In general traffic circulation decreased significantly at the peak of the pandemic in Luxembourg, but this sparked other issues, as many motorists experienced flat car batteries following periods of inactivity.
The ACL said battery issues had been top of the list for several years, but these were significantly exacerbated by the lockdown conditions. From 15 March to 31 May 2020, the ACL identified a 47% increase in battery interventions compared to the same period in 2019.
The ACL ascribed this in part to the average age of a vehicle (7.5 years compared to the average battery lifespan of 4 years), but the primary cause was the lack of use during confinement. It is recommended to regularly get batteries checked to avoid potential breakdowns.
The ACL also recommends getting tyres checked on a regular basis, as tyre issues constitute the second largest cause of breakdowns in Luxembourg. The majority of vehicles don't have spare tyres these days and many people are unable to change the tyre on their own. As a result, the ACL has seen an increase in demand for assistance with punctures.
During lockdown, ACL mechanics were able to conduct on-site repairs for 88% of cases, quickly restoring mobility to customers. This was enabled by large stocks of available batteries, with each intervention vehicle stocked with several new batteries, as well as universal spare tyres suitable for most vehicles.
