In Italy, the "Zone a traffico limitato" (ZTL) can prove expensive for tourists. And contrary to what one might think, driving an electric car or a rental car is no free pass.
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ACL: 6,000 call-outs this summer
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Flat batteries top the list
Between 1 July and 31 August, ACL roadside assistance crews responded to almost 6,000 call-outs to help members on the road. The figures show that fast and reliable assistance is particularly important during the busy summer travel season, both in Luxembourg and abroad.
In Luxembourg, ACL recorded 2,270 roadside assistance call-outs and 3,298 towing operations for its members, bringing the total to 5,568 interventions. If it is clear from the outset that a vehicle needs to be towed, a tow truck is dispatched directly. In all other cases, the aim is to get the vehicle back on the road on site. During the summer months, this was successful in 96% of these cases.
Batteries were by far the most common cause of breakdowns, accounting for 1,596 cases. Tyre problems came next with 531 cases, followed by loss of power with 477 cases. In 242 cases, the vehicle would not start, while 226 call-outs were related to accidents. The fact that batteries top the list even in summer comes as no surprise to ACL technicians. High temperatures can accelerate the ageing of batteries that are already weakened.
Call-outs at a glance
| Roadside assistance | Towing | Total | |
| Luxembourg | 2,270 | 3,298 | 5,568 |
| Abroad | 183 | 225 | 408 |
| Total | 2,453 | 3,523 | 5,976 |
Top five breakdown causes in Luxembourg and abroad
| Rank | Luxembourg | Cases | Abroad | Cases |
| 1 | Battery | 1,596 | Tyres | 84 |
| 2 | Tyres | 531 | Battery | 72 |
| 3 | Loss of power | 477 | Engine | 35 |
| 4 | Failure to start | 242 | Loss of power | 34 |
| 5 | Accident | 226 | Steering | 21 |
Abroad, tyres top the list
ACL also assisted its members abroad, with a total of 408 call-outs. In 183 cases, members were able to continue their journey in their own vehicle, while 225 vehicles had to be towed.
Unlike in Luxembourg, tyre problems were the most common cause of breakdowns abroad, with 84 cases. Batteries came next with 72 cases, followed by engine problems with 35, loss of power with 34 and steering problems with 21.
The higher proportion of tyre problems abroad may also be linked to the longer distances travelled during the summer holiday period. High temperatures, long motorway journeys and heavy loads can put additional strain on tyres.
First summer with the Road Patrol Alliance
This summer, ACL took part in the international Road Patrol Alliance (RPA 2026) for the first time. From 15 July to 15 September, several European motoring clubs joined forces to provide faster assistance to holidaymakers in some of the busiest travel regions in France and northern Italy.
The principle is simple: roadside assistance crews from participating clubs support each other in areas where particularly high numbers of travellers are on the road during the summer. The aim is to get as many vehicles as possible back on the road on the spot and avoid towing whenever possible.
ACL was particularly active in the French border region, including the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Moselle. At the same time, partner clubs assisted ACL members in their respective regions.
Alongside ACL, the Road Patrol Alliance includes the Dutch ANWB, Belgium’s Touring, Germany’s ADAC, Italy’s ACI, Switzerland’s TCS, the UK’s AA, as well as ARC France and ARC Poland.
- With the start of the carnival holidays, many motorists from Luxembourg traditionally set off for the ski resorts. To avoid stress and unexpected incidents, the ACL recommends careful preparation. Here are seven practical tips to help you reach your destination safely and with peace of mind.
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- As every year, the start of the school term goes hand in hand with increased road safety awareness. With thousands of pupils heading back to school, extra caution is required, especially around school areas. This year, classes will resume on Monday, 15 September. Increased traffic is therefore to be expected, and all road users are urged to pay particular attention, as many children will be on their way to school.
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