:
6.1.1 Salient Features of M. V. Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.
6.1.2 Types and Significance of Traffic Signs, Important Transport Terms (Definitions) in M. V. Act
(Motor Vehicle, Motor Cycle, HGV, MGV, LGV, Public Service Vehicle, Transport Vehicle, Driver,
Passenger, Accident)
6.2 Organization Structure of Motor Vehicle (RTO) Department, Duties and Responsibilities of RTO,
AIMV.
6.3 Passenger Comfort and Safety: Function and requirements of Passenger Safety System. Features of
Air Bags, Seat Belts, Collapsible Steering Column.
6.4 Automobile Maintenance Systems: Significance of Garage, Workshop, Service Station, Dealership.
6.5 Types of Maintenance, Need & importance of Record Keeping, List of Records to be kept in Service
Stations
6.6 Site selection and amenities/facilities required to set up your own Garage/Service Station, Role and
Responsibilities of Service Manager, Service Supervisor, Customer Care Manager in Service Stations.

6.1 Introduction and Objectives of Motor Vehicle Act:

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Motor vehicle Act 1988 has 14 Chapter (217 Section) and two schedule. The first schedule gives various
traffic signs, while in second schedule is given the compensation for third party fatal accident/injury cases
claims.

Objectives of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988:

The Indian Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 was established to solve the following issues/objectives.
1) Sticking to strict procedures for granting licenses and calculating the validity period of such licenses.
2) To maintain road safety requirements.
3) Dangerous and explosive material transportation rules,
4) Pollution control measures, Third party liability, and Vehicle registration.
5) To maintain the country‟s rapidly growing quantity of personal and commercial cars.
6) To raise the amount of compensation available to hit-and-run cases.
7) To eliminate the time limit for traffic accident victims to file compensation claim.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Salient Features of M. V Act 1989:

This act covers the following point:
 Offenses and Penalties, Documentation, Control of traffic, Construction and maintenance of
Vehicle.
 The policy must be against any liability incurred by the insured in respect of death or bodily injury
to any person or damage to any property of a third party.
 The insurer can be made a party to the proceedings of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
 Background: Currently, as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, a transport vehicle driver
must need to have passed Class VIII.
 It will also help meet the shortage of nearly 22 lakh drivers in the country's transport and logistics
sector, which is hindering economic growth.
 This act emphasized that anyone applying for a driving license will have to mandatory pass a
stringent skill test
 Since driving schools are subject to regulatory control by states, therefore, training imparted
should be of high quality and must cover all aspects of driving a particular type of motor vehicle.
Necessity of Vehicle Registration:
According to M V Act 1988, a person should not drive or no owner of a vehicle should allow the vehicle
to be driven in public or private place, unless the vehicle is registered. Thus the basic objectives of
Registration are;
1. To prove the ownership of the vehicle.
2. To identify vehicle in the event of theft or accident of the vehicle.

Types and Significance of Traffic Signs:

Traffic signs are utilized as a method of warning and guiding drivers, helping to regulate the flow
of traffic among vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles and others who travel the streets, highways
and other roadways.
Mandatory/Regulatory Sign:

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Compulsory direction control:

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Cautionary Signs:

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Informatory Signs:

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Important Transport Terms (Definitions) in M. V. Act (Motor Vehicle, Motor Cycle, HGV, MGV,
LGV, Public Service Vehicle, Transport Vehicle, Driver, Passenger, Accident)
 Motor Vehicle: Any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use upon roads whether the
power of propulsion is transmitted from an external or internal source of power.
 Motor Cycle : Motor cycle" means a two-wheeled motor vehicle, inclusive of any detachable
side-car having an extra wheel, attached to the motor vehicle.
 HGV: “Heavy goods vehicle” means any goods carriage the gross vehicle weight of which, or a
tractor or a road-roller the unladen weight of either of which, exceeds 12,000 kilograms;
 LGV: Light goods vehicle" means a transport vehicle or omnibus the gross vehicle weight of
either of which or a motor car or tractor or road-roller the unladen weight of any of which, does
not exceed 7,500 kilograms.
 MGV: Medium goods vehicle" means any goods carriage other than a light motor vehicle or a
heavy goods vehicle.
 Public Service Vehicle: "public service vehicle" means any motor vehicle used or adapted to be
used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, and includes a maxi-cab, a motor-cab,
contract carriage;
 Transport Vehicle: "transport vehicle" means a public service vehicle, a goods carriage, an
educational institution bus or a private service vehicle.
 Driver: "driver" includes, in relation to a motor vehicle which is drawn by another motor vehicle,
the person who acts as a steersman of the drawn vehicle.

6.2 Organization Structure of Motor Vehicle (RTO) Department:

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

The Transport department functions under the provisions of section 213 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The
Transport Department is primarily established for enforcement of the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act,
1988. Motor Vehicles Act, 1989 and the rules framed under these two Acts. The Transport Department is
headed by the Transport Commissioner (TC). He is assisted by Joint Director and OSD specializing in
Enforcement, Administration and Finance in the Head office.

Role, duties and responsibilities of RTO:

1. To maintain a database of registered vehicles.
2. Mechanical inspection of accidental vehicles.
3. To grant a certificate of fitness to transport vehicles.
4. To issue International driving permits.
5. To routinely inspect vehicles.
6. Checking emissions and issuing pollution certificates for vehicles.
7. To conduct the driving test, issue Learner‟s, Permanent driver‟s licenses and renew the same.
8. To maintain a proper check on the validity of insurance on motor vehicles.
9. To issue badges to the drivers of public services vehicles like Auto rickshaws and Taxis.

Duties and Responsibilities of AIMV (Assistant Inspector Motor Vehicle):

1. Inspects truck accessories, air lines and electric circuits, and reports needed repairs.
2. Examines vehicles for damage, and drives vehicle to detect malfunctions.
3. Tests vehicle components for wear, damage, or improper adjustment, using mechanical or
electrical devices.
4. Applies inspection sticker to vehicles that pass inspection, and rejection sticker to vehicles that
fail.
5. Prepares report on each vehicle for follow-up action by owner or police.
6. Prepares and keeps record of vehicles delivered.
7. Positions trailer and drives car onto truck trailer.
8. Notifies authorities of owners having illegal equipment installed on vehicle.

6.3 Passenger Comfort and Safety:

Passenger Comfort:
Passenger comfort becomes an important concern nowadays. To provide better comfort to the passenger
following parameters are requiring to be maintained.
1. Suspension: It should support the vehicle & reduce the effect of shock forces.
2. Temperature: Automatic Climate control should be enabled to maintain the best environment.
3. Seating arrangement: Power seat is provided to maintain the suitable position to the driver. Seat
lumber can be adjusted according to requirements.
4. Navigation system: It is satellite based system which helps to provide the direction of other
location.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

5. Fabrics used for interior, seats, door handle etc. are design to be extremely durable & Stain
resistant.

Passenger Safety:
Passenger Safety of an automobile is very important parameter which can be ensured by two
considerations:
1. Preventive design
2. Passive safety feature

1. Preventive design:
Preventive design is used to provide better comfort for driving and to provide safety design of various
system of vehicle. When vehicle system helps to prevent crash by providing the driver with better ways of
controlling the vehicle and avoiding hazards are called as "Active safety Features".
1. There should be largest, possible glass area with minimum blind spot caused by body pillars. This
will increase driver's efficiency during parking and when driving in heavy traffic.
2. Good mirror will enable the drivers to see potential hazards when reversing, parking or changing
the lane on road.
3. Headlight must be of good design and have adequate intensity of light. They should give the driver
a good view of the road ahead and roadside without distracting or blinding oncoming traffic.
4. The instrument panel should be adequate designed so that the driver should be able to read and see
all meters and indicators without any distraction. Further all the necessary information should be
provided on the dashboard panel in such a way that no special attention is needed on the part of the
driver to grasp the significance of any information.
5. The control panel should be located near the driver seat so that he is fatigued minimum.
6. The driver‟s seat should be comfortable and adjustable according to the driver‟s requirements.
Because it provides support for correct posture and prevents cramped up feeling on longer tours.
7. The vehicle noise should be minimum. The suspension for engine, gear box and front axle should
be insulated against noise from engine.
8. Adjustable steering wheel which can be correctly positioned for better control and minimum
fatigue.

2. Passive safety feature:

Air Bags:
Airbags are passive safety features designed. Airbags are strong fabric bags that are folded and concealed
behind various parts inside the vehicle. Many vehicles have a driver airbag in the steering column and a
front-passenger airbag in the dashboard.
Newer vehicles may also have side airbags located in the interior side panels, the roof, or the doors.
Features of Air Bags:
It provides added protection to seatbelts. It reduces injury by either cushioning the occupant‟s contact with
the interior of the vehicle or preventing contact completely in the event of a crash.
It inflates and deflates very rapidly in the event of a severe crash.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Seat Belts:
Seatbelts are a passive vehicle safety feature designed to minimize the severity of injuries sustained by
drivers and passengers in the event of a crash. When a vehicle stops or accelerates suddenly, a great deal
of force is placed on everything inside the vehicle, including the people in the vehicle. Seatbelts help to
reduce the effects of this force by distributing it across the strongest parts of the body – the chest and
pelvis.
Features of Seat Belts:
It helps to prevent injuries resulting from colliding with other objects or people in the vehicle. It prevents
the ejection of the occupant from the vehicle, which can often result in fatal injury. It prevents or
minimizes the second impact in a crash, which causes injuries. The seat belts also work in case of
immediate braking.

Collapsible Steering Column:

The collapsible steering column is a type of advanced steering column. It is a part of the passive safety
system in cars. Most passenger vehicles commonly employ the collapsible version instead of the regular
steering column. It is also known as an „Energy absorbing steering column‟.
Features of Collapsible Steering Column:
It reduces the risk of injuries occurring to the driver in case of frontal impacts by collapsing. Energy
dissipation management in the event of a frontal collision. Provide mounting for the multi-function switch,
column lock, column wiring, column shroud, transmission gear selector, gauges, etc. Offer (height and/or
length) adjustment to suit driver preference.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD:

When a brake is applied suddenly with huge force the wheels get locked and go out of control resulting in
an accident. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution prevents the wheels from locking and skidding.
Ensuring better control even during sudden braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC):
Many car accidents happen because the car loses control due to oversteer or understeer in corners, low
traction in wet roads, etc. ESC monitors the steering wheel angle along with the car‟s individual wheel
rotation. During an emergency, ESC applies the brake and balances the engine power to regain control.
Adjustable Steering:
When you are behind the wheel, you need to be comfortable. Having adjustable steering commonly
known as tilt and telescopic steering will help the driver to adjust the height of the steering wheel and the
distance from the driver. This reduces any sort of discomfort to the driver.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):
A sensor is placed in each wheel to monitor the tyre pressure. TPMS sends an alert to the instrument
cluster when the tyre pressure is low. It increases your car‟s safety on the road with better handling,
reduced braking distance and better fuel economy.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

6.4 Automobile Maintenance Systems:

Maintenance means keeping all the systems and features functioning as possible to the manufacturers
original design intent tons. Maintenance helps the vehicle to start run and stop as the manufacturer
intended, so that maximum amount of performance, reliability and service life are achieved.
The purpose of vehicle maintenance can be summarized into:
1. To keep the vehicle in good running condition
2. To keep the operation cost less
3. To provide safety on vehicle operation
4. To give feedback to manufactures for development and rectification
Types of Maintenance:
1. Preventive maintenance or scheduled maintenance
2. Predictive maintenance
3. Breakdown maintenance or unscheduled maintenance

Preventive Maintenance
 It is also called as periodic maintenance or time based maintenance.
 It is a schedule of planned maintenance actions aimed at the prevention of breakdowns and failure.
 Primary goal is to prevent the failure of equipment before it actually occurs
 Preserve and enhance the equipment or vehicle reliability by replacing worn components before
they actually fail.
 Maintenance can be performed on weekly, monthly, half yearly or yearly basis, depending upon
vehicle.

Predictive maintenance:
 In this method, important parts of machines need to be identified and service life of those
important parts has to be predicted by inspection or diagnosis.
 Based on condition of the parts, maintenance schedule needs to be planned.
 Its aim must be to eliminate failures or control them in advance by assessing the condition of the
parts.
 Its mean predictive maintenance is condition based maintenance.
 It helps to identify shelf life and performance of the part.

Breakdown maintenance or unscheduled maintenance:

 Breakdown maintenance means repairing or maintaining vehicle or machine only after it breaks
down or does not deliver its intended performance.
 It is also known as reactive maintenance.
 It means that people wait until machine or vehicle fails and then repairs it.
 No action or efforts are taken to maintain the vehicle to keep it performing as per design
intentions.
 The example of breakdown maintenance are shown in figure “ Run it till it breaks”
SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput
AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Need & importance of Record Keeping:

 A number of stock documents, helps supervisor to keep track of activity going on in the shop.
 These documents make the tracing out of vehicle maintenance history , the guidelines of current
maintenance and repair based on last repairs and the projection of further repair with refrence to
the vehicle.
 Documents also provides the fleet supervisor with invaluable data for analysis, productivity and
quality of work
List of Records to be kept in Service Stations: Following are the list of documents required:
1. Vendor Service Work order (Job Card): The supervisor is responsible for initiating order and
fills out most of it. It should contain the signature of both person, owner of the vehicle and
supervisor.
2. Work Order: Supervisor is responsible for initiating work order and requirement of remaining
section of order are completed by technician.
3. History Sheet: History sheet is useful for knowing the amount spent on the maintenance of
vehicle. In the remark columns, type of maintenance should be mentioned, unscheduled,
scheduled, refit, repairs and accidents.
4. Activity File: The activity file can be maintained on monthly or weekly basis. The following are
some of the uses of activity file:
a. Analysis of unnecessary jobs.
b. Identification of warranty claims.
c. Investigation of accident to determine insurance.
d. Identification of cases what type of repair, equipment used.
5. Several other documents are:
 Operation manual
 Maintenance instruction manual
 Spares procurement register
 Inspection registor
 Defect register
 Log Book
Site selection and amenities/facilities required to set up your own Garage/Service Station:
Following point must be kept in mind while designing garage / service station / workshop:
1. Service reception:
2. Customer Longe
3. Washing Area
4. Parking Area
5. Epoxy flooring
6. Easy movement on floor
7. Proper Lighting
8. Fresh and natural air
9. Spare parts Store
SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput
AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Factors considered for site selection set up for garage:

1. Easily approachable (nearby to the highway)
2. Availability of sufficient space for moving of workers and also for easy operation.
3. Availability of vehicles in the surroundings.
4. Availability of proper lighting and sufficient ventilation.
5. Availability of qualified and experienced labor force.
6. Availability of other utilities, raw materials, water, etc.
7. Availability of power or electricity
8. Provision of proper drainage
9. Provision of Sanitation system.
10. Weather condition
11. Government policy

1. Reception area 2. Customer waiting area 3. Office area 4. Rest room 5. Spare part storage 6. Body repair and paint 7. Wheel alignment and
balancing 8. Engine repair area 9. Worker‟s change room 10. Washing area 11. Storage area-tools, consumables 12. Parking area 13. Security
cabin. A to F-Working lift.
Figure: Layout of Service station.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

Role and Responsibilities of Service Manager in Service Stations:

 Supervise day-to-day operations in the customer service department.
 Respond to customer service issues in a timely manner.
 Create effective customer service procedures, policies, and standards.
 Develop customer satisfaction goals and coordinate with the team to meet them on a steady basis.
 Implement an effective customer loyalty program.
 Maintain accurate records and document all customer service activities and discussions.
 Assess service statistics and prepare detailed reports on your findings.
 Hire and train new customer service agents.

Role and Responsibilities of Service Supervisor in Service Stations:

 Overseeing and assessing customer service staff activities, and providing them with regular
performance-related feedback.
 Strategizing and monitoring daily activities of customer service operation.
 Assisting customer service staff with duties where required.
 Training staff in areas of customer service and company policies.
 Managing cashier coverage and customer flow to ensure proficient customer service.
 Monitoring and authenticating returns, exchanges and voids.
 Investigating and solving customer service complaints.
 Assisting with development and implementation of service policies, and explaining these to staff
and customers.
 Maintaining documentation pertaining to customer service department activities.
 Performing additional duties where needed.
Role and Responsibilities of Customer Care Manager in Service Stations:
 Maintain lasting relationships with profitable customers.
 Hire and train the customer service team.
 Set goals for the team and check progress.
 Represent the voice of the customer.
 Deal with employee issues and consequences.
 Handle serious, long-lasting issues with customers

Responsibilities of Service Station Supervisor:

1. Managing all team members to ensure that the station performs at its best, every day.
2. Leading the team in providing a great guest experience through excellent service.
3. Managing every aspect of the station operation safely and efficiently.
4. Ability to work effectively and communicate with superiors, subordinates & customers.
5. Observe the day-to-day workflow and assignments of service staff.
6. Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING -22656 UNIT-VI

7. Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company
policy.
8. Maintain preventive maintenance records and part inventory.
9. Estimate repair cost and services completed in a timely manner

Unit VI Motor Vehicle Act, Road Safety and Garage practices (10 marks)

Sr. No Questions Marks

01 Define i) Public service vehicle ii) Transport vehicle. W-23 2
02 Explain responsibilities of Service Station Supervisor. W-23, S-23 4/6
03 State objectives of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. W-23 4
04 Explain different types of vehicle maintenance. W-23 6
05 State the duties and responsibilities of RTO. S-23 2
06 Draw a neat sketch of traffic sign STOP & NO PARKING. S-23 4
07 State the factors considered for site selection to set up your own garage. S-23 4
08 Define HGV and MGV. W-22 2
09 Write salient features of M. V. Act 1989. W-22 4
10 Draw any 04 traffic signs and state meaning. W-22 2
Draw and describe organization structure of Motor Vehicle (RTO) department. Write
11 4
Role of RTO. W-22, S-22
Describe in brief different passenger safety systems adopted in modern vehicles. W-
12 6
22
13 State necessity of vehicle registration. S-22 2
14 Write salient features of M. V. Act 1988. S-22 4
15 Explain passenger comfort and safety. S-22 6
16 Give advantages of following: 1) Air bag 2) Seat belt. S-22 2
What are the various responsibilities of service manager in an automobile service
17 4
station? S-22
What is the need of maintenance of an automobile? Write down types of
18 4
maintenance. S-22
19 Draw labeled layout of a modern service station used in automobile workshop. S-22 6

SVCP-Department Of Mechanical Engineering Prepared by: Mr. V. D. Rajput