All motorists dread breakdowns, but some issues are more frequent than others. In Luxembourg and across Europe, members of the Luxembourg Motoring Association (ACL) have reported a range of common breakdowns.
In 2024, the ACL experienced a 5% increase in the number of breakdowns it handled, assisting with a total of 33,040 cases.
In nearly 85% of these cases, the ACL was able to resolve the issue on-site. “Our agents are trained to address several types of breakdowns and get our members back on the road as quickly as possible,” said Louis-Nicolas Bier, Director of Operations at the ACL. “However, depending on the nature of the breakdown, we always advise members to schedule a check-up or a thorough repair with their garage,” he added.
As in 2023, battery issues topped the list of breakdown causes, with 12-volt batteries remaining the most common culprit. “Cold weather and battery age are the 12-volt battery’s worst enemies,” Bier explained. For instance, at sub-zero temperatures, a battery can lose up to 50% of its charge. “We recommend having your battery checked after three years of use,” Bier added.
Battery failures are not limited to one type of vehicle. Both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles rely on 12-volt batteries, which, although performing slightly different functions, can experience similar issues when faulty or discharged.
According to the ACL, several factors contribute to car breakdowns:
The ACL also pointed out that the number of breakdowns occurring outside Luxembourg–across Europe–rose from 4,435 in 2023 to 4,671 in 2024. This increase reflects the growing mobility of their members across the continent.
